7 retro holiday houses for your next getaway
There is something special about staying in a holiday house from a bygone era – the nostalgia and delight is instant. These retro houses are often filled with quirky vintage finds such as funky light fittings, drip glaze West German pottery and low slung armchairs that are built for comfort. Colour, pattern and texture are gloriously celebrated. No beige and white minimalism here! Staying in a retro house is not just about where you are but a multilayered experience stirring memories of carefree childhood holidays and imagined summers past.
In a world that often favours the new and disposable, retro holiday homes offer a refreshing alternative—where original features and vintage charm aren’t just preserved but proudly celebrated. Furnishing these spaces with second-hand finds isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a sustainable approach to travel. By reusing and repurposing what already exists, retro holiday houses promote a slower, more thoughtful way to holiday—one that values character, creativity, and a lighter footprint on the planet. For guests, it’s more than just a place to sleep—it’s a unique experience that lingers long after the trip ends. To stay in a retro home really does offer a truly memorable holiday.
So check out these 7 retro holiday homes from around Australia for your next getaway.
Birds and the Breeze - Augusta, WA
Birds and the Breeze is a 1940s house that has been lovingly rejuvenated, and curated with bespoke retro treasures such as the Grant Featherston pink modular sofa, Formica dining table and chairs, and the beautiful bedside table and mirror, upcycled in pastel hues.
Birds and the Breeze is located in the centre of Augusta, close to the Blackwood river. It is 3.5 hours south of Perth, in the Margaret River region on Wadandi and Pibelmen country.
4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bath
Photos by Skylight Media, Marli www.skylightmedia.com.au
Calypso - St Helens, Tasmania
Brimming with nostalgic charm, Calypso embodies classic midcentury design and is furnished with midcentury pieces to evoke that 1960s vibe. Sink into the Tessa chairs, put on a record and enjoy the view through the trees to the bay. Calypso is a 2 minute walk to Georges Bay and a short drive to the iconic Bay of Fires beaches.
Calypso is located in St Helens on the Tasmanian East Coast, 2 hours east of Launceston, on Pyemmairrener land.
4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 queen beds, 2 bathrooms.
Photos by Jessica Bellef
Flinders Nut House - Flinders, Victoria
Flinders Nuthouse is an authentic beach shack with a fun collection of retro furniture and décor from different eras. The house is packed with quirky retro finds, a reflection of the owners’ passion for collecting, and there is a riot of colour throughout house. The bedroom has a stunning collection of different wallpapers in matching shades of yellow while the dining room wall is painted a dark blue and adorned with eclectic artworks.
The Nuthouse is located in Flinders, 1.5 hours from Melbourne, on Bunurong country. It is an easy walk to Flinders town centre, and Flinders Pier beach.
4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bathroom
Photos by Natalie Jeffcott
Nellie and the Sugar Shack - Basin View, NSW
Nellie and the Sugar Shack is a retro lakeside retreat where you can step back in time to the good vibes of the 1960s. Expansive front windows frame serene views to the bay while inside, vintage character blends with relaxed coastal style. The house has many original beach shack features such as the orange front door with the atomic starburst handle.
Nellie and the Sugar Shack is located on the shores of St. Georges Basin, in Basin View, 2.5 hours east of Canberra, on the lands of the Yuin people.
2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath.
Photos by Ishita Moghe
Nofomo - Adventure Bay, Tasmania
Quirky and funky, Nofomo dials up the rad retro vibes with an amazing collection of kitch and vintage decor. The owners wanted their holiday home to have a sense of humour and evoke nostalgic memories. They have created an exciting eclectic space for new memories to be made.
Nofomo is located in Adventure Bay on Bruny Island, Tasmania, on the lands of the Nuenonne people.
2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bathroom.
Photos supplied by Nofomo
Parklife - Ballarat, Victoria
Fearlessly bold, Parklife is a kaleidoscope of colour, pattern, art, and unique, retro collectibles. This mid century house boasts a sassy sixties vibe with an incredible collection of memorabilia. The house has many midcentury architectural features like a curved feature wall in the lounge room, a super cute servery window and beautiful big windows that overlook Ballarat’s grandest park .
Parklife is located within walking distance to tranquil Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and Tram Museum, on Wadawurrung country.
6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath
Photos supplied by Parklife
Sunny Buoy – South Durras, NSW
Sunny Buoy takes its name from the bright orange pyramid shaped ice blocks once beloved on hot summer days and the 1970s house gives a playful nod to carefree childhood holidays with fun and colourful retro decor, furnishings and games.
Sunny Buoy is located in South Durras, 3.5 hours from Sydney on Yuin country. The beach is just a 5 minute walk from the house.
6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, 2 bathrooms.
Photos by Jessica Bellef