Aussie families can't get enough of these affordable summer holiday houses

As Australians pack their bags and head off for summer, a holiday rental website has revealed its most popular family holiday homes that don't cost an arm and a leg.

The most bookmarked holiday homes on Stayz show Australian holiday-makers prioritise a pool or a five-minute walk to the beach.

Many people choose larger homes that cost less than $100 per person per night when travelling as a family or group.

Stayz said the peak holiday rental period over summer is December 29 to January 11.

"Consider travelling later in January for more availability," they said.

According to fellow holiday rental website Wotif, the most popular destinations this summer (excluding capital cities) are all beachside. The top 10 are:

To find a holiday home that's right for you, use search filters to determine whether you want a pool, a pet-friendly house, or nearby activities like fishing.

If you stay longer, you can sometimes score a discount on some websites, for example, 10 per cent off your stay for a week or longer.

Here are the five most saved holiday homes on Stayz this summer.

Boat Harbour, NSW

Sleeps: 12

Guest rating: 9.6

Average cost per person per night at max capacity: $62.50

This large house on the beach is 10 minutes from popular Nelson Bay. You can swim right outside the house, launch your own boat from the beach, bushwalk through the surrounding parks, swim at the family-friendly sandy beach or head to Port Stephens for amazing snorkelling.

Rosebud, VIC

Sleeps: 8

Guest rating: 10

Average cost per person per night at max capacity: $53.75

This cosy three-bedroom family holiday home in the Mornington Peninsula suburb of Rosebud is a short walk to the beach and pet-friendly. There are board games and a garage play area for the kids in case the weather turns. Take advantage of the peninsula's top wineries, markets, restaurants and cafes.

Soldiers Point, NSW

Sleeps: 12

Guest rating: 9.8

Average cost per person per night at max capacity: $57.33

Beach and bush combine to form an idyllic holiday spot on the NSW north coast. It is only a 10-minute walk to Rick Stein's famous restaurant, Bannisters. The house is surrounded by a reserve with direct access to the waterfront, perfect for swimming, fishing, walking and kayaking. You can also walk to the local bowling club and cafes.

Kiama, NSW

Sleeps: 8

Guest rating: 10

Average cost per person per night at max capacity: $58.50

Imagine waking up to a 180-degree ocean view. With floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, you can open up to a generous outdoor area to watch the sea on the daybed. With three bedrooms, this property is a good size for the whole family and is only a 10-minute walk to Blowhole Point and the Kiama Bowling & Recreation Club.