Top 100 Best Places in Australia to Invest in Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals (2025)

Source: AirROI

Last updated: 2025-11-01

Unlock high-ROI opportunities in Australia‘s booming short-term rental (STR) market. This 2025 Airbnb investment guide from AirROI leverages cutting-edge Airbnb data analytics to pinpoint the most profitable cities for Airbnb and vacation rental entrepreneurs. Whether you’re scaling your portfolio or making your first STR investment, discover markets with strong rental demand, high revenue potential, and favorable regulations. We are committed to providing trustworthy insights based on comprehensive market analysis, and you can learn more about our rigorous approach to data accuracy.

Our STR market analysis dives deep into key performance indicators like monthly revenue, average daily rates (ADR), occupancy trends, property counts, and regulatory landscapes across Australia. We go beyond simple rankings to provide the context you need for informed investment decisions using reliable Airbnb data.

Explore the data-driven insights below to identify the premier short-term rental investment hotspots and high ROI Airbnb markets in Australia for 2025.

Top Short-Term Rental Markets in Australia

Rank:#1Market:MelbourneCountry:AustraliaProperties:17,888Monthly Revenue:$2233.57Daily Rate (ADR):$220.94Occupancy:45.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#2Market:SydneyCountry:AustraliaProperties:12,828Monthly Revenue:$2840.69Daily Rate (ADR):$246.13Occupancy:50.43%Regulation:High
Rank:#3Market:Gold Coast CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:5,742Monthly Revenue:$3306.47Daily Rate (ADR):$285.47Occupancy:48.56%Regulation:Low
Rank:#4Market:Greater BrisbaneCountry:AustraliaProperties:5,633Monthly Revenue:$2500.62Daily Rate (ADR):$208.72Occupancy:50.61%Regulation:Low
Rank:#5Market:AdelaideCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,672Monthly Revenue:$2769.77Daily Rate (ADR):$217.04Occupancy:49.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#6Market:Sunshine Coast RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,514Monthly Revenue:$2909.36Daily Rate (ADR):$263.21Occupancy:46.27%Regulation:Low
Rank:#7Market:HobartCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,631Monthly Revenue:$2755.39Daily Rate (ADR):$193.57Occupancy:53.74%Regulation:High
Rank:#8Market:Shoalhaven City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,155Monthly Revenue:$3299.46Daily Rate (ADR):$406.06Occupancy:34.90%Regulation:High
Rank:#9Market:Noosa HeadsCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,017Monthly Revenue:$4275.07Daily Rate (ADR):$400.81Occupancy:46.31%Regulation:Low
Rank:#10Market:Newcastle-MaitlandCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,012Monthly Revenue:$2750.64Daily Rate (ADR):$240.85Occupancy:46.17%Regulation:High
Rank:#11Market:Byron BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:975Monthly Revenue:$4342.21Daily Rate (ADR):$438.76Occupancy:43.10%Regulation:High
Rank:#12Market:CairnsCountry:AustraliaProperties:950Monthly Revenue:$2618.14Daily Rate (ADR):$182.72Occupancy:54.57%Regulation:Low
Rank:#13Market:Central Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:917Monthly Revenue:$2884.20Daily Rate (ADR):$363.15Occupancy:34.90%Regulation:High
Rank:#14Market:GosfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:910Monthly Revenue:$2854.28Daily Rate (ADR):$367.54Occupancy:36.32%Regulation:High
Rank:#15Market:Cairns RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:726Monthly Revenue:$3560.01Daily Rate (ADR):$322.94Occupancy:42.26%Regulation:Low
Rank:#16Market:DarwinCountry:AustraliaProperties:711Monthly Revenue:$2338.23Daily Rate (ADR):$197.13Occupancy:47.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#17Market:CowesCountry:AustraliaProperties:707Monthly Revenue:$2182.02Daily Rate (ADR):$264.91Occupancy:32.88%Regulation:Low
Rank:#18Market:Wollongong City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:623Monthly Revenue:$2648.66Daily Rate (ADR):$247.33Occupancy:45.40%Regulation:High
