Shoalhaven Heads, New South Wales Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads, New South Wales? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $33,772 per year — at a $350 nightly rate, 33.5% occupancy, and a $115 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
With just 41 active listings, Shoalhaven Heads is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Active supply contracted 10.9% year over year, yet revenue and nightly rates both rose — fewer listings are capturing more of the market. Remaining and incoming hosts benefit from reduced competition and stronger pricing.
Regulation is high and 98% of listings show active registration — compliance is the cost of entry. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Shoalhaven Heads?
In Shoalhaven Heads, the headline Airbnb metrics are $33,772 in average annual revenue,33.5% occupancy, $350 ADR, and $115 in RevPAR, and guests book about 66 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Shoalhaven Heads?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Shoalhaven Heads is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Shoalhaven Heads is typically January, while August often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Shoalhaven Heads across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $8,303+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,799 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,862 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,456, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Shoalhaven Heads
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Shoalhaven Heads?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Shoalhaven Heads STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while August experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Shoalhaven Heads:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 53% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 32%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 17% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Shoalhaven Heads
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Shoalhaven Heads?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Shoalhaven Heads involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads typically peaks in December and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $580+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $440 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $280 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $186 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Shoalhaven Heads
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
RevPAR in Shoalhaven Heads is currently $115. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $70 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $91 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $136 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $237 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Shoalhaven Heads
RevPAR Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The average RevPAR in Shoalhaven Heads is $115. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($237) and bottom 25% ($70) is $167, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jan and bottoms out in Aug, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Shoalhaven Heads benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $91, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $136+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
Shoalhaven Heads's peak Airbnb season falls in January, December, November, while the softest stretch is June, July, August. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (January, December, November)
- Revenue averages $5,425 per month
- Occupancy rates average 47.8%
- Daily rates average $355
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,711 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 35.9%
- Daily rates hold near $332
Low Season (June, July, August)
- Revenue drops to average $2,160 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 23.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $316
Seasonality Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- Airbnb seasonality in Shoalhaven Heads is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Shoalhaven Heads's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $6,222, occupancy reaching 55.1%, and ADRs peaking at $366.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,750, occupancy could drop to 20.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $309.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Shoalhaven Heads need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing. In a high-regulation market like Shoalhaven Heads, ensure your permit covers the number of nights you plan to book — some jurisdictions cap annual rental days.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Shoalhaven Heads, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
Yes, Shoalhaven Heads, New South Wales, Australia enforces high STR regulations and 98% of active listings show registration evidence — indicating that enforcement is active and compliance is a prerequisite for operating legally. Hosts entering this market should budget for permit fees, inspections, and potential occupancy tax obligations as part of their startup costs. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Shoalhaven Heads to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 98% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
With a compact short-term rental market, Shoalhaven Heads gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Shoalhaven Heads Beach | A beautiful beachfront location known for its stunning coastal views and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for families and beach lovers looking for a peaceful getaway. | Shoalhaven Heads Beach, Blacket Park, Estuary Boardwalk, Shoalhaven River, local surf spots |
| Seven Mile Beach | Famous for its long stretch of sandy beach and perfect for swimming, surfing, and relaxing. A great location for tourists seeking sun and water activities. | Seven Mile Beach, surf schools, national parks nearby, scenic lookouts, picnic areas |
| Crookhaven Heads | A quaint coastal village known for its rich fishing heritage and access to both river and ocean activities. Excellent for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. | Crookhaven River, fishing spots, the historic lighthouse, local cafes, nature trails |
| Berry | A charming town in the hinterland known for its boutique shops and eateries. A wonderful spot for visitors looking for countryside charm and local produce. | Berry Markets, Berry Historic Museum, local farms, charming cafes, scenic drives |
| Jervis Bay | Renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, making it a prime location for tourists. Perfect for water sports and exploring marine life. | Hyams Beach, Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay Wild, whale watching, snorkeling tours |
| Huskisson | A vibrant coastal town with a lively atmosphere, offering direct access to the stunning Jervis Bay. Great for nightlife and dining experiences. | Huskisson Beach, Jervis Bay Marine Park, dolphin cruises, local restaurants, waterfront parks |
| Nowra | The commercial hub of the Shoalhaven area, offering various attractions including art galleries and local markets. A great base for exploring the region. | Nowra Showground, local art galleries, Shoalhaven River, Nowra Farmers Market, Botanic Gardens |
| Callala Bay | A quiet, family-friendly destination with beautiful beaches. Perfect for those seeking relaxation away from the busy tourist spots. | Callala Beach, Jervis Bay National Park, water sports, local picnic areas, nature reserves |
Because Shoalhaven Heads has a high regulation profile, confirming that short-term rental permits are available in your target neighborhood is a critical first step before committing to a property purchase. Regulation can vary at the neighborhood or district level even within the same city.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The Shoalhaven Heads Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95.1% of the 41 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Shoalhaven Heads, House properties are the most common (85.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 85.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like apartment/condo, others, hotel/boutique (combined 14.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Shoalhaven Heads Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The dominant room capacity in Shoalhaven Heads is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 31.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 4 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 61.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Shoalhaven Heads, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 68.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Shoalhaven Heads.
