Cairns, Queensland Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Cairns, Queensland? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $30,786 per year — at a $182 nightly rate, 53.5% occupancy, and a $100 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With 884 active listings and solid booking activity throughout the year, Cairns is an established vacation rental market. Supply grew 51.9% 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?
In Cairns, the headline Airbnb metrics are $30,786 in average annual revenue,53.5% occupancy, $182 ADR, and $100 in RevPAR, and guests book about 53 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Cairns?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cairns 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 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 across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,278+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,296 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,597 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,392, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cairns
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Cairns?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cairns STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 88%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 78% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 62%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 36% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cairns
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Cairns?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cairns involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cairns 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 $313+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $222 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $147 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $100 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cairns
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Cairns?
RevPAR in Cairns is currently $100. 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 $49 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $83 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $132 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $192 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Cairns
RevPAR Insights for Cairns
- The average RevPAR in Cairns is $100. 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% ($192) and bottom 25% ($49) is $143, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Mar, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Cairns benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $83, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $132+ 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?
Cairns's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, October, 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, October)
- Revenue averages $4,205 per month
- Occupancy rates average 67.4%
- Daily rates average $189
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,198 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 57.4%
- Daily rates hold near $180
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,325 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 43.8%
- Daily rates adjust to average $173
Seasonality Insights for Cairns
- Airbnb seasonality in Cairns 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's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $4,753, occupancy reaching 72.2%, and ADRs peaking at $196.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,084, occupancy could drop to 40.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $169.
- 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.
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, 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?
Cairns, Queensland, Australia currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 884 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 to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cairns?
Location within Cairns 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Cove | A beautiful beachside suburb known for its luxurious resorts and stunning coastline. Perfect for tourists looking for relaxation and high-end amenities. | Palm Cove Beach, Kuranda Skyrail, Cairns Tropical Zoo, Spa & Wellness Centers, Great Barrier Reef Tours |
| Cairns City | The bustling heart of Cairns, ideal for urban explorers wanting to experience local culture, dining, and nightlife while being close to the Great Barrier Reef. | Cairns Esplanade, Cairns Night Markets, Cairns Convention Centre, Rusty's Markets, Cairns Botanical Gardens |
| Port Douglas | A charming coastal town known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, appealing to nature lovers and adventure seekers. | Four Mile Beach, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas Markets, Great Barrier Reef Cruises |
| Trinity Beach | A relaxed beach community popular among families and couples, offering a more tranquil beach experience while still being close to Cairns. | Trinity Beach, Earl Hill Conservation Park, local cafes and restaurants |
| Kuranda | A picturesque village in the rainforest, famous for its markets and scenic railway, attracting tourists looking for a unique experience in nature. | Kuranda Scenic Railway, Kuranda Markets, Rainforestation Nature Park, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway |
| Yorkeys Knob | A laid-back beach area known for its water sports and proximity to the reef, attractive to budget travelers and those seeking leisure activities. | Yorkeys Knob Beach, Marina Mirage, Water Sports Activities |
| Mission Beach | A tropical paradise perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers, located near the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. | Mission Beach, Dunk Island, Tully River Rafting, Beaches and Nature Walks |
| Smithfield | A suburban area close to attractions like Skyrail and the Tjapukai Cultural Park, offering a balance of local life and tourist access. | Cairns Skyrail, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Shopping Centers |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Cairns 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?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Cairns
- The Cairns Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 83.1% of the 884 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Cairns, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (60.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 26.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 0.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Cairns Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Cairns
- The dominant room capacity in Cairns is 1 bedroom listings, making up 34.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 63.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Cairns, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 22.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Cairns.
Cairns Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Cairns
- The most common guest capacity trend in Cairns vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (26.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Cairns STR market, accounting for 52.1% of listings.
- 24.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cairns.
- On average, properties in Cairns are equipped to host 3.7 guests.
How Do Listings in Cairns Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Cairns 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
- At 24.1 photos per listing on average, Cairns hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 36.9% 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 averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Cairns?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Cairns
- Essential amenities in Cairns that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Washer, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cairns: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Washer 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 to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Cairns?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Cairns, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Smoke alarm | 97.6% | $31,278 | $10,548 | 196.5% |
Dishes and silverware | 88.3% | $33,020 | $13,847 | 138.5% |
Dishwasher | 51.7% | $42,103 | $18,674 | 125.5% |
Bed linens | 84.3% | $33,702 | $15,155 | 122.4% |
Iron | 84.5% | $33,635 | $15,250 | 120.6% |
Patio or balcony | 75.8% | $35,465 | $16,136 | 119.8% |
Hair dryer | 89.3% | $32,600 | $15,719 | 107.4% |
Hot water | 90.2% | $32,423 | $15,793 | 105.3% |
Stove | 75.8% | $35,002 | $17,587 | 99.0% |
Wine glasses | 71.5% | $35,826 | $18,146 | 97.4% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Cairns
- Smoke alarm tops the revenue impact list with a 196.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $31,278 vs. $10,548 without it.
- Smoke alarm, Dishes and silverware, Bed linens, Iron, Hair dryer, Hot water — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- 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 STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cairns. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCairns Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Cairns
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cairns consists of a mix of domestic (56%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby Melbourne, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or German.
- Domestic travelers account for 55.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (55.6%) and United States (13.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (60.5%) followed by German (6.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- 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?
