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

Source: AirROI

Last updated: 2025-08-01

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:19,241Monthly Revenue:$2058.96Daily Rate (ADR):$210.13Occupancy:45.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#2Market:SydneyCountry:AustraliaProperties:13,654Monthly Revenue:$2578.36Daily Rate (ADR):$236.14Occupancy:50.71%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#3Market:Gold Coast CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:6,142Monthly Revenue:$3118.88Daily Rate (ADR):$274.52Occupancy:49.47%Regulation:Low
Rank:#4Market:Greater BrisbaneCountry:AustraliaProperties:6,068Monthly Revenue:$2251.20Daily Rate (ADR):$193.96Occupancy:51.40%Regulation:Low
Rank:#5Market:AdelaideCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,844Monthly Revenue:$2597.82Daily Rate (ADR):$210.44Occupancy:49.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#6Market:Sunshine Coast RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,760Monthly Revenue:$2681.15Daily Rate (ADR):$251.71Occupancy:46.57%Regulation:Low
Rank:#7Market:HobartCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,711Monthly Revenue:$2493.68Daily Rate (ADR):$185.27Occupancy:53.53%Regulation:Low
Rank:#8Market:Shoalhaven City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,184Monthly Revenue:$3163.36Daily Rate (ADR):$391.88Occupancy:35.29%Regulation:Low
Rank:#9Market:Newcastle-MaitlandCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,079Monthly Revenue:$2513.72Daily Rate (ADR):$232.36Occupancy:45.80%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#10Market:Noosa HeadsCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,045Monthly Revenue:$4179.56Daily Rate (ADR):$391.90Occupancy:47.24%Regulation:Low
Rank:#11Market:CairnsCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,023Monthly Revenue:$2269.55Daily Rate (ADR):$170.27Occupancy:54.52%Regulation:Low
Rank:#12Market:Byron BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,022Monthly Revenue:$4220.73Daily Rate (ADR):$434.04Occupancy:43.31%Regulation:Low
Rank:#13Market:Central Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:956Monthly Revenue:$2759.09Daily Rate (ADR):$352.21Occupancy:35.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#14Market:GosfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:948Monthly Revenue:$2650.11Daily Rate (ADR):$351.39Occupancy:36.60%Regulation:Low
Rank:#15Market:Cairns RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:785Monthly Revenue:$3220.86Daily Rate (ADR):$297.64Occupancy:43.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#16Market:DarwinCountry:AustraliaProperties:762Monthly Revenue:$1986.10Daily Rate (ADR):$182.79Occupancy:48.42%Regulation:Low
Rank:#17Market:CowesCountry:AustraliaProperties:729Monthly Revenue:$2062.45Daily Rate (ADR):$252.89Occupancy:33.78%Regulation:Low
Rank:#18Market:Wollongong City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:652Monthly Revenue:$2508.56Daily Rate (ADR):$235.11Occupancy:45.88%Regulation:Low
Rank:#19Market:City of StirlingCountry:AustraliaProperties:634Monthly Revenue:$2620.57Daily Rate (ADR):$181.56Occupancy:60.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#20Market:Port DouglasCountry:AustraliaProperties:629Monthly Revenue:$2835.00Daily Rate (ADR):$339.58Occupancy:38.17%Regulation:Low
Rank:#21Market:LauncestonCountry:AustraliaProperties:609Monthly Revenue:$2212.61Daily Rate (ADR):$171.09Occupancy:51.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#22Market:City Of BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:585Monthly Revenue:$3570.84Daily Rate (ADR):$310.35Occupancy:44.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#23Market:JindabyneCountry:AustraliaProperties:562Monthly Revenue:$2089.42Daily Rate (ADR):$391.80Occupancy:29.00%Regulation:Low
