The 15 Best Airbnbs in Melbourne Australia: Apartment Rentals Around the City

It’s hard to name the best Airbnbs in Melbourne Australia because it truly is a city of EVERYTHING. You can rent a glass-walled apartment in a high rise with a sweeping city view or you can rent a tiny townhouse down a graffiti-laden laneway… and everything in between!

After living in Melbourne for nearly 2 years and renting my fair share of Melbourne Airbnbs and rentals during my time there, I can confidently say which ones are well worth choosing. I have not recommended a single Airbnb in this list that I wouldn’t recommend to a close friend coming to visit Melbourne.

Although including rentals from quite a few different suburbs, I made sure that each is close enough to public transport to get to main areas, and comfortable if you want to stay at home for a night or two (or stay long term). From cityscapes to suburbs, here are some of the best apartment Airbnb rentals in Melbourne that will make you feel at home.

Oh yeah, and to make the most out of your time in, there are tours from Melbourne that will immerse you into the best of Australia’s Coastline!

Best Airbnbs in Melbourne CBD – City and Southbank

If you want to be close to ALL the action in the city center, you should book an Airbnb right in the city or just across the river in Southbank. Melbourne has LOTS of high-rise apartment complexes which are quite luxurious and very secure. Some of my favorite Airbnb Melbourne CBD rentals are below!

Ultimate Melbourne Laneway Experience – Converted Warehouse CBD Vacation Rental

Good For: PEAK Unique Melbourne rental right in the city center

Capacity: 4

This place is my FAVORITE Melbourne vacation rental because it really encompasses the slightly grungy, super-unique, and converted-historical Melbourne vibe. Located in an actual warehouse, this extra-large studio has its own corner of the CBD but is actually about 10 seconds away from the central corner or Bourke Street.

You can’t get more central OR more Melbourne than this place, so if you are only coming for a couple of days, this is a great idea to stay. It’s affordable and you can find all the main Melbourne hidden bars steps from your front door. Oh, and there’s a swing in the living room.

Central + Modern: Paris End Sanctuary on Exhibition

Good For: Central for Couples

Capacity: 2

If you don’t want to mess around with public transport to get to the city, why not grab yourself a gorgeous and modern Melbourne Airbnb (with a view) RIGHT in the city?! The “Paris End” of the CBD is called as such because of its European architecture and designer brand stores on Collins Street. The location of this Airbnb is within minutes of dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and clubs, and is within the ‘free tram zone’ as well.

This new Sanctuary apartment is in a high-rise on Exhibition Street, right in the city center. The plan is light and airy, and has views out towards the Yarra River, Botanic Gardens, and Olympic Precinct. There are tons of amenities (laundry, fully equipped kitchen, double-glazed windows for noise) and the space is beautiful and modern. It’s also very affordable!

If you love brunch, don’t miss my guide to the best brunch + breakfast in the CBD.

Quirky, Central, + Awesome: Ultimate HIDDEN Laneway Gem @ Majorca

Good For: Couples wanting a unique + central space for a weekend

Capacity: 2

This one is one of my FAVORITE Airbnb’s in Melbourne. It is located in the GORGEOUS Majorca building, which has a stunning blue tile front right off famous foodie laneway Center Pl. This laneway has some incredible restaurants and little takeaway shops, and is nearly connected to the equally-famous ‘Paris-themed’ laneway, Degraves St.

Honestly, if I had to stay somewhere in the Melbourne CBD, this would be my pick! It’s close to EVERYTHING. As far as the apartment goes, it’s technically a studio but really doesn’t feel like one. The open ‘bedroom’ is up a small flight of stairs from the living room, with half a wall creating a separation of the two areas.

The decor has an old European feel, matching the area and style of the ‘neo-romanesque’ building. It is a basement flat, so does not have windows but many guests appreciated the ability to sleep in. This is why I recommend it as one of the best Airbnbs in Melbourne for a fun weekend away.

Luxurious Southbank High-Rise for Large Groups: 52nd Floor Luxury Apt in 6Star building

Good For: Couples wanting a luxurious space with amenities like a sauna and hot tub

Capacity: 7

For larger groups who want a bit of luxury in their lives (and don’t mind an EPIC view), your best Melbourne Aribnbs option is in a high rise! This apartment is on one of the highest floors offered in Melbourne on Airbnb – the 52nd floor. This means you’ll be getting million-dollar views every second you are at home – not quite the same as the top of the Eureka Tower, but not far from it either.

This building, the Prima Tower, is directly across from the Crown Casino and all the restaurants and bars on Southbank. The best selling point, however, is the 67th-floor’ sky lounge’ with an infinity pool. The building has a gym, sauna, pool, and more. Talk about luxe!

