Cairns Regional, Queensland Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Cairns Regional, Queensland? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $42,434 per year — at a $313 nightly rate, 42.9% occupancy, and a $144 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Cairns Regional's 681 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 19.7% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Cairns Regional?
In Cairns Regional, the headline Airbnb metrics are $42,434 in average annual revenue,42.9% occupancy, $313 ADR, and $144 in RevPAR, and guests book about 77 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Cairns Regional?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cairns Regional 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 Regional is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cairns Regional across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,489+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,726 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,144 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,556, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cairns Regional
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Cairns Regional?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cairns Regional STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while February 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 Regional:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 80%+ 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 45%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cairns Regional
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Cairns Regional?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cairns Regional involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cairns Regional typically peaks in July 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 $508+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $348 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $231 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $158 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cairns Regional
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Cairns Regional?
RevPAR in Cairns Regional is currently $144. 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 $55 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $100 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $170 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $272 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Cairns Regional
RevPAR Insights for Cairns Regional
- The average RevPAR in Cairns Regional is $144. 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% ($272) and bottom 25% ($55) is $217, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Cairns Regional benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $100, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $170+ 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 Regional?
Cairns Regional's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, September, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, August, September)
- Revenue averages $7,303 per month
- Occupancy rates average 61.9%
- Daily rates average $336
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,560 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 43.6%
- Daily rates hold near $302
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,710 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 31.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $265
Seasonality Insights for Cairns Regional
- Airbnb seasonality in Cairns Regional 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 Regional's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $8,692, occupancy reaching 68.6%, and ADRs peaking at $353.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,037, occupancy could drop to 29.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $250.
- 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 Regional.
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 Regional, 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 Regional?
Cairns Regional, Queensland, Australia currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 681 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Cairns Regional 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 Regional?
Location within Cairns Regional matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns City | The vibrant heart of Cairns with access to shops, restaurants, and the Esplanade. It's a popular area for tourists looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy local attractions. | Cairns Esplanade, Cairns Night Markets, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Lagoon Pool, Cairns Aquarium |
| Port Douglas | A picturesque town situated just north of Cairns, known for its proximity to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Highly sought after for luxury stays and eco-tourism. | Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas Markets, Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge |
| Palm Cove | A beautiful beachfront suburb known for its palm-lined beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It's a favorite for honeymooners and families looking for a serene vacation spot. | Palm Cove Beach, Cairns Tropical Zoo, Hugh Morrow Nature Park, Lifeguard Patrolled Swimming Areas, Tranquil Spa Resorts |
| Kuranda | Known as the village in the rainforest, Kuranda offers a unique appeal with its markets, wildlife parks, and stunning surrounding nature. Popular for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. | Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Markets, Birdworld Kuranda, Kuranda Koala Gardens |
| Trinity Beach | A laid-back beach suburb, perfect for families and travelers looking for a more relaxed beach experience while still having easy access to Cairns and its attractions. | Trinity Beach, Cairns Beaches, Local Cafes and Dining, Great Barrier Reef Access, Scenic Lookouts |
| Yorkeys Knob | Popular with locals and tourists alike for its beach and relaxed environment. It's ideal for those looking for a quiet getaway close to the water. | Yorkeys Knob Beach, Cairns Golf Club, Water Sports, Marina Activities, Tropical Gardens |
| Smithfield | Located just a short drive from Cairns, it's close to the Skyrail and offers access to both city life and nature, making it perfect for adventurous travelers. | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Smithfield Shopping Centre, Local Dining, Stoney Creek, Cairns Botanic Gardens |
| Ellis Beach | A long stretch of sandy beach with a relaxed vibe, ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers looking for beach access without being in the city. | Ellis Beach, Beachside Camping, Local Bars, Scenic Walks, Tropical Environment |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Cairns Regional 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 Regional?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Cairns Regional
- The Cairns Regional Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 94.7% of the 681 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Cairns Regional, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (63.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 29.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, unique stays, outdoor/unique (combined 7.1%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Cairns Regional Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Cairns Regional
- The dominant room capacity in Cairns Regional is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 35.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 62.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Cairns Regional, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 32.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Cairns Regional.
