Working Hard or Hardly Working: Seven Quirky Queensland Airbnbs That Take the Home Office on Vacay

With travel well and truly back on the cards and working from home the new norm, the rise of remote working has opened a world of opportunities to combine work and travel. Recently, Airbnb announced it had partnered with 20 destinations around the world, making it easier to live and work anywhere, including right here in Queensland. Airbnb’s Live and Work Anywhere initiative plugs workers into some of the most remote work-friendly destinations. Here are seven quirky Queensland Airbnb’s to suit any laptop bandit.

1. oasis noosa (Sunshine Coast)

The floating eco villa, oasis noosa, is permanently and peacefully moored on the Noosa River at the Sunshine Coast. Guests work up a sweat for the privilege of staying at this quirky Airbnb with access only by rowboat. But never fear, workers need not sweat about losing connection to the everyday world, with Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace included on the boat. Fancy a pre-work paddle? Make use of the complimentary kayaks, paddle board, masks/snorkels and fishing rods to explore the waterways. The villa is low impact operating on solar energy, water desalination, compositing and energy management systems and was handcrafted using marine grade sustainable recycled/recyclable materials.

2. Church House (Townsville)

This 1920s Baptist Church has been sensationally transformed into a stunning self-contained apartment at the foot of Townsville’s iconic Castle Hill. The Church House features high-quality finishings, private entrance, two generously sized bedrooms (including a loft bedroom space), two beautiful bathrooms and an open-plan living area complete with solid wood dining table and Wi-Fi connection. The building heroes many heritage features including the original timber floors and pointed arch windows. The property is only a short walk to Townsville’s city centre and under a ten-minute drive to the jump off point for Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef.

3. The Secret Treehouse (Cairns & Great Barrier Reef)

Positioned in the thick of a low-lying canopy, surrounded by lush greenery and adjacent to a private waterfall, The Secret Treehouse is the ultimate tropical escape. Sitting high above the ground, the veranda boasts spectacular rainforest views, great for both bird watching and creative inspiration. The open-plan living area brings the outdoors in, and guests can choose to work from the comfort of a lounge on the veranda or from the study nook inside.

4. Bloodwood Cabin (Bundaberg/Gladstone)

For the conscious traveller keen to clear the mind of distraction, Bloodwood Cabin is a sustainable eco-accommodation placing guests at the heart of nature. The cabin is located in the middle of a 20,000 acre working organic cattle property in rural Queensland, and is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Gladstone and a 3.5 hour drive from Bundaberg. Here, it’s all about switching off and embracing the simple things including a sunset soak in the outdoor bath. Featuring only the bare necessities, limited phone signal and zero Wi-Fi, Bloodwood Cabin is perfect for creatives seeking inspiration and deep focused work. Write that book, compose those lyrics or paint that portrait.

5. Rob’s Beach Shack (Cairns & Great Barrier Reef)

Step off the front veranda and straight onto the beach at Rob’s Beach Shack, Port Douglas. The ‘shack’ is stylishly finished and offers unrivalled views across the sand and out to the Great Barrier Reef. Recharge with the calming powers of a balmy sea breeze, sprawl out on the daybed and feel the sand between your toes on a lunchtime walk along the beach. This property is Wi-Fi connected with a coastal-chic outdoor dining table perfectly positioned for office ZOOM calls while overlooking Four Mile Beach.

6. Grand Designs Home (Gold Coast/Brisbane)

Bathe in fresh country Queensland air while staying at Grand Designs Home in Mount Tamborine. Described as a ‘shipping container house’ and designed by acclaimed architect, James Russell, this two-winged contemporary property was featured in season eight of Grand Designs Australia. Work from the timber table on the deck overlooking the courtyard, or by the fireplace, before taking a sunset stroll along the creek. The property is well connected, being a 60-minute drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast and is located on seven acres of lush, landscaped grounds for the ultimate work from home hideaway.

7. Cape Tribulation Holiday House (Cairns & Great Barrier Reef)

Work and stay in a hand-built home influenced by the shape of a yurt at Cape Tribulation – the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet (the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef). Cape Tribulation Holiday House is unusual in its architecture, featuring octagon panelling, a spiralled dome ceiling and wrap around deck. The property is eco-friendly, solar powered and completely off grid making for a low impact rainforest stay. While remote, the accommodation is within walking distance of Cape Tribulation to access coffee shops, restaurants and the beach. Wi-Fi is offered, with larger internet bundles available upon request to suit the work needs of guests.

Combine work and play by visiting the Airbnb website to browse the raft of Airbnb properties in spectacular Queensland locations and discover the abundance of activities and attractions on offer at Queensland.com.