Planning a family reunion, lavish birthday celebration or just want some downtime with your people?
It’s not always easy to find accommodation where you can all bunker down together, let alone somewhere that is stylish, environmentally-friendly, packed with little luxuries and in an area you really want to visit.
To cut through the noise and help you switch from daydreaming to planning, read on for our pick of the best Slow Stays for group holidays in Australia.
OTWAYS LOFT
Forrest, VIC
Fulfil any childhood dreams of staying in a treehouse with a visit to the hand-built, three-storey Otways Loft. Only two hours out of Melbourne in the old timber town of Forrest, this unique Slow Stay ticks all the boxes for a weekend getaway with friends. Dripping with character and giving a second life to materials found across the region — like locally-felled Mountain Ash tree poles and materials from a nearby church and old steam train — this stunning home was slowly built over five years. Sprawl across three bedrooms or gather on the leather couches in the main living area in front of a burning woodfire. Nature-lovers will adore taking in tree vistas from the balcony to a backdrop of soothing birdsong, and while you’ll feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere, the truth is it’s just a short meander to town for a schooner at the brewery or a Middle Eastern feast at Dar Teta restaurant. If you’re looking for group accommodation in Victoria for up to 14 people, then you can book Otways Loft along with the neighbouring vintage train carriage, Steam, which can be accessed through an unlocked gate.
SUNDAY AT MIRUMIRU
Tenterfield, NSW
Escape the crowds and retreat to this Tenterfield farm for a soul-filling getaway, but be warned, it may just convince you to move to the country. Set on 15 acres, Sunday at Mirumiru is a stunning Queenslander from the 1900s that has been sensitively restored to sleep up to 10 people, whether it be holidaying families or friends. On arriving you’ll be mesmerised by the fresh air, rural location and the glorious Mount Mackenzie. But one foot inside and it’ll be the VJ walls, decorative windows and sky-high ceilings that steal the attention. Pack hiking boots and hunt down waterfalls in nearby national parks or explore the heritage-listed landmarks in town. As night draws close, head back to this glorious hideaway for a night of stargazing, firepit stories and deep, restful sleep.
COASTAL LUXE
Saint Andrews Beach, VIC
Perched among a forest of banksias, where the sounds of pummelling waves can be heard from nearby Saint Andrews Beach, this sustainable pad on the Mornington Peninsula will take your beach holiday to the next level. Designed to host multiple families (pups included), you’ll find a collection of comfy communal areas to unwind, rest and reset across Coastal Luxe’s floorplan, including a mammoth dining table for 12 people, rumpus area with a pool table, cinema room and spa. The property basks in northern light and overlooks a garden, perfect for a game of backyard cricket. So, throw open the doors and catch the refreshing sea breeze (while cheering the game below, of course) or if you’re visiting in winter, take the chill off and light the open fireplace to add ambience to an evening of good food and local tipples. One thing is for sure; lifelong memories are made here.
SIMPSON COTTAGE
Bundeena, NSW
Coasting along the winding roads through the Royal National Park, you’ll feel a world away from the bustling hubs of Sydney by time you arrive at Simpson Cottage. This historic beachfront home sits above the sea in the quiet town of Bundeena and is easily one of the best Slow Stays for group holidays. Packed with meaningful second-hand finds (including a vintage pinball machine!) and bed and kitchen linen handmade by the owner, it’s the little details here that make a big impact. Dish up a feast in the cook’s kitchen and then round up the crew for a long lunch on the outdoor picnic table—the views from here are something else. If switching off is a priority for your next getaway, a stay here could be the gateway to a more relaxed you.
Photo: Good Thanks Media
WALLARINGA FARM
Wallaringa, NSW
Ladened with the bottles of impeccable wine collected along the way, Wallaringa Farm is the ultimate space to come home to after days spent winery-hopping in the Hunter Valley. Sitting on a 750-acre cattle property, this enchanting farmhouse challenges the idea of a farm stay. Washed with luxury and ensuring guests are left wanting nothing, this Slow Stay has been designed as a backdrop for memorable gatherings. You’ll find a warm, open-plan living area — where couches host rambling conversations, rather than tv binges — three bedrooms, chef’s kitchen and a sunken sandstone fire-pit to complement further late-night wine tastings. If there’s time, a visit to the lush rainforests of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops is a must.
THE INVERLOCH GLAMPING CO
Inverloch, Victoria
For those seeking an adult-only retreat, The Inverloch Glamping Co presents a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. This eco-conscious hideaway, positioned just two hours from the energy of Melbourne, caters beautifully to groups. Its name, “Rongotai,” hints at the immersive ocean experience it offers, where the rhythmic sounds and scenes of the sea enrich every moment. Accommodating up to ten guests, the property features elegantly furnished beach cabins, a unique geodesic dome, and cozy bell tents equipped with all the modern comforts. Beyond the charm of your immediate surroundings, the area teems with opportunities for exploring local music, food, and natural beauty. Evenings naturally evolve into social gatherings around the communal Camp Kitchen, where cooking, conversations, or simply enjoying a quiet drink bring a satisfying close to days filled with exploration and relaxation.
THE RIDGE HOUSE
Yarragon South, VIC
Whether you want to get out of town with a large brood or a circle of close friends, The Ridge House, 90 minutes from Melbourne, is a luxurious bushland retreat made for group stays of up to eight people. Nestled in the country, this renovated retreat sits on a 50-acre property in West Gippsland and will take your breath away. Base yourself here and spend the days discovering private walking trials, the local farmer’s market or stocking up on local vino at a nearby winery. If you’d rather do nothing at all, the spacious lounge and dining areas, along with the verandah, provide the perfect settings for long-winded conversations with some of your favourite people.
Photo: Marnie Hawson
THE COTTAGE AT DUNMORE
Molyullah, VIC
If weathered tin roofs, original wood stoves and rustic furnishings are on the essentials list when hunting for a country getaway, then look no further than The Cottage at Dunmore. Built in the late 1800s, this humble sanctuary has been carefully restored with little modern luxuries added along the way—like wall heaters, a Victorian bath and stunning chandeliers. With two queen beds draped in linen and King-single designer bunk beds, we could imagine a young family or two small families shacking up here for the week—the kids will love spotting the roaming cows and the freedom that comes with all that outdoor space.
Photo: Marnie Hawson
BLACKBIRD
Mullumbimby Creek, NSW
Perched on the side of a mountain, with mesmerising views stretching from the Byron Bay hinterland to the Pacific Ocean, Blackbird offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience where nothing has been left to chance. Featuring three detached pavilions decked out with King beds and star-gazing manuals, a magnesium pool to laze around and a detoxifying infrared sauna, this adults-only hideaway provides a stunning backdrop to celebrate a special birthday or life occasion. Go all out and lock in massages and a decadent degustation dinner, beginning with poolside cocktails and ending with a feast created by a private chef and served on the communal table. It doesn’t get much better than this.
