Perth has an unfair reputation it doesn’t quite deserve. Yes, it’s far from the other Australian capitals. Yes, it’s tiny. And yes, it doesn’t attract quite as many visitors and tourists. But that’s a good thing – there are fewer people around while you take in all it has to offer.

Perth (or Boorloo in the native Noongar language) is close to some of Australia’s clearest skies, whitest sand and most beautiful beaches. It has an exciting drinking and dining scene concentrated in a small area, and the charming heritage architecture of Fremantle/Walyalup. There’s even more when you venture out to the rest of Western Australia.

If you find yourself out west for a weekend or extended holiday (or you’re a local in need of a staycation), here are some of the best Airbnbs in and around Perth.

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Cottesloe Neue Blue, Cottesloe

Sleeps 4 / from $690 per night / three-night minimum Look out over the Indian Ocean and Rottnest Island from this luxury apartment, right by the beach. There’s designer furniture and homewares aplenty, from the pink modular sofa and marble kitchen bench to the curved display bookcase and colourful knotted rug. There’s a sunny balcony with sunset views, and you can hear the waves from the bedroom.

Parklife, Mount Lawley

Sleeps 2 / from $310 per night / two-night minimum Close to leafy Hyde Park, this renovated ’60s apartment is a good base for exploring nearby Northbridge and the CBD. Moss and sage-green accents add a relaxing touch, and there’s a leafy courtyard.

Blu Peter Penthouse, North Coogee

Sleeps 2 / from $400 per night / two-night minimum When a home and furniture store opens an Airbnb, you expect it to be beautifully designed and appointed. That’s what you get in this apartment by Blu Peter, a North Fremantle store inspired by Bali and South Africa. The relaxed, coastal aesthetic complements the panoramic views of the beach – take a seat (or relax in the hammock) on the patio and watch boats sail past.

The Loft, Mount Lawley

Sleeps 4 / from $230 per night An architect and designer couple is behind this warehouse apartment with four-metre-tall ceilings and seven skylight windows that let in a generous amount of natural light. Exposed bricks and beams give it an industrial feel, carefully balanced out with soft and cosy furnishings.

Peaceful Hilltop Retreat, Bedfordale

Sleeps 2 / from $200 per night / two-night minimum For weekends when you want to escape the city (without leaving the boundaries of Perth), this cosy studio in Wungong Regional Park, less than an hour’s drive from the CBD, will hit the spot. It’s got a queen bed, living area and full kitchen, plus a private tree deck outside with a barbeque and views that extend out across the valley.

Fremantle

Orcades & Karoa, Fremantle

Sleeps 2 / from $288 per night / two-night minimum A beautifully symmetrical spiral staircase takes you on a journey across three light-filled floors in this loft in the historic West End district. The compact space packs a punch, with a lounge, kitchen, bathroom, dining area and private balcony on the first floor, and a mezzanine-style bedroom on the top level.

Silver Street Studios, Fremantle

Sleep 2 / from $350 per night / four-night minimum In a world of cookie cutter Airbnbs that look straight out of an Ikea catalogue, there’s something refreshing about the lived-in charm of this couple’s retreat. Previously an artists’ studio and then a gallery, its creative history shows in the wooden Hobbit door, mismatched cushions, cosy rugs and art on the walls.

The Loft House, South Fremantle

Sleeps 8 / from $699 per night / three-night minimum New York warehouse cool meets Aussie coastal vibes in this home just a short stroll from South Beach. The exposed brick gives plenty of character to the downstairs open plan living area, but up the handcrafted spiral staircase the industrial feel gives way to breezy lofts that feel bigger than they look.

Poets Harbour, Fremantle

Sleeps 2 / from $252 per night / two-night minimum You might be tempted to rush through your holiday or staycation and explore as much of Fremantle as possible. But this cosy getaway encourages you to take it slow and watch the world go by outside the many architectural steel-framed windows. Originally built in 1890 and renovated by Brian Klopper, it’s a prime example of the balance of old and new that Fremantle is known for.

1853 on Market, Fremantle

Sleeps 4 / from $295 per night / two-night minimum Large stained-glass windows add pops of colour to this two-bedroom apartment in the heritage-listed Higham Building, built in 1853. There are two queen bedrooms, with generous dual-head showers and well-appointed living and dining areas. The generous kitchen means you can cook meals and eat in, or you can eat at some of the area’s best restaurants, just a short stroll away.

We hope you like the places we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.