Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Cairns? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Cairns:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Cairns?
The short-term rental market in Cairns shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $2,530 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $4,283 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $6,480+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,359
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Cairns
The market in Cairns shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 65% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 82% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 90%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 38%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Cairns
Daily rates in Cairns vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $123 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $198 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $291+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $78
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Cairns
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue peaks at $3814.57 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 71.63%
- Daily rates average $171.29
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3156.42 per month
- Occupancy maintains 58.76%
- Daily rates hold at $154.88
Low Season (November, February, January)
- Revenue drops to $2476.79 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 47.16%
- Daily rates adjust to $141.11
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Cairns in 2025?
Yes! Cairns demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 59% and strong monthly revenue averaging $3156 and As a mature market with 928 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Cairns
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Port Douglas | A stunning coastal town known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Ideal for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. | Great Barrier Reef Tours, Daintree Rainforest, Four Mile Beach, Mossman Gorge, Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Palm Cove | A beautiful beachside village known for its upscale resorts and laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for visitors looking for a tropical getaway with beach access. | Palm Cove Beach, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Spa Retreats, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Trinity Beach |
| Cairns City | The hub of Cairns, offering vibrant nightlife, dining, and access to tours. Attractive for tourists wanting a mix of entertainment and adventure. | Cairns Esplanade, Cairns Night Markets, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Cairns Botanical Gardens, Lagoon Pool |
| Kewarra Beach | A tranquil suburb featuring beautiful beaches and natural surroundings. Appeals to visitors seeking relaxation away from the crowded tourist spots. | Kewarra Beach, Kewarra Beach Resort, Nearby Rainforest Trails, Local Dining Spots, Beachfront Relaxation |
| Kuranda | Known for its scenic mountain village charm and rainforest setting, Kuranda attracts visitors looking for an authentic nature escape combined with local culture. | Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Markets, Birdworld Kuranda, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary |
| Trinity Beach | A popular beach destination with a relaxed vibe and local eateries. Great for families and couples wanting a less commercialized experience. | Trinity Beach, Local Restaurants, Esplanade Boardwalk, Nearby Rainforests, Sunset Views |
| Yorkeys Knob | A peaceful coastal suburb known for its gorgeous beaches and recreational activities, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. | Yorkeys Knob Beach, Golf Course, Water Sports, Nature Reserves, Relaxed Dining |
| Maslin Beach (Innisfail) | An up-and-coming area with a mix of beach access and proximity to regional attractions, good for those wanting to explore further away from Cairns. | Innisfail Historical Society, Local Rainforest Tours, Beach Activities, Bird Watching, Heritage Walks |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Cairns?
We recommend checking directly with Cairns's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Cairns
Belle Escapes 24 Harbour Lights with Water View
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Oceans Edge beach front home on Holloways beach
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Pool w/ Rainforest Views | Pindari Retreat
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
11 Harbour Lights with Ocean Views
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cairns Central Walking Distance "2 Houses"
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Luxury Oceanview Penthouse Cairns City
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Cairns
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas | 55 | $3,367,974 | 2413 | 4.74/5.0 |
| The Boutique Collection | 30 | $1,344,053 | 619 | 3.61/5.0 |
| Cliff | 25 | $929,100 | 2279 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Antje | 11 | $892,651 | 313 | 4.39/5.0 |
| Char | 27 | $883,169 | 461 | 3.36/5.0 |
| Tomoka & Brian | 18 | $847,609 | 930 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Freemans | 18 | $713,808 | 526 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Isabell | 14 | $668,330 | 414 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Scott & Kris | 8 | $454,366 | 1869 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Scott & Kris | 7 | $452,438 | 1137 | 4.88/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Cairns
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (82.9%), with apartment & condo and house properties comprising 84.6% of inventory
- Untapped potential in outdoor & mobile, unique stays segments (0.5% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 928 properties in Cairns shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 36% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 65.3% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (36%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (2.4%)
- Market concentration: 65.3% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 928 properties in Cairns reveals that 4 guests properties dominate the market, representing 26.4% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.8 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 4 guests and 2 guests make up 51.9% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 4 guests (26.4% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (1.6% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 3.8 guests per property
- Market concentration: 51.9% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 928 properties in Cairns, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (31.5% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (31.7% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 91-180 days (31.5%)
- Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (31.7%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 43.0%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 58.9%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
164 listings
19.8% of total
2 Nights
258 listings
31.2% of total
3 Nights
215 listings
26% of total
4-6 Nights
51 listings
6.2% of total
7-29 Nights
21 listings
2.5% of total
30+ Nights
118 listings
14.3% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 51.0%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 6.2% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (14.3%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 77.0% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Super Strict 60 Days
1 listings
0.1% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
23 listings
2.8% of total
Flexible
173 listings
20.9% of total
Moderate
275 listings
33.3% of total
Firm
250 listings
30.3% of total
Strict
104 listings
12.6% of total
Key Insights
- Moderate is the preferred policy at 33.3% of listings
- The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (54.2%) and strict (42.9%) policies
- Strong market consensus around Moderate policies
- Super Strict 60 Days policies are least common at 0.1% of listings
Recommendations
- Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
- Strong market preference for Moderate policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jul, Jun, May, averaging 74 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Jan, Mar, Feb, averaging 45 days
- Summer shows the longest average booking window at 73 days, while Winter has the shortest at 48 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 73 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Jan-Feb when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Cairns
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Cairns:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 57.3% of total guests, indicating a significant local market share.
- Primary international markets: United States (15.2%) and United Kingdom (8.6%)
- English is the top language at 72.8%, followed by Spanish (7.5%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 7.8%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Melbourne and Sydney markets
- Develop localized content for United States and United Kingdom
- Prioritize English and Spanish language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Cairns. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns Regional | 829 | $3,130 | $266.73 | 46% |
| Port Douglas | 639 | $2,989 | $330.62 | 41% |
| Douglas Shire | 160 | $2,738 | $285.58 | 43% |
| Tablelands Regional | 52 | $2,671 | $221.45 | 46% |
| Mission Beach | 59 | $2,628 | $256.45 | 40% |
| Yungaburra | 53 | $2,219 | $178.56 | 44% |
| Mareeba Shire | 41 | $1,896 | $152.31 | 44% |
| South Mission Beach | 37 | $1,866 | $230.80 | 32% |
| Cooktown | 18 | $1,683 | $188.68 | 44% |
| Wonga Beach | 18 | $1,657 | $185.57 | 36% |
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