Rank:#19Market:Port DouglasCountry:AustraliaProperties:618Monthly Revenue:$2968.14Daily Rate (ADR):$348.25Occupancy:37.71%Regulation:Low
Rank:#20Market:City of StirlingCountry:AustraliaProperties:585Monthly Revenue:$2976.02Daily Rate (ADR):$192.25Occupancy:60.06%Regulation:High
Rank:#21Market:LauncestonCountry:AustraliaProperties:572Monthly Revenue:$2369.32Daily Rate (ADR):$177.55Occupancy:50.46%Regulation:High
Rank:#22Market:City Of BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:571Monthly Revenue:$3833.19Daily Rate (ADR):$324.26Occupancy:43.83%Regulation:High
Rank:#23Market:JindabyneCountry:AustraliaProperties:562Monthly Revenue:$2348.81Daily Rate (ADR):$404.78Occupancy:29.89%Regulation:High
Rank:#24Market:CessnockCountry:AustraliaProperties:513Monthly Revenue:$4042.01Daily Rate (ADR):$434.13Occupancy:35.40%Regulation:High
Rank:#25Market:GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:512Monthly Revenue:$1824.85Daily Rate (ADR):$172.99Occupancy:44.04%Regulation:Low
Rank:#26Market:DunsboroughCountry:AustraliaProperties:501Monthly Revenue:$3845.60Daily Rate (ADR):$324.41Occupancy:46.92%Regulation:High
Rank:#27Market:TownsvilleCountry:AustraliaProperties:495Monthly Revenue:$1897.83Daily Rate (ADR):$193.85Occupancy:46.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#28Market:TorquayCountry:AustraliaProperties:490Monthly Revenue:$2595.85Daily Rate (ADR):$315.27Occupancy:38.31%Regulation:Low
Rank:#29Market:BrightCountry:AustraliaProperties:482Monthly Revenue:$3263.43Daily Rate (ADR):$293.74Occupancy:40.39%Regulation:Low
Rank:#30Market:Nelson BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:478Monthly Revenue:$2541.61Daily Rate (ADR):$368.02Occupancy:31.15%Regulation:High
Rank:#31Market:Eurobodalla Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:464Monthly Revenue:$2133.95Daily Rate (ADR):$264.30Occupancy:36.35%Regulation:High
Rank:#32Market:Ocean GroveCountry:AustraliaProperties:448Monthly Revenue:$2352.75Daily Rate (ADR):$284.08Occupancy:37.91%Regulation:Low
Rank:#33Market:North CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:443Monthly Revenue:$1910.21Daily Rate (ADR):$146.11Occupancy:50.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#34Market:DaylesfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:443Monthly Revenue:$3051.36Daily Rate (ADR):$306.43Occupancy:35.49%Regulation:Low
Rank:#35Market:BallaratCountry:AustraliaProperties:431Monthly Revenue:$1739.24Daily Rate (ADR):$155.89Occupancy:44.75%Regulation:Low
Rank:#36Market:VincentiaCountry:AustraliaProperties:420Monthly Revenue:$3421.25Daily Rate (ADR):$378.32Occupancy:36.86%Regulation:High
Rank:#37Market:Margaret RiverCountry:AustraliaProperties:416Monthly Revenue:$4180.70Daily Rate (ADR):$238.31Occupancy:61.47%Regulation:High
Rank:#38Market:Apollo BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:414Monthly Revenue:$2583.14Daily Rate (ADR):$272.16Occupancy:37.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#39Market:YambaCountry:AustraliaProperties:411Monthly Revenue:$2669.38Daily Rate (ADR):$321.77Occupancy:36.79%Regulation:High
Rank:#40Market:ForsterCountry:AustraliaProperties:410Monthly Revenue:$1995.23Daily Rate (ADR):$283.15Occupancy:31.45%Regulation:High
Rank:#41Market:Port MacquarieCountry:AustraliaProperties:410Monthly Revenue:$2184.40Daily Rate (ADR):$217.54Occupancy:44.91%Regulation:High
Rank:#42Market:LorneCountry:AustraliaProperties:395Monthly Revenue:$2786.16Daily Rate (ADR):$396.64Occupancy:32.18%Regulation:Low
Rank:#43Market:City of Greater GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:388Monthly Revenue:$2429.82Daily Rate (ADR):$301.71Occupancy:36.79%Regulation:Low
Rank:#44Market:Shire of Colac OtwayCountry:AustraliaProperties:388Monthly Revenue:$2805.70Daily Rate (ADR):$304.11Occupancy:37.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#45Market:Airlie BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:374Monthly Revenue:$3662.51Daily Rate (ADR):$299.21Occupancy:49.07%Regulation:Low
