A secluded Sunshine Coast hinterland escape has secured its spot as one of Australia’s most sought-after stays, as research shows a shift in how people are choosing to travel.
The tiny, off-grid lake house retreat located a stone’s throw from Montville has been named among Airbnb’s most wishlisted properties for 2026, pointing to strong demand for short, nature-based breaks within a few hours of home.
The annual list highlighted a rise in “weekending” – quick, easy getaways focused on rest and connection rather than long, planned holidays.
Airbnb data indicates nearly 80 per cent of travellers find shorter trips less stressful and more enjoyable than longer breaks, while almost half of working Australians said a two-to-three-hour drive was enough to switch off.
The hinterland property offers a stripped-back experience with no Wi-Fi, limited power and seclusion within rainforest surrounds.
Complete with a fire pit, pizza oven and outdoor shower, along with access to the private lake, the property is also provided as a free retreat once a month for frontline emergency service workers who have experienced a traumatic event and need time to rest and recover.
Airbnb Australian and New Zealand country manager Susan Wheeldon said the trend towards stress-free travel continued to grow.
“Weekending signals a shift in what Australians are looking for from travel. It’s less about planning big, overseas holidays and more about building regular moments of escape from everyday life,” she said.
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Other Queensland properties to make the list included a stargazing-style stay in Beechmont.
Across the country, tiny homes and off-grid cabins dominated the rankings, with features such as outdoor baths and secluded locations emerging as key drawcards.