Rank:#24Market:GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:552Monthly Revenue:$1641.19Daily Rate (ADR):$161.68Occupancy:43.49%Regulation:Low
Rank:#25Market:TownsvilleCountry:AustraliaProperties:529Monthly Revenue:$1796.54Daily Rate (ADR):$182.08Occupancy:47.27%Regulation:Low
Rank:#26Market:CessnockCountry:AustraliaProperties:523Monthly Revenue:$3781.16Daily Rate (ADR):$421.30Occupancy:34.89%Regulation:Low
Rank:#27Market:DunsboroughCountry:AustraliaProperties:519Monthly Revenue:$3601.12Daily Rate (ADR):$308.03Occupancy:47.83%Regulation:Low
Rank:#28Market:TorquayCountry:AustraliaProperties:515Monthly Revenue:$2410.73Daily Rate (ADR):$303.37Occupancy:38.85%Regulation:Low
Rank:#29Market:Nelson BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:495Monthly Revenue:$2412.72Daily Rate (ADR):$356.25Occupancy:31.34%Regulation:Low
Rank:#30Market:BrightCountry:AustraliaProperties:495Monthly Revenue:$3203.19Daily Rate (ADR):$293.75Occupancy:40.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#31Market:North CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:478Monthly Revenue:$1680.88Daily Rate (ADR):$136.23Occupancy:51.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#32Market:Eurobodalla Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:478Monthly Revenue:$2004.35Daily Rate (ADR):$250.17Occupancy:36.93%Regulation:Low
Rank:#33Market:Ocean GroveCountry:AustraliaProperties:470Monthly Revenue:$2198.17Daily Rate (ADR):$270.64Occupancy:37.69%Regulation:Low
Rank:#34Market:DaylesfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:465Monthly Revenue:$2886.09Daily Rate (ADR):$301.26Occupancy:35.05%Regulation:Low
Rank:#35Market:BallaratCountry:AustraliaProperties:458Monthly Revenue:$1536.91Daily Rate (ADR):$146.80Occupancy:43.03%Regulation:Low
Rank:#36Market:VincentiaCountry:AustraliaProperties:438Monthly Revenue:$3161.70Daily Rate (ADR):$365.29Occupancy:37.34%Regulation:Low
Rank:#37Market:Margaret RiverCountry:AustraliaProperties:432Monthly Revenue:$3901.02Daily Rate (ADR):$228.17Occupancy:60.78%Regulation:Low
Rank:#38Market:Port MacquarieCountry:AustraliaProperties:428Monthly Revenue:$2078.46Daily Rate (ADR):$208.61Occupancy:44.96%Regulation:Low
Rank:#39Market:ForsterCountry:AustraliaProperties:427Monthly Revenue:$1877.61Daily Rate (ADR):$273.35Occupancy:32.02%Regulation:Low
Rank:#40Market:Apollo BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:424Monthly Revenue:$2480.37Daily Rate (ADR):$263.35Occupancy:38.02%Regulation:Low
Rank:#41Market:YambaCountry:AustraliaProperties:423Monthly Revenue:$2580.62Daily Rate (ADR):$310.72Occupancy:37.70%Regulation:Low
Rank:#42Market:City of Greater GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:411Monthly Revenue:$2269.72Daily Rate (ADR):$291.34Occupancy:37.19%Regulation:Low
Rank:#43Market:Hervey BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:400Monthly Revenue:$1926.65Daily Rate (ADR):$168.75Occupancy:51.21%Regulation:Low
Rank:#44Market:PerthCountry:AustraliaProperties:399Monthly Revenue:$2514.33Daily Rate (ADR):$149.19Occupancy:62.32%Regulation:Low
Rank:#45Market:LorneCountry:AustraliaProperties:398Monthly Revenue:$2740.01Daily Rate (ADR):$388.27Occupancy:33.02%Regulation:Low
Rank:#46Market:Airlie BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:396Monthly Revenue:$3507.80Daily Rate (ADR):$288.20Occupancy:50.09%Regulation:Low
Rank:#47Market:Shire of Colac OtwayCountry:AustraliaProperties:395Monthly Revenue:$2737.94Daily Rate (ADR):$300.85Occupancy:37.22%Regulation:Low
Rank:#48Market:Port Stephens CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:373Monthly Revenue:$3230.85Daily Rate (ADR):$392.96Occupancy:34.92%Regulation:Low
Rank:#49Market:Whitsunday RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:370Monthly Revenue:$6225.15Daily Rate (ADR):$557.33Occupancy:47.87%Regulation:Low
Rank:#50Market:KingscliffCountry:AustraliaProperties:357Monthly Revenue:$3436.46Daily Rate (ADR):$386.68Occupancy:41.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#51Market:MandurahCountry:AustraliaProperties:357Monthly Revenue:$2924.26Daily Rate (ADR):$251.95Occupancy:47.62%Regulation:Low