Rank:#46Market:Hervey BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:367Monthly Revenue:$2159.28Daily Rate (ADR):$176.44Occupancy:51.23%Regulation:Low
Rank:#47Market:Whitsunday RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:364Monthly Revenue:$6469.18Daily Rate (ADR):$567.54Occupancy:47.31%Regulation:Low
Rank:#48Market:PerthCountry:AustraliaProperties:362Monthly Revenue:$2758.89Daily Rate (ADR):$158.42Occupancy:62.00%Regulation:High
Rank:#49Market:Port Stephens CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:354Monthly Revenue:$3348.13Daily Rate (ADR):$404.76Occupancy:34.02%Regulation:High
Rank:#50Market:Shire of South GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:343Monthly Revenue:$2035.50Daily Rate (ADR):$234.88Occupancy:34.96%Regulation:Low
Rank:#51Market:KingscliffCountry:AustraliaProperties:339Monthly Revenue:$3457.13Daily Rate (ADR):$400.21Occupancy:39.08%Regulation:High
Rank:#52Market:Port FairyCountry:AustraliaProperties:338Monthly Revenue:$2225.46Daily Rate (ADR):$285.52Occupancy:33.49%Regulation:Low
Rank:#53Market:OrangeCountry:AustraliaProperties:336Monthly Revenue:$2544.67Daily Rate (ADR):$226.54Occupancy:43.81%Regulation:High
Rank:#54Market:Coffs HarbourCountry:AustraliaProperties:330Monthly Revenue:$2738.51Daily Rate (ADR):$246.77Occupancy:43.70%Regulation:High
Rank:#55Market:Townsville CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:323Monthly Revenue:$1666.52Daily Rate (ADR):$224.03Occupancy:34.39%Regulation:Low
Rank:#56Market:InverlochCountry:AustraliaProperties:323Monthly Revenue:$1777.91Daily Rate (ADR):$260.97Occupancy:32.91%Regulation:Low
Rank:#57Market:MandurahCountry:AustraliaProperties:323Monthly Revenue:$3035.61Daily Rate (ADR):$266.97Occupancy:46.03%Regulation:High
Rank:#58Market:Mid-Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:317Monthly Revenue:$2042.86Daily Rate (ADR):$244.15Occupancy:35.51%Regulation:High
Rank:#59Market:FremantleCountry:AustraliaProperties:316Monthly Revenue:$2906.97Daily Rate (ADR):$176.44Occupancy:62.09%Regulation:High
Rank:#60Market:CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:310Monthly Revenue:$1867.24Daily Rate (ADR):$159.32Occupancy:47.94%Regulation:Low
Rank:#61Market:BendigoCountry:AustraliaProperties:299Monthly Revenue:$2075.70Daily Rate (ADR):$174.00Occupancy:47.29%Regulation:Low
Rank:#62Market:Wagga Wagga City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:291Monthly Revenue:$2110.75Daily Rate (ADR):$210.53Occupancy:43.70%Regulation:High
Rank:#63Market:Scenic Rim RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:286Monthly Revenue:$3406.78Daily Rate (ADR):$261.98Occupancy:46.90%Regulation:Low
Rank:#64Market:ToowoombaCountry:AustraliaProperties:280Monthly Revenue:$2332.48Daily Rate (ADR):$149.64Occupancy:55.17%Regulation:Low
Rank:#65Market:Shire of HepburnCountry:AustraliaProperties:276Monthly Revenue:$3052.74Daily Rate (ADR):$319.36Occupancy:35.78%Regulation:Low
Rank:#66Market:Sunshine BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:271Monthly Revenue:$3663.51Daily Rate (ADR):$424.06Occupancy:40.47%Regulation:Low
Rank:#67Market:AlbanyCountry:AustraliaProperties:268Monthly Revenue:$3137.96Daily Rate (ADR):$216.09Occupancy:54.40%Regulation:High
Rank:#68Market:BathurstCountry:AustraliaProperties:263Monthly Revenue:$2259.26Daily Rate (ADR):$276.24Occupancy:36.78%Regulation:High
Rank:#69Market:RobeCountry:AustraliaProperties:262Monthly Revenue:$2149.43Daily Rate (ADR):$218.96Occupancy:39.15%Regulation:Low
Rank:#70Market:AngleseaCountry:AustraliaProperties:260Monthly Revenue:$2090.79Daily Rate (ADR):$319.98Occupancy:31.90%Regulation:Low
Rank:#71Market:WarrnamboolCountry:AustraliaProperties:260Monthly Revenue:$2329.60Daily Rate (ADR):$222.38Occupancy:42.80%Regulation:Low
Rank:#72Market:ThredboCountry:AustraliaProperties:259Monthly Revenue:$2671.19Daily Rate (ADR):$550.84Occupancy:25.88%Regulation:High
Rank:#73Market:Lennox HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:246Monthly Revenue:$3060.01Daily Rate (ADR):$351.26Occupancy:44.13%Regulation:High