Cairns Regional Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Cairns Regional
- The most common guest capacity trend in Cairns Regional vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (29.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Cairns Regional STR market, accounting for 53.9% of listings.
- 33.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cairns Regional.
- On average, properties in Cairns Regional are equipped to host 4.4 guests.
How Do Listings in Cairns Regional Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Cairns Regional 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 Regional
- At 27.9 photos per listing on average, Cairns Regional hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 25.6% 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 Regional averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Cairns Regional?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Cairns Regional
- Essential amenities in Cairns Regional that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Iron, Free parking on premises, Pool are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- A pool is a highly desired but not standard amenity, making it a key feature for attracting guests seeking leisure in Cairns Regional.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cairns Regional: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Iron or Free parking on premises 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 Regional to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Cairns Regional?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Cairns Regional, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hair dryer | 95.6% | $43,890 | $10,832 | 305.2% |
Wifi | 98.4% | $42,947 | $11,155 | 285.0% |
Kitchen | 89.7% | $45,883 | $12,325 | 272.3% |
Movie theaterHigh opportunity | 0.9% | $138,824 | $41,577 | 233.9% |
Cooking basics | 83.3% | $48,016 | $14,668 | 227.3% |
Dishwasher | 65.8% | $55,038 | $18,198 | 202.4% |
Washer | 89.6% | $45,552 | $15,643 | 191.2% |
Smoke alarm | 96.9% | $43,306 | $15,020 | 188.3% |
Microwave | 83.0% | $47,728 | $16,646 | 186.7% |
Dryer | 79.3% | $48,800 | $18,050 | 170.4% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Cairns Regional
- Hair dryer tops the revenue impact list with a 305.2% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $43,890 vs. $10,832 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Movie theater — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Hair dryer, Wifi, Kitchen, Cooking basics, Washer, Smoke alarm, Microwave — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Movie theater — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Cairns Regional.
- 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 Regional STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cairns Regional. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCairns Regional Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Cairns Regional
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cairns Regional consists of primarily domestic travelers (73%), often arriving from nearby Melbourne, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 72.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (72.6%) and United States (7.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (68.1%) followed by French (6.6%).
- 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 Melbourne and Sydney.
- 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 Regional?
Listings in Cairns Regional average 4.82 out of 5 overall, with about 49.1 reviews per active listing and 32.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Cairns Regional
- With an overall rating of 4.82, Cairns Regional listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.91), while Value (4.73) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 32.7% 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.
Cairns Regional Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Cairns Regional
- The most common availability pattern in Cairns Regional falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 41.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 73.9% 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 Regional (32.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 27.4% 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 Regional?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Cairns Regional
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cairns Regional is 77 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 99 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 50 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (90 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (68 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (77 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cairns Regional.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 99 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 90 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cairns Regional averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Cairns Regional?
Guests in Cairns Regional stay about 5.2 nights on average, generating roughly 14,835 reservations and 21.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Cairns Regional
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Cairns Regional
- 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 21.8 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 Aug (6 nights) and shorten in Jan (4.5 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 2:00 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 Regional Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
27 listings
4% of total
2 Nights
80 listings
11.7% of total
3 Nights
271 listings
39.8% of total
4-6 Nights
61 listings
9% of total
7-29 Nights
8 listings
1.2% of total
30+ Nights
234 listings
34.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cairns Regional is 3 Nights, adopted by 39.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (15.7%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
- A significant segment (34.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cairns Regional, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 3 Nights minimum stay, as 39.8% of Cairns Regional hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 34.4% 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 Regional.
Cairns Regional Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
2 listings
0.3% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
12 listings
1.8% of total
Limited
6 listings
0.9% of total
Flexible
52 listings
7.6% of total
Moderate
130 listings
19.1% of total
Firm
333 listings
49% of total
Strict
145 listings
21.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Cairns Regional
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cairns Regional is Firm, used by 49% of listings.
- A majority (70.3%) of hosts in Cairns Regional utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 49% market standard in Cairns Regional.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cairns Regional.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Cairns Regional?
