Just in time for summer: Our pick of Australia's best holiday homes

Little penguins and little children may be the first things that spring to mind when you think of this island, just two hours south of the Melbourne CBD. But dig deeper and you'll realise it's a stunning spot for grown-ups, too, offering pristine beaches, scenic hikes and this chic three-bedroom hideaway. Accommodating six guests 13 years or older, Sault is decked out with all the creature comforts you can think of - from plush linen in the rooms to designer robes in the bathrooms. From $430 per night (minimum two nights); saultphillipisland.com

You'll have to get your act together if you want to check into this holiday home. At press time, only a few nights were available here this side of Christmas. One look at its pictures and you'll know why. Not only does the Pole House - located near Lorne on the Great Ocean Road - offer swapping views of the ocean, it's a staggering feat of architecture, too. Suspended 40 metres above Fairhaven Beach, it has only one room with space for just two adults. So save it for a special occasion. From $950 per night; greatoceanroadholidays.com.au

Take in the dramatic views of Mount Dromedary and Coila Lake from this sprawling property located on NSW's South Coast. Check into the Main House, which can accommodate up to nine guests in its four bedrooms, or for a larger group, take over the next-door Barn, too, where another six guests can sleep comfortably. From $2475 per night for the Main House (minimum three nights); somniumatbingie.com.au

Set on 60 hectares of farmland near Gerringong, the Headland at Dovecote features a stunning design with its master suite and lounge cantilevered above ground, with wide-angle ocean views. There's a swimming pool on site, along with four bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a rumpus room, meaning you wouldn't want to leave once you check in. From $2750 per night; dovecote.com.au/headland

This three-bedroom hideaway is located so discreetly on the main thoroughfare of Rocky Hills that most tourist buses from Hobart on their way to Wineglass Bay would never know it's even there. But once you're inside the Avalon Coastal Retreat, the world will open in ways you can't even imagine. Natural light will pour in from every nook and cranny - from floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and skylights - along with mesmerising water views. From $1050 per night; avalonretreats.com.au/coastal

Both the New York Times and - more recently - Lonely Planet have ranked Kangaroo Island as one of the best places to visit in the world. Want to find out what the fuss is all about? Simply check into the three-bedroom Dune House, from where you can take in all the glorious aspects of this island - from dense eucalypt forests to pristine beaches. From $1200 per night; hamiltondune.com.au/Dune-House

Its owners call it the Scenic Rim's best-kept secret and we tend to agree. Not only is the eight-bedroom Mount French Lodge located on a sprawling private property with no neighbours, it's also often shrouded in clouds first thing in the morning, giving it that mysterious otherworldly feel. The clouds do peel away eventually, with panoramic views of the lush landscape taking centrestage. From $3200 per night; mountfrenchlodge.com.au

It's a longish flight to Perth, followed by a few hours on the road, but once you get to this four-bedroom haven in WA's world-famous Margaret River region, we bet you won't be complaining. Spend the day admiring Indian Ocean views from your private pool, hit the beach for crystal-clear water and creamy sands or sign up for a tour of the region's best wineries. From $1999 per night (minimum three nights); privateproperties.com.au