Holiday Mode

Forget unreliable Google Reviews and outdated copies of the Lonely Planet. When it comes to planning a ripper holiday, nothing beats local knowledge. That’s where Leanne Scott-Toms comes in… 

Words by Alley Pascoe  | Photos by Anne Oliver + George Fragopoulos + Mel Brautigam

From the colourful streets of the city to the lush parklands of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct and the marina vista at Bayview, there’s one thing Leanne Scott-Toms’ holiday rentals have in common: they all have water views. “There’s something calming about seeing the water,” says Leanne, who founded Stay Your Way in 2019 and currently manages 30 Airbnb rentals. “Consciously or subconsciously, all the properties I have in my portfolio look out over the water.”

As well as the soothing water views, every Stay Your Way property includes a local’s guide to Darwin, expertly put together by Leanne, who grew up here and is forever being asked for her recommendations. The top tips include coffee at Laneway, the salt and pepper crocodile at Snapper Rocks and a nightcap at Charlie’s. “I love Darwin, and the best part of my job is being able to share it with others. It’s such a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing our clients will have a great time in great accommodation,” explains Leanne. “Our guests love the selection of unique and premium properties to choose from.”

Below: Salt & Pepper crocodile from Snapper Rocks, Cocktails from Charlie’s Bar and The Laneway Cafe Parap

You’ll feel right at home thanks to stunning furnishings by Amari Home and Styling, thoughtful amenities hand-picked by Leanne, and spotless cleaning by her team on the ground. Leanne prides herself on having her finger on the pulse; this is her city, and she wants to show it off. That’s exactly how Stay Your Way came about five years ago. Leanne offered to put her parents’ Knuckey Street apartment on Airbnb for them, then their friends wanted to do the same, and before she knew it, she was running a business. 

Today, Leanne’s properties include penthouses at the Mantra Pandanas, a beach villa at Cullen Bay and thirteen luxury apartments at The Waterfront. Impressively, the listings also include investment properties purchased by visitors previously hosted by Leanne who enjoyed their stay so much they bought their very own slice of paradise. “A few years ago, we were on holiday in Darwin when we fell in love with the place – and also with the Waterfront apartment we stayed in. So, we decided to buy an apartment in the same complex and asked Leanne to manage it for us,” says Steve. “Now we own two!”

For Leanne, this is the highest of compliments. She enjoys introducing first timers to the beauty of Darwin, and also giving locals a new experience in their backyard. “In the wet, we encourage locals to have a little staycation and see a spectacular storm over the harbour from one of our properties,” she adds. 

Water views, sunsets and storms. This is the real Darwin, in holiday mode.

Book your next Darwin stay: stayyourway.net

Follow Stay Your Way on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StayYourWayaccom Instagram: www.instagram.com/stay.your.way/