This apartment has 3 bedrooms and is perfect for families or a girls/boys weekend running amuck. You’ll have plenty of comforts, TV, air con in each room, soft linens, and more. Make sure to spend time appreciating the view on the balcony and checking out all the things to do in Southbank.

Best Melbourne Airbnbs Near the Beach – St Kilda + More

If you are looking for Melbourne Airbnbs that are close to the beach, you’ll most likely want to stay in the touristy area of St Kilda, or more quiet areas of Elwood or Middle Park. If you enjoy more than just hanging by the beach, check out activities like Stand Up Paddle Boarding as you can rent equipment easily here.

1 Bedroom Airbnb Plus Right on Fitzroy Street – Fabulously Located, Sunny Apartment in Fitzroy Street St Kilda

Good For: Being Close to all the action right on Fitzroy Street in a comfortable space

Capacity: 2

This gorgeously designed Melbourne Airbnb plus is in an apartment building ON Fitzroy Street St Kilda. This means it is steps away from popular cafes, bars, and restaurants, walkable to the beach, and an easy tram ride from the CBD.

The Airbnb plus space is colorful and tasteful, with all the comforts you could need to spend a short OR long stay. The space is perfectly arranged so you could spend time inside, or use it as a quaint one-bedroom home base for some St Kilda adventures. If you like to be near the beach but have excitement right at your doorstep, this is a wonderful choice of Melbourne vacation rentals.

Large Group Luxury: Luxury St Kilda Penthouse with Spa

Good For: Larger Groups looking for a view

Capacity: 6

This Airbnb is a great place to stay in St Kilda for larger groups. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, a large outdoor balcony, and a hot tub! The location is central near the busy Acland Street area of St Kilda, which is also steps to the beach and trams to the city. There are tons of restaurants and popular bars on Acland street.

The Airbnb opens up fully from the living room out to a balcony, with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. It’s quite affordable for its size – 2 bedrooms with capacity for 6 people. It’s an airbnb that will feel like you booked a penthouse hotel room!

Cute Balaclava Airbnb Between St. Kilda and Prahan

Good For: Easy access to St. Kilda Beach Area and Chapel Street

Capacity: 2

Nestled in Balaclava (St. Kilda East), this is certainly one of the best Airbnbs in Melbourne Australia for couples and pairs. The location is ideal as it’s located between St. Kilda and Prahan, meaning you can easily access the beach in one direction, and reach the best nightlife and bars in the other.

The Airbnb itself is also incredibly charming — just look at it! It features a spacious layout, chic decor, and modern appliances like a washer and dryer. Oh yeah, and did I mention there’s a bathtub? Aside from short stays, this space would also be ideal for longer stays with all it offers, and especially for digital nomads as there’s a work desk.

Best Airbnbs in Melbourne North+Eastern Suburbs

If you are looking for the best Airbnbs in Melbourne’s eastern and Northern suburbs, I would recommend staying in Richmond, Abbotsford, Fitzroy, or Brunswick. These suburbs are very accessible to the city, yet all have certain quirks of their own.

Luxe Rooftop Space: Luxe South African-Inspired Unit with Balcony and Rooftop

Good For: AMAZING outdoor space/view for groups

Capacity: 4

This gem is in Cremorne/Richmond, but just East of the CBD. It deserves a recommendation in my guide of the best airbnbs in Melbourne because it is an INCREDIBLE open rooftop space. The view is absolutely beautiful, with the entire Melbourne metropolitan area in view from the large outdoor patio. You can walk just a few minutes to Richmond Station or the Olympic precinct.

The apartment has 2 bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and South African-inspired design. You can’t even escape the amazing view if you wanted to! It’s ideal for two couples, families, or groups of friends who want to spend some quality time at their VRBO. Drinks on the penthouse patio are a must, as well as sunset meals outside.

Luxe Riverside Entire House in Abbotsford: Woodfin House

Good For: Luxurious Comfort Out of the City in Nature

Capacity: 6+ people

If you want to get out of the city in a serene location, Abbotsford is the perfect place for you. I lived near here for 8+ months, and walked/ran along the gorgeous river trails every chance I got!

The area has some amazing nature trails that will make you feel MILES from the city, when in reality being about an 8-minute train ride. There are also some amazing cafes, restaurants, and more – read about the area in my Abbotsford Suburb Guide.

This gorgeous Abbotsford Airbnb is a full, modern house with 3 bedrooms for at least 6 people. It’s on Stays but also listen on Airbnb luxe, meaning there are plenty of extra creature comforts you can book at the same time- such as a butler/chef, airport pickup, food delivery, and other supplies. The interior is polished and modern, with tons of colorful and fun touches. The backyard is perfect for outdoor meals on a warm day!