Rank:#52Market:Port FairyCountry:AustraliaProperties:351Monthly Revenue:$2131.04Daily Rate (ADR):$276.41Occupancy:33.95%Regulation:Low
Rank:#53Market:OrangeCountry:AustraliaProperties:350Monthly Revenue:$2380.36Daily Rate (ADR):$213.15Occupancy:43.45%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#54Market:Shire of South GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:350Monthly Revenue:$1982.75Daily Rate (ADR):$226.74Occupancy:36.28%Regulation:Low
Rank:#55Market:Coffs HarbourCountry:AustraliaProperties:340Monthly Revenue:$2607.06Daily Rate (ADR):$238.38Occupancy:44.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#56Market:Townsville CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:336Monthly Revenue:$1649.20Daily Rate (ADR):$215.40Occupancy:35.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#57Market:FremantleCountry:AustraliaProperties:336Monthly Revenue:$2662.32Daily Rate (ADR):$168.79Occupancy:62.11%Regulation:Low
Rank:#58Market:CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:335Monthly Revenue:$1736.74Daily Rate (ADR):$154.03Occupancy:48.50%Regulation:Low
Rank:#59Market:Mid-Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:334Monthly Revenue:$1920.83Daily Rate (ADR):$231.55Occupancy:35.68%Regulation:Low
Rank:#60Market:BendigoCountry:AustraliaProperties:333Monthly Revenue:$1929.05Daily Rate (ADR):$162.09Occupancy:48.59%Regulation:Low
Rank:#61Market:InverlochCountry:AustraliaProperties:329Monthly Revenue:$1740.22Daily Rate (ADR):$253.80Occupancy:34.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#62Market:Scenic Rim RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:304Monthly Revenue:$3027.67Daily Rate (ADR):$248.33Occupancy:46.53%Regulation:Low
Rank:#63Market:Wagga Wagga City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:298Monthly Revenue:$1968.68Daily Rate (ADR):$198.87Occupancy:44.51%Regulation:Low
Rank:#64Market:Shire of HepburnCountry:AustraliaProperties:294Monthly Revenue:$2860.07Daily Rate (ADR):$307.25Occupancy:35.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#65Market:ToowoombaCountry:AustraliaProperties:293Monthly Revenue:$2138.85Daily Rate (ADR):$141.76Occupancy:55.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#66Market:Sunshine BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:283Monthly Revenue:$3585.52Daily Rate (ADR):$410.50Occupancy:41.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#67Market:WarrnamboolCountry:AustraliaProperties:280Monthly Revenue:$2146.62Daily Rate (ADR):$215.03Occupancy:42.12%Regulation:Low
Rank:#68Market:AlbanyCountry:AustraliaProperties:280Monthly Revenue:$2932.73Daily Rate (ADR):$205.93Occupancy:54.62%Regulation:Low
Rank:#69Market:ThredboCountry:AustraliaProperties:272Monthly Revenue:$2442.99Daily Rate (ADR):$541.89Occupancy:25.20%Regulation:Low
Rank:#70Market:AngleseaCountry:AustraliaProperties:267Monthly Revenue:$2013.34Daily Rate (ADR):$304.35Occupancy:33.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#71Market:BathurstCountry:AustraliaProperties:266Monthly Revenue:$2329.47Daily Rate (ADR):$271.78Occupancy:39.16%Regulation:Low
Rank:#72Market:RobeCountry:AustraliaProperties:266Monthly Revenue:$2060.31Daily Rate (ADR):$207.10Occupancy:39.75%Regulation:Low
Rank:#73Market:Lennox HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:257Monthly Revenue:$2942.99Daily Rate (ADR):$335.98Occupancy:44.49%Regulation:Low
Rank:#74Market:District of BelconnenCountry:AustraliaProperties:249Monthly Revenue:$1488.18Daily Rate (ADR):$124.36Occupancy:49.22%Regulation:Low
Rank:#75Market:Surf Coast ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:249Monthly Revenue:$2065.49Daily Rate (ADR):$302.59Occupancy:34.71%Regulation:Low