Shoalhaven Heads Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The most common guest capacity trend in Shoalhaven Heads vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (46.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Shoalhaven Heads STR market, accounting for 68.3% of listings.
- 70.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Shoalhaven Heads.
- On average, properties in Shoalhaven Heads are equipped to host 6.0 guests.
How Do Listings in Shoalhaven Heads Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Shoalhaven Heads can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- At 32 photos per listing on average, Shoalhaven Heads hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 17.1% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Shoalhaven Heads averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Shoalhaven Heads?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- Essential amenities in Shoalhaven Heads that guests expect include: TV, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Microwave, Refrigerator are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Shoalhaven Heads: TV, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Microwave to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Shoalhaven Heads to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Shoalhaven Heads?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Shoalhaven Heads, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Washer | 82.9% | $38,632 | $10,168 | 280.0% |
Coffee maker | 61.0% | $46,622 | $13,696 | 240.4% |
Kitchen | 87.8% | $36,895 | $11,288 | 226.8% |
Air conditioning | 85.4% | $37,477 | $12,163 | 208.1% |
Heating | 85.4% | $37,461 | $12,257 | 205.6% |
Cooking basics | 73.2% | $41,210 | $13,489 | 205.5% |
Iron | 70.7% | $41,967 | $13,970 | 200.4% |
Free street parking | 56.1% | $47,635 | $16,059 | 196.6% |
High chair | 29.3% | $63,446 | $21,494 | 195.2% |
Refrigerator | 85.4% | $37,356 | $12,866 | 190.3% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- Washer tops the revenue impact list with a 280.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $38,632 vs. $10,168 without it.
- Washer, Kitchen, Air conditioning, Heating, Refrigerator — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Shoalhaven Heads STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Shoalhaven Heads. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsShoalhaven Heads Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Shoalhaven Heads
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads consists of primarily domestic travelers (91%), often arriving from nearby Sydney, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 91.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (91%) and United Kingdom (4.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (79.5%) followed by Spanish (5.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Sydney and New South Wales.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Shoalhaven Heads?
Listings in Shoalhaven Heads average 4.78 out of 5 overall, with about 44 reviews per active listing and 29.3% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- An average rating of 4.78 places Shoalhaven Heads in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.88), while Value (4.64) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 29.3% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 29.3% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Shoalhaven Heads Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The most common availability pattern in Shoalhaven Heads falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 61% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 80.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Shoalhaven Heads (46.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 19.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Shoalhaven Heads is 66 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 98 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 20 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (85 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (38 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (66 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Shoalhaven Heads.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 98 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 85 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Shoalhaven Heads averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
Guests in Shoalhaven Heads stay about 3.7 nights on average, generating roughly 937 reservations and 23.4 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Shoalhaven Heads
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 23.4 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Apr (5.1 nights) and shorten in Jun (2.6 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Shoalhaven Heads Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
2 listings
4.9% of total
2 Nights
12 listings
29.3% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
4.9% of total
4-6 Nights
3 listings
7.3% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
2.4% of total
30+ Nights
21 listings
51.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Shoalhaven Heads is 30+ Nights, adopted by 51.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (51.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Shoalhaven Heads, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 51.2% of Shoalhaven Heads hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 4.9% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 51.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Shoalhaven Heads.
Shoalhaven Heads Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
1 listings
2.4% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
4.9% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
4 listings
9.8% of total
Flexible
4 listings
9.8% of total
Moderate
5 listings
12.2% of total
Firm
23 listings
56.1% of total
Strict
2 listings
4.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Shoalhaven Heads is Firm, used by 56.1% of listings.
- A majority (61.0%) of hosts in Shoalhaven Heads utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (4.9%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 56.1% market standard in Shoalhaven Heads.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 4.9% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Shoalhaven Heads.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Shoalhaven Heads?