Edgy Studio: Richmond Warehouse Apartment

Good For: Arty + Colourful Space for Singles/Couples

Capacity: 2

If you are looking for an edgy + arty space for 1 or 2, this Richmond Studio is surely one of the more unique Airbnbs in Melbourne. Richmond is the place to stay when you don’t want to be RIGHT in the city, but as close as humanly possible in the suburbs. Here, you’ll be right next to the train station (1 stop to Flinders St) and steps away from bustling Swan Street and plenty of cafe’s.

About this space: it’s a ground-floor studio with natural light, a back patio, and a Melbourne graffiti artist’s work on the wall behind the bed. It’s comfortable with a workspace, a TV, kitchen, washer, etc, and is truly MINUTES walk to the train, the MCG, the popular Corner Hotel, and more.

Quaint Northside Gem: Stunning Architecturally Designed Studio

Good For: Couples/Singles who want to be based on the Northside

Capacity: 2

This adorable and affordable little Airbnb Plus/Stayz in Fitzroy North will place you perfectly in the middle of Melbourne’s ‘Northside.’ The northside is known to be the more trendy + hipster part of Melbourne. This unit in Fitzroy North is pretty much equidistant between Fitzroy and Brunswick, which is ideal for people who want to base themselves in this area.

This Fitzroy Airbnb is technically a studio, but is bright and spacious enough to feel much larger. The bedroom is an upstairs loft, which is situated above a bright living room, kitchenette, and garden. While small it has plenty of comforts (and Airbnb plus amenities) such as Netflix, a sound system, air conditioning, and more.

Green Fitzroy Airbnb: Kat’s Fitzroy Studio in stunning garden setting

Good For: Staying near attractions like gardens and museums

Capacity: 2

If you are looking to stay in Fitzroy and love a bit of greenery and leafy goodness in your life, this Melbourne Airbnb could be for you. Bordering Fitzroy and Carlton Gardens, you will be two steps from the Melbourne Museum, minutes to Brunswick Street, very close to Lygon Street/Little Italy, and also minutes by tram into the CBD, Brunswick, and more.

This little studio apartment is quaint, modern, and colorful. Natural light flows into the windows from a leafy green park, which you can also enjoy with a coffee on the balcony. There’s a small dining/workspace, but this may be better as a weekend/shorter stay space when you want to be close to all the action.

Make sure to check out my Fitzroy Guide for more info on the area (don’t miss the street art), the best Fitzroy Breakfast/brunch spots, and the best Fitzroy bars too.

Converted Trendy Richmond Space: Warehouse Loft close to MCG, Rod Laver

Good For: Trendy Suburb Living

Capacity: 2-4

Yet another amazing converted Airbnb Melbourne can offer, this loft is everything you need for a comfortable stay just outside the city. It’s in a great spot in Richmond just off Bridge Road – easy tram distance to Swan Street, The MCG, he CBD, and more. Richmond is a great suburb to stay if you want to be in a more residential area yet close to everything, too.

This space is ideal for couples or families who don’t mind an open plan. It’s adorned with colorful art and plants, making it lovely to spend some time inside as well. It gives you a true Melbourne feeling of a converted space with quirks and character.

Best Airbnbs in Melbourne South – Prahran + South Yarra

If you want to stay south of the city, you’ll want to book a place in South Yarra or near Chapel Street in Prahran. This is also a bustling area full of culture, restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s also very accessible from the city!

Quiet One Bedroom Between Prahran & Windsor

Good For: Being near everything, but having a quiet place to stay

Capacity: 2

Conveniently located near the tram, this one-bedroom apartment is ideal for long stays. If you’re one who loved natural light, this apartment won’t disappoint, with large windows in the living area and bedroom. Aside from the lively atmosphere in the decoration, the apartment also includes a kitchen, washer, dryer, and a bathroom with a bathtub.

The location is also ideal if you want a quiet space to return to after exploring the city. From here, you can easily get to St. Kilda Beach, Chapel Street, and Albert Park Lake. Not to mention, there’s loads of restaurants in walking distance, making this one of the best Melbourne Airbnbs to stay in South Yarra and Prahran.

Creative 3-Bedroom Prahran Vacation Home with Patio

Good For: Being Right along the Lively Chapel Street

Capacity: 2

This New York-style loft is one of the most cool Airbnbs in Melbourne for those who wants to be steps from all Chapel Street has to offer. It’s also near-ish (about 1-2 miles) from the Botanic Gardens, Albert, and Fawkner Park, so you can easily escape the hustle of the lively area. Unless you’re planning day trips, you don’t even need a car here as public transit is super accessible.

The style of this loft-apartment with large windows keeps it simple, with minimal design and bold art pieces. This really embraces how spacious it is, while keeping it trendy and cozy. Aside from the appearance, there’s a balcony, washing machine, and kitchen, so you’ll feel right at home.

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Did you find your DREAM Melbourne airbnbs in this list? Do you have more I should add? I’m always looking to build this list, so comment them below!