Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Mackay, Queensland, Australia
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Mackay? 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 Mackay:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Mackay?
The short-term rental market in Mackay 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 $2,100 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $2,946 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $3,910+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,044
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Mackay
The market in Mackay 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 58% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 80% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 90%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 31%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Mackay
Daily rates in Mackay 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 $111 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $145 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $190+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $88
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Mackay
Peak Season (June, September, July)
- Revenue peaks at $2420.30 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 65.09%
- Daily rates average $126.07
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2174.06 per month
- Occupancy maintains 55.29%
- Daily rates hold at $121.23
Low Season (November, December, January)
- Revenue drops to $1731.20 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 47.47%
- Daily rates adjust to $117.31
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Mackay in 2025?
Yes! Mackay demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 55% and solid monthly revenue averaging $2174 and With 95 active listings, this emerging market offers significant first-mover advantages. 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 Mackay
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Mackay Harbour | A beautiful waterfront location known for its marina and proximity to beaches. Great for tourists looking for outdoor activities and relaxation by the water. | Mackay Marina, Far Beach, Mackay Harbour, Bluewater Trail, Mackay Surf Life Saving Club |
| City Centre | The heart of Mackay, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences. Ideal for business travelers and visitors exploring the city. | Caneland Central Shopping Centre, Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Bluewater Lagoon, Artspace Mackay, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens |
| South Mackay | A quiet suburban area offering a mix of residential charm and proximity to local amenities. Attractive for families and longer-term stays. | South Mackay Park, Mackay Golf Club, Local cafes and shops, Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre |
| North Mackay | Close to the Pioneer River and various parks, this area is sought after for its peaceful environment and community feel, appealing to families and nature lovers. | Pioneer River, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Malcolmson Street Park, Local markets |
| Bucasia | A beachside suburb that offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, perfect for those looking to enjoy the sandy beaches and local natural attractions. | Bucasia Beach, Eimeo Beach, Bucasia Esplanade, Local cafes and eateries |
| Sarina | A small town south of Mackay known for its agricultural charm and proximity to beautiful natural attractions, ideal for guests seeking a rural escape. | Sarina Beach, Sarina Sugar Shed, Local farms and markets, Natural attractions nearby |
| Eungella | Nestled in the mountainous areas, it is famous for its stunning views and hiking trails, attracting nature enthusiasts and those wanting to explore the wilderness. | Eungella National Park, Wheel of Fire lookout, Pioneer Valley, Hiking trails |
| Sarina Beach | A scenic coastal location ideal for families and beachgoers, offering a peaceful getaway with beautiful surroundings and ocean views. | Sarina Beach, Sarina Marina, Local shops and eateries, Fishing spots |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Mackay?
We recommend checking directly with Mackay'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 Mackay
"Karma Waters" Beach House
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Dazniks place.
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
New Home close to Airport,hospital, Coles & Resto
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Mackay Oceanside Central Hotel Family King Suite
Private Room • 2 bedrooms
Best Location +PoolTable+bar+pool +Tarven
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Entire Art Deco apartment inner city Mackay
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Mackay
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christine And Brad | 11 | $273,551 | 627 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Cesar | 9 | $207,365 | 429 | 4.68/5.0 |
| Emma | 4 | $132,555 | 155 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Airtrip Home | 3 | $75,874 | 103 | 3.88/5.0 |
| Berni | 2 | $73,163 | 202 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Mackay Oceanside Hotel | 2 | $63,936 | 80 | 4.46/5.0 |
| Cheryl | 2 | $62,904 | 32 | 4.47/5.0 |
| Heli | 2 | $53,104 | 997 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Shanna | 2 | $50,034 | 26 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Nichole | 1 | $49,370 | 44 | 4.93/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Mackay
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 (87.4%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 85.3% of inventory
- Untapped potential in others, unique stays segments (6.3% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 95 properties in Mackay shows that 2 bedrooms properties are most prevalent, making up 29.5% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms together representing 53.7% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 2 bedrooms (29.5%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (2.1%)
- Market concentration: 53.7% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 95 properties in Mackay reveals that 4 guests properties dominate the market, representing 21.1% of all listings. The average property accommodates 4.7 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 4 guests and 6 guests make up 42.1% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 4 guests (21.1% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (1.1% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 4.7 guests per property
- Market concentration: 42.1% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 95 properties in Mackay, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (36.8% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (33.7% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 91-180 days (36.8%)
- Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (33.7%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 38.9%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 61.1%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
17 listings
20% of total
2 Nights
28 listings
32.9% of total
3 Nights
29 listings
34.1% of total
4-6 Nights
3 listings
3.5% of total
7-29 Nights
7 listings
8.2% of total
30+ Nights
1 listings
1.2% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 52.9%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 3.5% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (1.2%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 87.0% 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
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Flexible
15 listings
17.6% of total
Moderate
19 listings
22.4% of total
Firm
17 listings
20% of total
Strict
34 listings
40% of total
Key Insights
- Strict is the preferred policy at 40.0% of listings
- The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (40.0%) and strict (60.0%) policies
- Flexible policies are least common at 17.6% of listings
Recommendations
- Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
- Strong market preference for Strict policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Dec, Sep, May, averaging 50 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Nov, Apr, Feb, averaging 32 days
- Fall shows the longest average booking window at 43 days, while Spring has the shortest at 38 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Fall bookings at least 43 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Spring to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Nov-Feb when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Mackay
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Mackay:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 89% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: United Kingdom (2.6%) and Germany (1.5%)
- English is the top language at 85.3%, followed by Spanish (5.1%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 6.0%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Brisbane and Queensland markets
- Develop localized content for United Kingdom and Germany
- 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 Mackay. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitsunday Regional | 353 | $6,542 | $567.61 | 50% |
| Shute Harbour | 18 | $3,664 | $375.43 | 41% |
| Airlie Beach | 387 | $3,612 | $287.67 | 51% |
| Cannonvale | 75 | $2,294 | $188.97 | 51% |
| Mackay Regional | 45 | $1,881 | $143.47 | 55% |
| Bowen | 20 | $1,713 | $140.59 | 43% |
| Seaforth | 11 | $1,698 | $120.13 | 54% |
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