Rank:#74Market:Surf Coast ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:240Monthly Revenue:$2136.50Daily Rate (ADR):$316.03Occupancy:34.27%Regulation:Low
Rank:#75Market:YallingupCountry:AustraliaProperties:237Monthly Revenue:$4326.99Daily Rate (ADR):$379.90Occupancy:47.10%Regulation:High
Rank:#76Market:HuskissonCountry:AustraliaProperties:235Monthly Revenue:$3912.68Daily Rate (ADR):$355.19Occupancy:39.17%Regulation:High
Rank:#77Market:Shoal BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:234Monthly Revenue:$2735.86Daily Rate (ADR):$377.92Occupancy:30.78%Regulation:High
Rank:#78Market:BlackheathCountry:AustraliaProperties:232Monthly Revenue:$3145.00Daily Rate (ADR):$275.15Occupancy:44.18%Regulation:High
Rank:#79Market:Snowy Monaro Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:230Monthly Revenue:$3575.60Daily Rate (ADR):$399.93Occupancy:35.15%Regulation:High
Rank:#80Market:Mid-Western Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:227Monthly Revenue:$3070.36Daily Rate (ADR):$315.97Occupancy:34.42%Regulation:High
Rank:#81Market:Livingstone ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:225Monthly Revenue:$1816.10Daily Rate (ADR):$192.03Occupancy:38.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#82Market:BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:225Monthly Revenue:$3434.86Daily Rate (ADR):$244.74Occupancy:50.55%Regulation:High
Rank:#83Market:KiamaCountry:AustraliaProperties:221Monthly Revenue:$3117.82Daily Rate (ADR):$381.75Occupancy:37.72%Regulation:High
Rank:#84Market:District of BelconnenCountry:AustraliaProperties:220Monthly Revenue:$1736.04Daily Rate (ADR):$133.90Occupancy:48.86%Regulation:Low
Rank:#85Market:Noosa ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:220Monthly Revenue:$2676.95Daily Rate (ADR):$286.33Occupancy:40.59%Regulation:Low
Rank:#86Market:MudgeeCountry:AustraliaProperties:215Monthly Revenue:$3268.18Daily Rate (ADR):$304.48Occupancy:39.88%Regulation:High
Rank:#87Market:Shire of East GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:214Monthly Revenue:$1599.53Daily Rate (ADR):$211.47Occupancy:31.78%Regulation:Low
Rank:#88Market:South CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:209Monthly Revenue:$2099.68Daily Rate (ADR):$151.25Occupancy:51.86%Regulation:Low
Rank:#89Market:TerrigalCountry:AustraliaProperties:207Monthly Revenue:$2846.92Daily Rate (ADR):$370.40Occupancy:36.63%Regulation:High
Rank:#90Market:JoondalupCountry:AustraliaProperties:207Monthly Revenue:$2506.37Daily Rate (ADR):$168.20Occupancy:57.08%Regulation:High
Rank:#91Market:Byron Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:206Monthly Revenue:$4043.39Daily Rate (ADR):$435.18Occupancy:43.48%Regulation:High
Rank:#92Market:MerimbulaCountry:AustraliaProperties:206Monthly Revenue:$2545.90Daily Rate (ADR):$268.19Occupancy:40.29%Regulation:High
Rank:#93Market:AlburyCountry:AustraliaProperties:204Monthly Revenue:$2258.03Daily Rate (ADR):$165.95Occupancy:51.41%Regulation:High
Rank:#94Market:Halls GapCountry:AustraliaProperties:199Monthly Revenue:$2340.27Daily Rate (ADR):$196.22Occupancy:40.20%Regulation:Low
Rank:#95Market:Agnes WaterCountry:AustraliaProperties:198Monthly Revenue:$2234.08Daily Rate (ADR):$249.91Occupancy:37.07%Regulation:Low
Rank:#96Market:Crescent HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:192Monthly Revenue:$1861.31Daily Rate (ADR):$225.89Occupancy:35.69%Regulation:High
Rank:#97Market:Shellharbour City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:192Monthly Revenue:$3371.24Daily Rate (ADR):$344.46Occupancy:42.61%Regulation:High
Rank:#98Market:South West RocksCountry:AustraliaProperties:189Monthly Revenue:$1461.32Daily Rate (ADR):$183.28Occupancy:35.48%Regulation:High
Rank:#99Market:Rainbow BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:187Monthly Revenue:$2127.60Daily Rate (ADR):$225.63Occupancy:38.97%Regulation:Low
Rank:#100Market:Lakes EntranceCountry:AustraliaProperties:186Monthly Revenue:$1909.23Daily Rate (ADR):$222.75Occupancy:34.66%Regulation:Low