Cleaning fees in Shoalhaven Heads are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- 73.2% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Shoalhaven Heads. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($244) and median ($99) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 12.6% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Shoalhaven Heads median of $99. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Shoalhaven Heads Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Shoalhaven Headsbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Welcome to Sandy Bottoms
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
River Shack
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Heads House
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Shellhaven
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Aloha - Short Drive to Berry & The Beach
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
By The River-River front location with water views
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Shoalhaven Heads?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Shoalhaven Heads based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake | 4 | $250,497 | 104 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Holiday Rental Specialists | 2 | $201,755 | 40 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Adam John | 1 | $97,058 | 95 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Coast And Country Holidays | 5 | $87,097 | 23 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Professional Holiday Homes | 1 | $86,590 | 141 | 4.65/5.0 |
| Dianne | 1 | $70,263 | 163 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Johanna | 1 | $61,180 | 124 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Pieta | 1 | $50,500 | 62 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Cheryl | 1 | $49,450 | 131 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Nici | 1 | $39,612 | 71 | 4.94/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Shoalhaven Heads.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Shoalhaven Heads?
Shoalhaven Heads leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.
Host Profile Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- Only 26.8% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting a relatively young or casual market where quality improvements can pay outsized dividends.
- 34.1% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 14.6% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 70.7% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 12.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Shoalhaven Heads averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Shoalhaven Heads
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Shoalhaven Heads, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake | 4 | $250,497 | $469 | 38.6% | 4.67/5 |
| Holiday Rental Specialists | 2 | $201,755 | $792 | 36.9% | 4.70/5 |
| Adam John | 1 | $97,058 | $408 | 61.8% | 4.94/5 |
| Coast And Country Holidays | 5 | $87,097 | $428 | 19.6% | 4.78/5 |
| South Coast Letting Co | 3 | $25,219 | $228 | 21.4% | 4.00/5 |
Management Company Insights for Shoalhaven Heads
- The leading management company, Jake, operates 4 listings with $250,497 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Shoalhaven Heads.
- Top managers average 3 properties each, suggesting professional management in Shoalhaven Heads still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.62/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.
Recommendations
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Shoalhaven Heads's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Shoalhaven Heads Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Millers Point, Shoalhaven Heads has 30 percentage points lower occupancy and about $40 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millers Point | 16 | $6,440 | $390.38 | 64% |
| Berry | 117 | $5,808 | $570.50 | 39% |
| Penrose | 12 | $5,694 | $715.96 | 36% |
| Burrawang | 12 | $5,344 | $567.78 | 37% |
| Jaspers Brush | 15 | $4,805 | $450.03 | 32% |
| Robertson | 44 | $4,765 | $422.27 | 39% |
| Exeter | 34 | $4,561 | $514.24 | 42% |
| The Council of the Municipality of Kiama | 109 | $4,476 | $445.03 | 42% |
| Glenquarry | 14 | $4,199 | $392.02 | 42% |
| Bundanoon | 52 | $4,164 | $412.99 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Shoalhaven Heads.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shoalhaven Heads?
Shoalhaven Heads hosts earn about $33,772 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $350 and RevPAR of $115. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Shoalhaven Heads, New South Wales, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Shoalhaven Heads market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shoalhaven Heads?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shoalhaven Heads is 33.5%. January is the strongest month and August is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Shoalhaven Heads?
Listings in Shoalhaven Heads average $350 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Shoalhaven Heads?
Shoalhaven Heads currently has about 41 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Shoalhaven Heads?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Shoalhaven Heads as High. The dataset also shows about 97.6% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
RevPAR in Shoalhaven Heads is about $115. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Shoalhaven Heads?
Occupancy of 33.5% means Shoalhaven Heads is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $33,772, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
The average booking lead time in Shoalhaven Heads is about 66 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Shoalhaven Heads include Shoalhaven Heads Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Crookhaven Heads. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Shoalhaven Heads?
entire_home listings make up 95.1% of the active supply in Shoalhaven Heads. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Shoalhaven Heads compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Millers Point posts $77,283 in average annual revenue with 63.7% occupancy, compared to Shoalhaven Heads's $33,772 and 33.5%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Shoalhaven Heads?
The average Airbnb stay length in Shoalhaven Heads is about 3.7 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Shoalhaven Heads?
Airbnb listings in Shoalhaven Heads average 4.78 out of 5 overall. About 29.3% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Shoalhaven Heads?
Washer and Coffee maker are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Shoalhaven Heads. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Shoalhaven Heads?
Yes. About 73.2% of active Airbnb listings in Shoalhaven Heads charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $244. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Shoalhaven Heads?
At 26.8%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.