Cleaning fees in Cairns Regional 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 Regional
- 70.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Cairns Regional. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($142) and median ($103) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 8.3% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Cairns Regional median of $103. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- 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 Regional Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Cairns Regionalbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Belle Escapes Beach Manor
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Belle Escapes 58 Ocean Luxury Home Palm Cove
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Belle Escapes - SeaChange @ Clifton Beach
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Belle Escapes Beachfront Luxury Home 53 Arlington
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Belle Escapes Villa by the C - Heated Pool
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Belle Escapes Bethany Beach House Trinity Beach
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 Cairns Regional?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cairns Regional 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 | 59 | $9,658,356 | 2139 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Cairns Coast Holidays | 128 | $3,469,352 | 1919 | 4.69/5.0 |
| The Boutique Collection | 68 | $3,302,347 | 2550 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Thomas | 32 | $1,374,034 | 1112 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Shane | 10 | $425,134 | 1135 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Fab Properties | 13 | $403,932 | 738 | 4.89/5.0 |
| John | 3 | $333,892 | 241 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Paradise Hosting Co. | 2 | $303,117 | 105 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Kimmy | 10 | $272,066 | 212 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Dianne | 4 | $218,155 | 381 | 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 Cairns Regional.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Cairns Regional?
Cairns Regional is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Cairns Regional
- With 59.8% Superhosts, Cairns Regional has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 29.5% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 7.5% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 67.3% 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 17.9% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Cairns Regional averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Cairns Regional
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Cairns Regional, 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 | 59 | $9,658,356 | $997 | 45.8% | 4.83/5 |
| Cairns Coast Holidays | 128 | $3,469,352 | $262 | 34.3% | 4.69/5 |
| The Boutique Collection | 68 | $3,302,347 | $329 | 48.8% | 4.84/5 |
| Thomas | 32 | $1,374,034 | $282 | 49.0% | 4.86/5 |
| Shane | 10 | $425,134 | $235 | 60.2% | 4.73/5 |
| John | 3 | $333,892 | $379 | 77.2% | 4.88/5 |
| Trent | 6 | $213,104 | $200 | 51.9% | 4.88/5 |
| Bradley | 9 | $107,146 | $211 | 22.9% | 4.91/5 |
| MadeComfy | 3 | $102,246 | $205 | 55.2% | 4.36/5 |
| Jake | 1 | $60,459 | $495 | 48.2% | 4.83/5 |
Management Company Insights for Cairns Regional
- The leading management company, Antje, operates 59 listings with $9,658,356 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Cairns Regional.
- Top managers average 32 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.78/5 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 Regional's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Cairns Regional 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 Regional has 10 percentage points lower occupancy and about $42 higher 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% |
| Smithfield | 10 | $3,188 | $270.98 | 53% |
| Port Douglas | 638 | $3,069 | $348.05 | 40% |
| Cairns City | 22 | $2,826 | $226.74 | 46% |
| 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 Regional
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Cairns Regional.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cairns Regional?
Cairns Regional hosts earn about $42,434 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $313 and RevPAR of $144. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Cairns Regional, Queensland, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Cairns Regional market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cairns Regional?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cairns Regional is 42.9%. July is the strongest month and February 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 Regional?
Listings in Cairns Regional average $313 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 Regional?
Cairns Regional currently has about 681 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 Regional?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Cairns Regional 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 Regional?
RevPAR in Cairns Regional is about $144. 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 Regional?
At 42.9% occupancy, Cairns Regional 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 $42,434, 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 Regional?
The average booking lead time in Cairns Regional is about 77 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 Cairns Regional?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cairns Regional include Cairns City, Port Douglas, Palm Cove. 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 Regional?
entire_home listings make up 94.7% of the active supply in Cairns Regional. 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 Regional compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Kewarra Beach posts $55,349 in average annual revenue with 49.9% occupancy, compared to Cairns Regional's $42,434 and 42.9%. 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 Regional?
The average Airbnb stay length in Cairns Regional is about 5.2 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 Regional?
Airbnb listings in Cairns Regional average 4.82 out of 5 overall. About 32.7% 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 Regional?
Hair dryer and Wifi are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Cairns Regional. 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 Regional?
Yes. About 70.9% of active Airbnb listings in Cairns Regional charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $142. 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 Regional?
A 59.8% 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.