Rank:#76Market:HuskissonCountry:AustraliaProperties:247Monthly Revenue:$3578.75Daily Rate (ADR):$344.26Occupancy:39.76%Regulation:Low
Rank:#77Market:Shoal BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:240Monthly Revenue:$2663.37Daily Rate (ADR):$363.21Occupancy:31.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#78Market:BlackheathCountry:AustraliaProperties:239Monthly Revenue:$3005.85Daily Rate (ADR):$264.41Occupancy:43.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#79Market:YallingupCountry:AustraliaProperties:239Monthly Revenue:$4141.08Daily Rate (ADR):$362.83Occupancy:48.04%Regulation:Low
Rank:#80Market:Livingstone ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:238Monthly Revenue:$1630.96Daily Rate (ADR):$176.33Occupancy:39.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#81Market:KiamaCountry:AustraliaProperties:231Monthly Revenue:$2805.15Daily Rate (ADR):$357.02Occupancy:38.08%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#82Market:Snowy Monaro Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:230Monthly Revenue:$3267.86Daily Rate (ADR):$390.96Occupancy:34.14%Regulation:Low
Rank:#83Market:Noosa ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:230Monthly Revenue:$2642.00Daily Rate (ADR):$278.35Occupancy:42.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#84Market:Shire of East GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:230Monthly Revenue:$1480.15Daily Rate (ADR):$207.50Occupancy:31.63%Regulation:Low
Rank:#85Market:Mid-Western Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:229Monthly Revenue:$2784.46Daily Rate (ADR):$306.21Occupancy:33.96%Regulation:Low
Rank:#86Market:BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:229Monthly Revenue:$3279.09Daily Rate (ADR):$236.52Occupancy:51.59%Regulation:Low
Rank:#87Market:JoondalupCountry:AustraliaProperties:228Monthly Revenue:$2403.71Daily Rate (ADR):$161.45Occupancy:58.14%Regulation:Low
Rank:#88Market:MudgeeCountry:AustraliaProperties:224Monthly Revenue:$2954.46Daily Rate (ADR):$285.68Occupancy:40.22%Regulation:Low
Rank:#89Market:AlburyCountry:AustraliaProperties:223Monthly Revenue:$1967.07Daily Rate (ADR):$162.35Occupancy:50.38%Regulation:Low
Rank:#90Market:South CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:220Monthly Revenue:$1951.49Daily Rate (ADR):$142.21Occupancy:52.90%Regulation:Low
Rank:#91Market:TerrigalCountry:AustraliaProperties:220Monthly Revenue:$2615.75Daily Rate (ADR):$361.93Occupancy:35.87%Regulation:Low
Rank:#92Market:Byron Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:214Monthly Revenue:$3839.08Daily Rate (ADR):$427.32Occupancy:42.73%Regulation:Low
Rank:#93Market:MerimbulaCountry:AustraliaProperties:212Monthly Revenue:$2470.79Daily Rate (ADR):$264.12Occupancy:40.74%Regulation:Low
Rank:#94Market:Agnes WaterCountry:AustraliaProperties:210Monthly Revenue:$2078.32Daily Rate (ADR):$240.36Occupancy:37.93%Regulation:Low
Rank:#95Market:Shellharbour City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:202Monthly Revenue:$3033.36Daily Rate (ADR):$335.69Occupancy:42.23%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#96Market:Halls GapCountry:AustraliaProperties:201Monthly Revenue:$2335.88Daily Rate (ADR):$189.65Occupancy:41.94%Regulation:Low
Rank:#97Market:City of VincentCountry:AustraliaProperties:201Monthly Revenue:$1820.63Daily Rate (ADR):$137.89Occupancy:58.83%Regulation:Low
Rank:#98Market:City of CockburnCountry:AustraliaProperties:199Monthly Revenue:$1830.68Daily Rate (ADR):$137.14Occupancy:58.99%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#99Market:Crescent HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:198Monthly Revenue:$1777.79Daily Rate (ADR):$219.13Occupancy:35.85%Regulation:Low
Rank:#100Market:Rainbow BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:197Monthly Revenue:$2091.28Daily Rate (ADR):$216.40Occupancy:40.96%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.

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