Casterton is a rustic town in Victoria, about 42 kilometers (26 miles) east of its state border with South Australia. It is almost at the midway point between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it a good place for an overnight rest for drivers plying the 750-kilometer (466-mile) stretch. Casterton is essentially a one-main-street town, built on the banks of the Glenelg River. However, with great Airbnb accommodations around, you can use this town as a base to explore the more rural parts of the state, as well as national parks like the sublime mountain ranges of the Grampians, about a two-hour drive away. Here are 10 of the best Airbnb vacation rentals on offer.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 13, 2024.
1. Historic lodging with outdoor deck surprise (from USD 83)
South of Casterton, the Lower Glenelg National Park has winding rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and limestone caves for days of exploration for nature lovers. This tranquil accommodation with enough room for up to six guests lies just outside the National Park, and is renovated from a historic schoolhouse that has been around since 1873. It does have a modern extension wing and contemporary decor, but its “piece de resistance” is its outdoor dining deck with a wood pizza oven. So why not buy some pizza ingredients from the convenience stores in Casterton, and then cook up a storm for your family or friends at this wondrous lodge after exploring the National Park?
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is an excellent reverse cycle a/c and a brand new bbq availablethe space was as described and we found it very comfortable and we'll set upexcellent lodgings complete with roaring fire comfy beds well stocked book shelves and wonderful surroundsthe house is beautiful with loads of room and gorgeous old featuresCleanliness:
very comfortable beds and clean throughoutHost:
our hosts couldn't have been more helpful and accommodatingbruce was the perfect host willing to help with any enquiries and very knowledgeable about the areabarb and bruce are thoughtful hostsbarb was very accommodating and easy to communicate withbruce is a great host and very knowledgable on the history of the place and areaRead more reviewsLocation:
an excellent place to break up the trip between adelaide and melbournegreat location to access the nearby glenelg river which was wonderful toothere are beautiful walks relatively nearbya great 1/2 way place to stay between melbourne and adelaidedrink drik school house is a charming and homey location to relax in good company
2. Charming cottage near flora/fauna reserve (from USD 90)
Despite the rural location of Casterton, it is actually the convergence point of five different highways, linking up the more remote areas of the Victoria state. It also means that travelers are able to reach accommodations beyond the outskirts of the town easily. This charming cottage house is located deep within a side road off the Glenelg Highway, southwest of the town center. With two double beds and two single beds, it is spacious enough to host up to eight guests for a quiet stay near a flora and fauna reserve. It has a TV but no Wi-Fi, and you will need to bring your own food supplies, but the tranquil, scenic settings more than make up for the inconvenience.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
warm and cozy with a terrific view of the forestwould be better if there were heaters or electric blankets providedhouse is cozy and spacious with good amenitiesthe house is very cozy and the deck is great for spending time outsideit was a lovely experience the cottage was cozy and the atmosphere was greatCleanliness:
very clean and tidythe house is clean and well equippedis relatively clean and comfortable and exactly as describedthe place is so peaceful and clean we enjoyed a lotthe cottage was clean and had everything we neededHost:
sharon was a good hostour host sharon was very helpfulsharon was a perfect hostsharon was a wonderful hostsharon is a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
very quite and picturesque locationa relaxing tranquil location it is easy to spot wildlife close bybeautiful secluded location and a lovely houseplenty of wildlife around and a great location for stargazingsuch a lovely place in the middle of nowhere
3. Century-old cottage with original furniture (from USD 72)
Just across the state border between Victoria and South Australia is the Coonawarra wine region, which is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines. It is about an hour’s drive from Casterton, but if you prefer your accommodation to be closer to Coonawarra, then this century-old cottage farmhouse offers an old-school charm as well as pastoral views during your stay. It has retained all its original furniture and fittings, so expect some degree of quirkiness. This is also a lodging without a TV, Wi-Fi or air conditioning, but it means you have all the time to get out and explore the farm, and even have a picnic with the grazing cows.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable the cottage has all the amenities needed for a relaxing and re-energising visitthis cottage is filled with peace comfort and exciting discoveries about aunt daphne in each roomthe 100 year old property was cosy comfortable and warm with instant hot waterCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and great valuethe place was very clean and lovelythe cottage was clean warm and cosyvery clean accommodation we will hopefully be back againthe cottage was very clean and comfortable with full kitchen facilitiesHost:
ree is a great host with great hospitalityree & andrew are super hostsand ree was a fantastic hostmy host ree was very friendly and helpfulree was very hospitable and a great communicatorRead more reviewsLocation:
