This article is all about the top house sitting destinations in Australia. Hannah and I enjoyed a 3-month stay ‘down under’ and loved our time there.
Australia had been on our radar for a long time, it’s an iconic destination on the map. Furthermore, the number of house sitting opportunities makes it the perfect place to spend an extended period. We bagged 2 house sits covering the entire length of our stay, so we didn’t pay a penny for accommodation!
The savings are of course amazing for our travel budget but through house sitting we have had a far greater experience than we would have if we’d stayed in a hotel or a rented apartment. Let’s take a look at the top house sitting destinations in Australia, and the benefits of house sitting.
Why Use House Sitting for a Trip to Australia
Firstly, the financial benefits can’t be overlooked. Although house sitting shouldn’t be viewed as free travel, as it comes with a level of responsibility, the money you save using house sitting sites is significant. We pay around $300 (USD) a year for our house sitting memberships and use them to cover about 95% of our accommodation.
Beyond the financial aspect let’s talk about the enhanced experiences. Living in a well-loved home, with a stocked kitchen, a comfy living room, and all the amenities needed to feel grounded, makes for a special travel experience. Many of our house sits have been in suburbs where neighbors and community projects made our stay uniquely memorable.
Suppose you enjoy having pets around (as we do!) but also love to travel. In that case, house sitting offers the opportunity to temporarily adopt new furry friends and enjoy all the benefits of pet ownership. Many listings also include the use of a car, bikes, kayaks, gym equipment, saunas, and skis. You name it, we’ve seen it listed somewhere.
Top Benefits of House Sitting in Australia
In addition to the positives mentioned above, here are more top reasons why you should consider house sitting in Australia.
Better Accommodation
Hannah and I have cared for remarkable homes, often beyond what we could afford for a vacation stay. I’m talking about ranches in Arizona, beach houses in Costa Rica, and sleek city apartments in Singapore.
When reviewing a house-sitting listing, you’ll find a detailed overview of your potential accommodation. Hosts typically include plenty of photos and information. If you have any additional questions you can ask the host for more details.
Better Locations
House sitting often places you in prime locations that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether it’s countryside, city center, or beachfront, these opportunities let you immerse yourself in areas you’d typically only dream of. So, not only are you staying in fantastic homes, but you’re also doing so in some of the most desirable locations around the world.
I love experiencing life as a local, discovering hidden gems, and connecting deeply with my surroundings.
Repeat Stays
A rewarding aspect of house sitting is the potential for repeat stays. Once you’ve built a strong relationship with a homeowner and proven yourself as a reliable sitter, you may be invited back for future sits. This not only provides you with a sense of familiarity and comfort in a place you already love but also allows you to deepen your connection with the location and the community.
Repeat stays have worked perfectly for some family members of ours who secured an amazing beach house sit on their second-ever placement and have been invited back repeatedly. They now feel like they have a holiday cottage by the sea! Over time, these repeat opportunities can turn a one-time stay into a cherished, ongoing experience, giving you a home away from home.
We have open invites to lots of our previous house sits. We are planning to visit a number of our American friends again towards the end of 2024.
Family-Friendly Stays
House sitting can be a fantastic option for families, offering a more comfortable and home-like environment than traditional holiday accommodations. Many homes are equipped with family-friendly amenities, such as spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and even toys or games for children. This makes it easier to maintain your routines and enjoy quality time together.
Additionally, staying in a real home often means being in residential neighborhoods, which can provide access to parks, playgrounds, and other kid-friendly attractions. House sitting gives families the chance to enjoy a more personalized and relaxed travel experience, making it ideal for creating lasting memories together.
If your kids want pets, pet sitting is a great trial to see how they’ll handle responsibilities. Let them learn the ropes of pet ownership and handle the day-to-day responsibilities under your guidance. It’s the perfect dry run for owning your own pet.
Building Relationships
House sitting goes beyond simply providing a place to stay. For Hannah and me, it has led to many meaningful relationships with homeowners and even the local community. As a house sitter, you have the opportunity to build a rapport with the people whose homes you care for. Over time, this trust can evolve into a genuine friendship, with repeat invitations and a warm welcome whenever you return.
Variety of Experiences
House sitting offers a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of living environments, each with its own charm and character. Whether in a cozy cottage, city apartment, or beachfront villa, every house sit offers a new adventure.
Top House Sitting Destinations in Australia
Australia is one of the best countries in the world for securing a house sitting placement. Between 500 and 1000 homes are regularly listed across the top house sitting platforms. Read my previous article ‘The Best House Sitting Websites’ to learn everything you need to know about my preferred websites.
So, here’s where house sitting could take you in Australia,
Sydney, NSW (Avg. 50-100 House Sits Available)
Sydney offers an incredible opportunity to immerse house sitters in one of Australia’s most vibrant cultural scenes. It’s high up on our list as the next Australian city to visit. I’ve got to tick off a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House and a stroll across the Harbour Bridge. It’s said that Sydney’s artistic and musical offerings rival any city in the world.
Beyond the city’s cultural side, Sydney is packed with stunning natural beauty. Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world – It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing and surfing. The Royal Botanic Garden is another idyllic spot that offers peaceful open space and stunning views. These scenic parts of the city provide a perfect balance and contrast to the bustling urban environment.
