Cairns City, Queensland Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Cairns City, Queensland? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $33,917 per year — at a $227 nightly rate, 46.5% occupancy, and a $111 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 22 active listings, Cairns City is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. 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 Cairns City?
In Cairns City, the headline Airbnb metrics are $33,917 in average annual revenue,46.5% occupancy, $227 ADR, and $111 in RevPAR, and guests book about 26 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Cairns City?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cairns City 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 Cairns City is typically August, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cairns City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,642+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,937 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,841 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,712, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cairns City
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Cairns City?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cairns City STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Cairns City:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 78%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 65% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 50%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 30% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cairns City
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Cairns City?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cairns City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cairns City typically peaks in August and dips lowest during February. 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 $381+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $292 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $187 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $135 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cairns City
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Cairns City?
RevPAR in Cairns City is currently $111. 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 $64 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $93 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $141 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $186 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Cairns City
RevPAR Insights for Cairns City
- The average RevPAR in Cairns City is $111. 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% ($186) and bottom 25% ($64) is $122, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Aug and bottoms out in Apr, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Cairns City benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $93, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $141+ 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 Cairns City?
Cairns City's peak Airbnb season falls in August, July, September, while the softest stretch is March, April, May. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (August, July, September)
- Revenue averages $4,965 per month
- Occupancy rates average 60.7%
- Daily rates average $241
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,660 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 50.2%
- Daily rates hold near $221
Low Season (March, April, May)
- Revenue drops to average $1,261 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 18.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $219
Seasonality Insights for Cairns City
- Airbnb seasonality in Cairns City 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 Cairns City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,352, occupancy reaching 67.3%, and ADRs peaking at $245.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $0, occupancy could drop to 0.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $198.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Cairns City.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- 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 Cairns City, 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 Cairns City?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Cairns City, Queensland, Australia point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Cairns City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cairns City?
With a compact short-term rental market, Cairns City 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns Esplanade | A popular waterfront promenade with stunning views, BBQ areas, and easy access to the beach. Tourists love it for its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to restaurants and activities. | Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Night Markets, Cairns Botanic Gardens, Cairns Convention Centre, The Esplanade Precinct |
| Palm Cove | Known for its beautiful palm-fringed beach and upscale resorts, Palm Cove is a tranquil destination for tourists seeking relaxation and luxury. | Palm Cove Beach, Village Park, Cairns Tropical Zoo, Day spas and wellness retreats, Fine dining restaurants |
| Port Douglas | A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, it’s ideal for tourists looking for adventure and natural beauty. Offers a charming village atmosphere with boutique shops and cafes. | Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas Markets, Anzac Park |
| Kuranda | A picturesque village in the rainforest, Kuranda is known for its arts and crafts markets and scenic views. Great for those looking for a unique, nature-based experience. | Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Markets, Birdworld Kuranda, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary |
| Trinity Beach | A family-friendly beach with beautiful views and access to various water sports. Popular among locals and tourists for its laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere. | Trinity Beach, Trinity Beach Village, Cairns Dive Centre, Water sports activities, Picnic spots and parks |
| Cairns City Centre | The heart of Cairns, bustling with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Ideal for tourists who want to be in the middle of the action and close to services. | Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Cairns Aquarium, Raintrees Shopping Centre, The Reef Hotel Casino, Restaurants and bars |
| Ellis Beach | A quiet beach escape close to Cairns, known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. A hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful getaway. | Ellis Beach, Beachfront cafes, Barbecue areas, Access to walking trails, Secluded swimming spots |
| Yorkeys Knob | A relaxed beach area perfect for families and those seeking outdoor activities such as kite surfing and fishing. Offers a friendly, community vibe. | Yorkeys Knob Beach, Marino's on the Beach, Golf course, Kite surfing, Fishing spots |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Cairns City offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Cairns City?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Cairns City
- The Cairns City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 90.9% of the 22 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Cairns City, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (90.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
Cairns City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Cairns City
- The dominant room capacity in Cairns City is 1 bedroom listings, making up 36.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 68.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Cairns City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Cairns City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Cairns City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Cairns City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (36.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Cairns City STR market, accounting for 72.8% of listings.
- 18.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cairns City.
- On average, properties in Cairns City are equipped to host 3.3 guests.
How Do Listings in Cairns City Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Cairns City 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 Cairns City
- At 23.5 photos per listing on average, Cairns City hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 31.8% 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 Cairns City averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Cairns City?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Cairns City
- Essential amenities in Cairns City that guests expect include: Wifi, Pool, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Hot water kettle, Wine glasses are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cairns City: Wifi, Pool, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Hot water kettle 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 Cairns City to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Cairns City?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Cairns City, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Washer | 77.3% | $39,597 | $14,607 | 171.1% |
Bathtub | 45.5% | $51,428 | $19,324 | 166.1% |
Dishwasher | 54.5% | $46,961 | $18,264 | 157.1% |
Barbecue utensils | 22.7% | $59,743 | $26,321 | 127.0% |
Clothing storage | 68.2% | $40,249 | $20,350 | 97.8% |
Outdoor furniture | 50.0% | $44,593 | $23,241 | 91.9% |
Oven | 59.1% | $42,166 | $22,002 | 91.6% |
Conditioner | 68.2% | $39,618 | $21,700 | 82.6% |
Body soap | 68.2% | $39,618 | $21,700 | 82.6% |
Freezer | 50.0% | $43,138 | $24,697 | 74.7% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Cairns City
- Washer tops the revenue impact list with a 171.1% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $39,597 vs. $14,607 without it.
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 Cairns City STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cairns City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCairns City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Cairns City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cairns City consists of a mix of domestic (59%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby Melbourne, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Korean.
- Domestic travelers account for 59.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (59.3%) and United States (14%).