really great quiet location on a beautiful propertyaway from city hustle bustle this place is so divine and a must visit locationa fantastic place to stay if you want to get away from everythingbeautiful location in the paddocks with river redgums and cattlethe setting was relaxing in a farm location and is what i would expect from a farm house
4. Stone cottage in a convenient location (from USD 131)
While Penola is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) outside the Coonawarra wine region, the actual wineries trail suggested by the region’s tourism center starts in the heart of the town with the Koonara Wines shop. From there, you can travel northwards and visit more than 20 wineries to sample their fine wine. If this is your idea of a great vacation trip, then you should consider this quaint stone cottage accommodation in Penola, located along the same highway as most of the wineries. With Victorian-style furniture, a pretty garden, and a shady outdoor deck, it is an ideal resting place for wine buffs after a day of exploring the region.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed and all the furnishings were brilliantthe property was perfect - particularly appreciated the heaters and electric blanketsvery comfortable home with lots of extrasgreat access to local facilities in penolabed was super greatCleanliness:
very clean and well keptexceptionally clean well equiped and very comfortableexcellent property - clean and very comfortablevery organised and exceptionally cleanit was well appointed and very cleanHost:
david was a great hostdavid is a great host very responsive and helpfulhe went over and above what we expected an airbnb host would do to help usdavid couldn't have been more helpfuldavid is an excellent host who goes well beyond to ensure a great stayRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful location to explore the coonawarra regionperfectly situated near the wineries and short walking distance to main shopsthe location is excellent with a quick walk into towngreat location - walking distance to pubs/cafesgreat location for coonawarra winery visits and a walk to the village
5. Tranquil cottage with wild animals abound (from USD 118)
This is a marvelous riverside cottage accommodation amid a flora and fauna reserve near Casterton. Set amid the banks and billabongs of the Glenelg River, this farmhouse can host up to six guests and features cozy beds, hot showers and recreational appliances like a TV and a DVD player. The hosts have kindly provided breakfast made using their home produce such as eggs, jam, and fruit. But the real treasure is right outside the cottage, where you can try spotting wild animals like the platypus, koala, and emu among the farm animals. Relax by the leafy riverside or stroll along the reserve; whatever you do, you are likely to be rewarded with vistas of rural tranquility, far away from urban life.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are generous and there is a full kitchen with a nice array of treats for breakfastthe house was very comfortable with fresh flowers generous provisions open firethe cottage is lovely spacious and very comfortablethe cottage was so comfortable and cosy and the surrounds just beautifulCleanliness:
extremely comfortable bed very clean bathroom and two toilets should you need themthe cottage is cosy and very clean and comfortablea delightful cottage sparkling clean and done up so tastefully without detracting anything of the original charmthe cottage is very clean and tidy and there were lovely welcoming touches like biscuits and breakfast goodiesbeautifully decorated unpretentious immaculately clean super soft doona fire all laid out on arrivalHost:
ivy was a delightful host with a great sense of humourivy was a fantastic hostfarm produce was amazing and generous from our delightful host ivykitchen was extremely well appointed and our host could not do anything more for usand ivy is very friendly and gives detailed directionsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfect for a relaxing get away from it all and the wildlife is greatideal place to go walking or for a runi loved the location the animals and the peacefulnessthe house is in a great location for those who appreciate naturea wonderful few days of cooking walking driving through stunning landscapes and tasting wines in the coonawarra
6. Stylish cottage in the heart of town (from USD 107)
Casterton’s small claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of the kelpie work dog. There is a bronze sculpture of the dog in front of the town hall, and the town also holds a working dog auction-cum-festival every June. If you think that it’s a reason good enough to travel to Casterton, then you might want to consider this beautiful cottage accommodation in the heart of town. It has preserved its old-time features from the Victorian and Art Deco era, but has modern furniture and appliances for a comfortable stay. There is a stylish outdoor lounge area and a well-equipped kitchen, but you can arrange for breakfast from the neighboring cafe at an additional cost.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house is exactly the same as the pictures really comfortable beds and recently renovatedCleanliness:
very clean and smelled delightfulextremely clean & good quality linen & towelshouse very clean linen towels etc excellent qualityclean tidy and great hostexcellent communication immaculate presentation and warm hospitalityHost:
lucy was very helpful & is an amazing host - we will definitely be backwe needed help to get the heating going owner was there almost immediately to helplucy communicates quickly and is super hospitableRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic location in beautiful castertonexcellent location right in the heart of the towngreat location right in the heart of townit is perfectly located on the main streetlocated in the main street it was easy to walk everywhere