Our Data-Driven Methodology for STR Market Analysis

At AirROI, our market rankings and insights are powered by a robust methodology combining comprehensive Airbnb data collection with sophisticated STR analytics techniques. We strive to provide the most accurate and actionable intelligence for short-term rental investors.

Data Collection & Scope

  • Global Coverage: We aggregate STR data from tens of millions of active short-term rental listings across platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo worldwide.
  • Real-Time Metrics: Our systems track key performance indicators (KPIs) daily, including booking rates, nightly pricing (ADR), occupancy rates, and revenue.
  • Regulatory Monitoring: We actively monitor and incorporate local short-term rental regulations, licensing requirements, and tax obligations into our market analysis.

Analysis & Ranking

  • Proprietary Algorithms: AI and machine learning models analyze booking patterns, predict seasonal demand shifts, and identify emerging market trends in the STR space.
  • Key Metric Evaluation: We evaluate markets based on a weighted combination of critical investment factors using our extensive Airbnb analytics:
    • Revenue Potential: Average Monthly Revenue and Average Daily Rate (ADR).
    • Market Demand: Occupancy Rate and booking lead times.
    • Investment Scale: Number of active properties and market growth trends.
    • Regulatory Environment: Assessed impact of local STR regulations on operational feasibility and profitability.
  • Benchmarking: Performance is benchmarked against regional and global averages to provide context for vacation rental investment potential.

Key Metrics Explained

  • Properties: The count of active short-term rental listings in the market.
  • Monthly Revenue: Average revenue generated per property per month, a key indicator for Airbnb profitability.
  • Daily Rate (ADR): Average nightly booking price.
  • Occupancy: Percentage of nights booked out of total available nights, crucial for understanding STR demand.
  • Regulation: An indicator of the local regulatory climate impacting Airbnb investment.

This rigorous approach ensures our recommendations are based on real-world performance Airbnb data and forward-looking market analysis, empowering you to invest smarter in the vacation rental market.

Access Real-Time Airbnb API

This report is powered by our industry-leading Airbnb Data API, providing direct access to live short-term rental data from global markets like Australia. Use this data to build powerful analytics tools, discover investment opportunities, and inform your vacation rental strategy.

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