Listings in Cairns average 4.78 out of 5 overall, with about 100.4 reviews per active listing and 34.8% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Cairns
- An average rating of 4.78 places Cairns in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.88), while Value (4.74) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 34.8% 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 Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Cairns
- The most common availability pattern in Cairns falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 35% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 52.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Cairns (35%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 49.1% 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?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Cairns
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cairns is 53 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 66 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 42 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (62 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (45 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (53 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cairns.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 66 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 62 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cairns averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Cairns?
Guests in Cairns stay about 5.3 nights on average, generating roughly 27,968 reservations and 31.6 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
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Cairns
- 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 31.6 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 May (5.9 nights) and shorten in Mar (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 Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
121 listings
13.7% of total
2 Nights
239 listings
27.1% of total
3 Nights
130 listings
14.7% of total
4-6 Nights
30 listings
3.4% of total
7-29 Nights
15 listings
1.7% of total
30+ Nights
348 listings
39.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cairns is 30+ Nights, adopted by 39.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (39.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cairns, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 39.4% of Cairns hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 13.7% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 39.4% 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.
Cairns Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
11 listings
1.2% of total
Limited
43 listings
4.9% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
1 listings
0.1% of total
Flexible
169 listings
19.1% of total
Moderate
243 listings
27.5% of total
Firm
364 listings
41.2% of total
Strict
53 listings
6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Cairns
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cairns is Firm, used by 41.2% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (46.6%) and stricter (47.2%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (6%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 41.2% market standard in Cairns.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 6% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cairns.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Cairns?
Cleaning fees in Cairns 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
- 74.5% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Cairns. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $119 is close to the median ($100), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 10.6% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Cairns median of $100. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- 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 Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Cairnsbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Belle Escapes 52 Harbour Lights with Ocean View
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Belle Escapes 24 Harbour Lights with Water View
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
702 CBD Apartment with elevated City & Water Views
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Rydges Plaza Esplanade Luxury 2-Bedroom Apartment
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
604 Chic City Apartment with Water Views
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
City 10 Room House - Aircon, Netflix, pool table.
Entire Place • 6 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?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cairns 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Boutique Collection | 66 | $3,359,622 | 3655 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Thomas | 75 | $3,277,625 | 3343 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Antje | 12 | $2,054,579 | 542 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Isabell | 18 | $829,168 | 937 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Tomoka & Brian | 20 | $799,033 | 1145 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Scott & Kris | 9 | $480,959 | 1895 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Scott & Kris | 8 | $469,946 | 1457 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Freeman'S Residential | 17 | $430,959 | 397 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Yummy And John | 4 | $367,038 | 650 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Linda | 11 | $351,386 | 1582 | 4.87/5.0 |
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.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Cairns?
Cairns is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Cairns
- With 65.6% Superhosts, Cairns has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 14.4% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 4.9% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 76.4% 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 35.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Cairns averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Cairns
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Cairns, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Boutique Collection | 66 | $3,359,622 | $232 | 65.1% | 4.76/5 |
| Thomas | 75 | $3,277,625 | $225 | 60.2% | 4.79/5 |
| Antje | 12 | $2,054,579 | $707 | 69.8% | 4.86/5 |
| Isabell | 18 | $829,168 | $193 | 67.5% | 4.94/5 |
| Tomoka & Brian | 20 | $799,033 | $241 | 52.8% | 4.84/5 |
| Freeman'S Residential | 17 | $430,959 | $262 | 39.0% | 4.67/5 |
| Anna | 4 | $201,395 | $326 | 51.4% | 4.80/5 |
| Holidays With Hunt | 3 | $183,887 | $252 | 65.9% | 4.79/5 |
| Erina Maria | 3 | $113,342 | $229 | 59.7% | 4.96/5 |
| MadeComfy | 1 | $98,055 | $382 | 70.0% | 4.76/5 |
Management Company Insights for Cairns
- The leading management company, The Boutique Collection, operates 66 listings with $3,359,622 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Cairns.
- Top managers average 22 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.82/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 14.4% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- 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's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Cairns 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 has 0 percentage points higher occupancy and about $89 lower 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% |
| Cairns Regional | 681 | $3,536 | $313.22 | 43% |
| 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% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Cairns
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Cairns.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cairns?
Cairns hosts earn about $30,786 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $182 and RevPAR of $100. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Cairns, Queensland, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Cairns market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cairns?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cairns is 53.5%. 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?
Listings in Cairns average $182 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?
Cairns currently has about 884 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?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Cairns as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.1% 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?
RevPAR in Cairns is about $100. 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?
At 53.5% occupancy, Cairns 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 $30,786, 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?
The average booking lead time in Cairns is about 53 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?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cairns include Palm Cove, Cairns City, Port Douglas. 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?
entire_home listings make up 83.1% of the active supply in Cairns. 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 compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Kewarra Beach posts $55,349 in average annual revenue with 49.9% occupancy, compared to Cairns's $30,786 and 53.5%. 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?
The average Airbnb stay length in Cairns is about 5.3 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?
Airbnb listings in Cairns average 4.78 out of 5 overall. About 34.8% 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?
Smoke alarm and Dishes and silverware are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Cairns. 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?
Yes. About 74.5% of active Airbnb listings in Cairns charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $119. 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?
A 65.6% 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.