7. Chic accommodation with nice additional touches (from USD 111)
So you’re thinking of going to the Coonawarra wine region to buy some fine wine and nosh to enjoy during your vacation. This chic accommodation in Penola has just the right stuff to make your day: It has kindly provided wine glasses, decanters, cheeseboards, and knives for your wine-tasting pleasure. It is a nice gesture from the hosts that makes this accommodation a wonderful stay, not to mention its clean, modern decor and spacious outdoor deck. Furthermore, the hosts themselves run a Coonawarra tour, so you can approach them to set up your trip to the region.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the small touches such as chocolates milk and coffee machine and bathroom floor heating was fantastica very comfortable bed heated flooring in the bathroom & a pod coffee machinethe unit was modern comfortable with outstanding bathroom and kitchen amenitiesbathroom floor heating and electric blankets were ideal with a chilly night in penolaclean warm real coffee & great bathroom amenitiesCleanliness:
very clean comfortable and quietclean quiet and comfortable stayclean modern and we'll appointedclean cozy modern and well-equiped housewe were very impressed with how clean and comfortable the apartment wasHost:
they are the perfect hoststhe hosts kindly left us a nice welcoming giftour host was amazingly flexible and helpfulthe hosts have great insight into the region and give great advicethis property is great the hosts are truely friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location right in the middle of penolawalking steps to main street of penola and close to all the great wineriesgreat house in a great location within walking distance to the centre of towngreat place right in the heart of the coonawarravery nice apartment in a great location
8. Convenient apartment to explore the Grampians
About a two-hour drive northeast of Casterton is the Grampians National Park, famed for its outstanding natural beauty and rich indigenous rock art sites. It is a great place for bushwalking and rock-climbing, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of waterfalls and sandstone mountain ranges. While the national park has a small township, you can also look for accommodation in the towns around the park such as Coleraine, just a 20-minute drive east of Casterton. This apartment, for instance, is actually found in a historic inn at the town center. Spacious enough to host up to four guests, it also has a kitchen and free parking on the premises, making a convenient base to visit the national park.
79.08 km (49.2 mi) from Mary MacKillop Penola Centre
9. Atmospheric 150-year-old church
Fancy staying in an atmospheric 150-year-old church house? That’s what this fantastic lodging on the outskirts of Casterton is offering. The spacious sleeping areas in this historic religious building are partitioned with curtains, and there are church pews and a fireplace for you to relax by. There is a basic kitchen, and an antique tin tub for you to bathe in. Needless to say, this is not a place for luxurious comfort, but if you want a novel, character-filled accommodation to be able to tell your friends about, this is a wondrous choice amid a pretty nondescript area.
59.05 km (36.7 mi) from Mary MacKillop Penola Centre
10. Petite cottage in historic Penola town
The historic town of Penola lies just outside the Coonawarra wine region, and is famous for its Catholic school set up by Mary MacKillop, the first Australian to gain Roman Catholic sainthood. It is a 45-minute drive from Casterton, and has some historic accommodation options amid its many heritage-listed buildings. For example, take this petite cottage set amid a beautiful flower garden. It was built all the way back in 1872, and its decor, such as the wooden furniture and an indoor fireplace, retains an old-time feel. There is also a decent kitchen if you wish to cook your favorite meals. Best of all, it is a stone’s throw away from the town center and all its amenities, so you should take a stroll around the town and check out the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre for more details on the saint.
Penola, South Australia, Australia
222 meters (0.2 ft) from Mary MacKillop Penola CentreSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities were superb with anything we needed including fresh produce for breakfastwell heated nice big spa breakfast providedit is an original cottage that has been beautifully restored & is very comfortablethe space has everything heating and comfortable and big bathroomhad all i needed as well as leolla the hostess providing some lovely breakfast treatsCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablevery cozy and clean and comfortablesparkling clean and the most beautiful little gardenthe location is great and the cottage extremely clean and well equippedthe cottage was lovely and clean with home made bread and other breakfast provisionsHost:
the owner was sweet to bake us a breadleolla was a great host and communicatorleolla is an amazing and friendly hostleolla the host is a lovely lady happy to help with anythingleolla was a great host incredibly helpful and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
nice location and very relaxinglocation was also great with everything in a short walking distance within penolajust like grandmas place right in the heart of penolathe breakfast provisions were delicious and plenty and the location was greatperfect location easy to walk to local shops and the two pubs/restaurants
Location makes this town ideal
Casterton may not be a town of much interest, but it is situated near many diverse attractions such as national parks, wine regions, and historic towns. This makes it a great place to base yourself in, if you want to explore the border region of Victoria and South Australia.
History
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