Furthermore, Sydney’s foodie scene is exemplary. From trendy cafés in Surry Hills to fine dining in Circular Quay, the city’s restaurants are as diverse as its population. House sitting in Sydney will provide the opportunity to savor everything from classic Aussie barbecues to international cuisines.
Adelaide, SA (Avg. 30-60 House Sits Available)
Our first Australian house sit was in Adelaide. We spent a month looking after two cats in a lovely home around 15 minutes north of the CBD. Adelaide was great fun with cool old pubs, great dining, and plenty of cultural activities.
We took regular trips to the Central Market which is packed with visitors either picking up lunch or shopping for fresh produce. It’s a huge market and a fun experience. After usually devouring a massive sandwich we’d then head back north towards Botanic Park, an expansive green space filled with wildlife and nice trails to walk off the calories!
We discovered cool wine bars, a great cinema, and friendly cafes on Prospect Road and enjoyed heading to our local Coopers Alehouse at Gepps Cross for some Friday beers. We then moved about 90 minutes south of Adelaide for our second Australian house sit – 2 months on the beach in Goolwa. It felt like another world from the busy city and we loved it there.
For further reading on Adelaide also check out ‘The Definitive Guide to House Sitting in Adelaide’.
Perth, WA (Avg. 40-60 House Sits Available)
With a healthy number of listings and another Australian city with a fantastic blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, Perth would be a great house sitting destination. From the lively CBD with shops and venues to the serenity of Kings Park, Perth offers a range of diverse experiences.
Perth’s coastline is another major draw for visitors. Pristine beaches like Cottesloe and Scarborough are perfect for relaxation, surfing, swimming, or enjoying a sunset. We met many Perth residents in Bali who claimed, (perhaps they are biased), that Perth’s beaches are the best in Australia.
Like most major Australian cities, Perth has a thriving arts scene, regular festivals, and a diverse culinary scene. Take a trip to the WA Shipwrecks Museum for a unique day out and a slice of maritime history. The Aviation Heritage Museum is another informative and very visual day out in Perth not to be missed.
Melbourne, VC (Avg. 20-40 House Sits Available)
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most diverse cities. Known for its rich social scene, it boasts numerous theaters, galleries, and live music venues. From the iconic Melbourne Museum to the popular arts precinct at Southbank, the city’s cultural offerings are renowned for being extensive.
Melbourne has several distinct neighborhoods each offering unique experiences, perfect for exploration while house sitting. Take a stroll along Fitzroy’s laneways or spend sunny afternoons basking in St Kilda’s seaside charm. Each area neighborhood has a distinct flavor and atmosphere.
Additionally, Melbourne is known for its coffee culture with dozens of independent coffee roasters and merchants emanating from the city. Unique cafés offer expertly brewed coffee with creative twists on the daily brew. Check out Axil Coffee Roasters in the CBD for some of the best coffee in Melbourne.
Darwin, NT (Avg 20-40 House Sits Available)
Darwin offers a unique gateway to Australia’s stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures. Known for its tropical climate and lush surroundings, Darwin is a great base for exploring Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. These natural wonders provide unrivaled opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and experiencing the beauty of the Australian outback.
Darwin’s waterfront precinct is a major highlight, offering stunning views and a variety of fun recreational opportunities. The Darwin Waterfront Lagoon is perfect for swimming and relaxing, while Bicentennial Park offers scenic coastal walking trails to suit all ages and abilities. Darwin is the perfect destination for anyone who loves spending time in nature.
Additionally, Darwin’s proximity to various indigenous communities offers a unique chance to learn about Australia’s rich indigenous heritage. Local guides and cultural tours offer an enriching experience, showcasing the deep connection between the land and its traditional custodians.
Further Info On House Sitting
If you’re unsure where to get started with house sitting head straight to our Start Here page, it’s loaded with tons of information and informative articles about getting on the house sitting ladder.
First of all sign up for a free account with Trusted Housesitters, the biggest house sitting platform on the market. You can sign up for this free account in just seconds, and it requires only an email address. Once signed up, you can browse the hundreds of house sits in Australia right away – click here to sign up for a free account.
To apply for a house sit in Australia you will need to be a full paying member. Membership starts at $129 (USD) per year and includes an unlimited number of house sits. Use our exclusive referral code BEACHES25 to save 25% on any membership – click here to get started today.
Conclusion
House sitting in Australia lets you explore diverse cities and landscapes, each offering unique experiences. It offers a comfortable base and a deeper connection with the local community and lifestyle.
It took us a long time to finally put Australia on our travel itinerary but thanks to Trusted Housesitters we’ve been able to make our first trip here a memorable one. We’ve been also able to extend our stay to the full 3 months our visa allows and enjoy several amazing cities, towns, and communities in South Australia.
House sitters get to enjoy the best of both worlds: the excitement of exploring new places and the comfort of a home-like environment. This blend of adventure and familiarity makes house sitting in Australia a truly enriching experience, one that we enjoyed to the fullest!
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*Permission given to use all photos of homes and pets.