- Top languages spoken are English (70.5%) followed by Korean (6.6%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- 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 Cairns City?
Listings in Cairns City average 4.69 out of 5 overall, with about 12.9 reviews per active listing and 27.3% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Cairns City
- An average rating of 4.69 places Cairns City in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.85), while Value (4.66) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 27.3% 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 27.3% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Cairns City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Cairns City
- The most common availability pattern in Cairns City falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 40.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 68.2% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Cairns City (40.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 31.8% 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 Cairns City?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Cairns City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cairns City is 26 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during March (average 39 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 0 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (31 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (13 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (26 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cairns City.
- For March stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 39 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During April, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (0 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 31 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cairns City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Cairns City?
Guests in Cairns City stay about 5 nights on average, generating roughly 543 reservations and 24.7 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 Cairns City
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Cairns City
- 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 24.7 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 Jul (6.8 nights) and shorten in Aug (3.6 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- 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.
Cairns City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
2 listings
9.1% of total
2 Nights
8 listings
36.4% of total
3 Nights
6 listings
27.3% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
4.5% of total
30+ Nights
5 listings
22.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cairns City is 2 Nights, adopted by 36.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (22.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cairns City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 36.4% of Cairns City hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 9.1% currently do.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (36.4%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 22.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Cairns City.
Cairns City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
2 listings
9.1% of total
Flexible
4 listings
18.2% of total
Moderate
7 listings
31.8% of total
Firm
9 listings
40.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Cairns City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cairns City is Firm, used by 40.9% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (50.0%) and stricter (40.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 40.9% market standard in Cairns City.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cairns City.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Cairns City?
Cleaning fees in Cairns City 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 Cairns City
- 77.3% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Cairns City. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $120 is close to the median ($123), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 10.4% 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 Cairns City median of $123. 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 Cairns City Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Cairns Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
25 Harbour Lights with Magical Water Views
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Heart of Cairns City
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Reef Tours at your doorstep - best location
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
McLeod Escape—Central Base by Markets & Waterfront
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Good Vibes on Lake — 2BR | 2BA | CarPark
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Waters Edge - Swim Out Apartment
Entire Place • 3 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 Cairns City?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cairns City 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antje | 1 | $145,077 | 22 | 5.00/5.0 |
| The Boutique Collection | 3 | $114,595 | 22 | 4.51/5.0 |
| Craig | 2 | $89,061 | 7 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Thomas | 3 | $65,839 | 17 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Sebastian | 1 | $60,822 | 27 | 4.63/5.0 |
| Michael | 1 | $56,676 | 29 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Scott & Kris | 1 | $51,919 | 45 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Freeman'S Residential | 3 | $51,794 | 30 | 4.59/5.0 |
| Terry | 1 | $29,936 | 25 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Jodie @ Jack & Newell Apartmen | 1 | $28,469 | 4 | 4.50/5.0 |
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 Cairns City.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Cairns City?
Cairns City is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Cairns City
- With 59.1% Superhosts, Cairns City has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 22.7% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 0.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 86.4% 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
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 22.7% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Cairns City averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Cairns City
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Cairns City, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antje | 1 | $145,077 | $637 | 64.5% | 5.00/5 |
| The Boutique Collection | 3 | $114,595 | $205 | 52.7% | 4.51/5 |
| Thomas | 3 | $65,839 | $189 | 35.6% | 4.70/5 |
Management Company Insights for Cairns City
- The leading management company, Antje, operates 1 listings with $145,077 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Cairns City.
- Top managers average 2 properties each, suggesting professional management in Cairns City still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.74/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
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 Cairns City's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Cairns City 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 Smithfield, Cairns City has 7 percentage points lower occupancy and about $44 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kewarra Beach | 47 | $4,612 | $359.16 | 50% |
| Palm Cove | 102 | $3,908 | $359.00 | 46% |
| Trinity Beach | 15 | $3,738 | $300.42 | 50% |
| Cairns Regional | 681 | $3,536 | $313.22 | 43% |
| Smithfield | 10 | $3,188 | $270.98 | 53% |
| Port Douglas | 638 | $3,069 | $348.05 | 40% |
| Cairns North | 26 | $2,820 | $214.98 | 52% |
| Douglas Shire | 147 | $2,800 | $294.87 | 41% |
| Mossman | 11 | $2,662 | $218.48 | 45% |
| Cairns | 884 | $2,565 | $181.94 | 53% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Cairns City
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Cairns City.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cairns City?
Cairns City hosts earn about $33,917 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $227 and RevPAR of $111. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Cairns City, Queensland, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Cairns City market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cairns City?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cairns City is 46.5%. August is the strongest month and May 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 Cairns City?
Listings in Cairns City average $227 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 Cairns City?
Cairns City currently has about 22 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 Cairns City?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Cairns City as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% 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 Cairns City?
RevPAR in Cairns City is about $111. 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 Cairns City?
At 46.5% occupancy, Cairns City can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $33,917, 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 Cairns City?
The average booking lead time in Cairns City is about 26 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cairns City?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cairns City include Cairns Esplanade, Palm Cove, Port Douglas. 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 Cairns City?
entire_home listings make up 90.9% of the active supply in Cairns City. 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 Cairns City compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Kewarra Beach posts $55,349 in average annual revenue with 49.9% occupancy, compared to Cairns City's $33,917 and 46.5%. 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 Cairns City?
The average Airbnb stay length in Cairns City is about 5 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 Cairns City?
Airbnb listings in Cairns City average 4.69 out of 5 overall. About 27.3% 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 Cairns City?
Washer and Bathtub are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Cairns City. 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 Cairns City?
Yes. About 77.3% of active Airbnb listings in Cairns City charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $120. 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 Cairns City?
A 59.1% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
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.