Palm Cove, Queensland Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Palm Cove, Queensland? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $46,895 per year — at a $359 nightly rate, 46.0% occupancy, and a $173 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

At 102 active listings, Palm Cove is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Palm Cove?

In Palm Cove, the headline Airbnb metrics are $46,895 in average annual revenue,46.0% occupancy, $359 ADR, and $173 in RevPAR, and guests book about 47 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$359
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Palm Cove.
Occupancy Rate(?)
46.0%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$46,895
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Palm Cove. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$173
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
N/A
No year-over-year data available.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
102
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
47 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Palm Cove. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Palm Cove.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Palm Cove.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Palm Cove?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Palm Cove 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 Palm Cove 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 Palm Cove across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $11,126+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,067 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,320 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,702, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Palm Cove

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Palm Cove?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Palm Cove STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Palm Cove:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 79%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 62% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 45%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 27% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Palm Cove

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Palm Cove?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Palm Cove involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Palm Cove typically peaks in July and dips lowest during March. 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 $711+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $413 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $273 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $171 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Palm Cove

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Palm Cove?

RevPAR in Palm Cove is currently $173. 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 $81 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $117 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $202 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $347 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Palm Cove

RevPAR Insights for Palm Cove

  • The average RevPAR in Palm Cove is $173. 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% ($347) and bottom 25% ($81) is $265, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
  • RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in May, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Palm Cove benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $117, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $202+ 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 Palm Cove?

Palm Cove's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, September, while the softest stretch is February, March, May. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (July, August, September)
  • Revenue averages $8,033 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 63.4%
  • Daily rates average $403
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $4,764 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 43.4%
  • Daily rates hold near $351
Low Season (February, March, May)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,700 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 30.5%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $311

Seasonality Insights for Palm Cove

  • Airbnb seasonality in Palm Cove 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 Palm Cove's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $9,270, occupancy reaching 69.5%, and ADRs peaking at $418.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,395, occupancy could drop to 28.0%, and ADRs may adjust to $300.
  • 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 Palm Cove.

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 Palm Cove, 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 Palm Cove?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Palm Cove to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 4% licensed listings)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Palm Cove?

Palm Cove is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Palm Cove
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Palm Cove Beachfront
Beautiful beachfront area renowned for its scenic beauty, palm-lined shores, and proximity to nature. Ideal for couples and families seeking a relaxing beach holiday.
Palm Cove Beach, Cairns Tropical Zoo, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Mangrove Boardwalk, Palm Cove Jetty
Esplanade Village
Vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and coffee shops along the Esplanade. Perfect for tourists who enjoy being in the heart of the action with great dining options.
Palm Cove Esplanade, Shops and boutiques, Dining along the beachfront, Spa and wellness centers, Local markets
Nearby Rainforest
Explore the lush rainforests surrounding Palm Cove, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers. Perfect for Airbnb hosts that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tablelands, Mossman Gorge, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Village
Trinity Beach
Just a short drive from Palm Cove, this quieter beach offers a family-friendly vibe and great facilities, making it appealing for vacationers.
Trinity Beach Boardwalk, St. Andrew's Catholic College, Local markets, Water sports activities, Nearby dining options
Cairns City
A bustling city that serves as the major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, appealing to tourists seeking both adventure and urban experiences.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Night Markets, Great Barrier Reef tours, Cairns Aquarium, Cairns Museum
Port Douglas
Famous for its luxury resorts and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, ideal for high-end travelers looking for a premier holiday experience.
Four Mile Beach, Daintree National Park, Port Douglas markets, Wildlife Habitat, St Mary's by the Sea
Smithfield
A suburban area close to Palm Cove with access to shopping and dining, attracting visitors who prefer a quieter stay while still enjoying local attractions.
Smithfield Shopping Centre, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Local parks, Cairns Tropical Zoo
Caravonica
A quaint area that offers a mix of residential charm and tourist attractions. Great for those who want to stay close to both city and nature.
Freshwater Station, Caravonica Lakes, Aerial Skyrail, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Nearby hiking trails

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Palm Cove 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 Palm Cove?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Palm Cove

  • The Palm Cove Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95.1% of the 102 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Palm Cove, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (55.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 44.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.

Palm Cove Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Palm Cove

  • The dominant room capacity in Palm Cove is 1 bedroom listings, making up 27.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 51.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Palm Cove, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 43.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Palm Cove.

Palm Cove Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Palm Cove

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Palm Cove vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (23.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Palm Cove STR market, accounting for 44.1% of listings.
  • 45.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Palm Cove.
  • On average, properties in Palm Cove are equipped to host 4.7 guests.

How Do Listings in Palm Cove Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Palm Cove 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.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
30.7
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
3.1
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
34.3%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Palm Cove

  • At 30.7 photos per listing on average, Palm Cove hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 34.3% 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 Palm Cove averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Palm Cove?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Palm Cove

  • Essential amenities in Palm Cove that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Hair dryer, Smoke alarm, TV, Iron, Free parking on premises, Washer. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Cooking basics, Ceiling fan are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Palm Cove: Air conditioning, Wifi, Hair dryer, Smoke alarm, TV, Iron, Free parking on premises, Washer.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Iron, Free parking on premises, Washer.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Cooking basics or Ceiling fan 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 Palm Cove to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Palm Cove?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Palm Cove, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Essentials
82.4%$56,690$1,1824696.1%
Dedicated workspace
26.5%$100,815$27,483266.8%
Long term stays allowed
50.0%$71,747$22,043225.5%
Outdoor kitchen
11.8%$118,994$37,281219.2%
Microwave
86.3%$51,634$17,103201.9%
Outdoor shower
11.8%$113,605$38,000199.0%
Dining table
85.3%$51,910$17,807191.5%
Refrigerator
85.3%$51,815$18,355182.3%
Outdoor furniture
68.6%$58,470$21,574171.0%
Oven
71.6%$57,050$21,330167.5%

Revenue Impact Insights for Palm Cove

  • Essentials tops the revenue impact list with a 4696.1% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $56,690 vs. $1,182 without it.
  • Essentials, Microwave, Dining table, Refrigerator — 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 Palm Cove STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Palm Cove. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Palm Cove Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Palm Cove

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Palm Cove consists of primarily domestic travelers (67%), often arriving from nearby Melbourne, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 67.0% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Australia (67%) and United Kingdom (6.1%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (63.9%) followed by Spanish (7.2%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Melbourne and Adelaide.
  • 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 Palm Cove?

Listings in Palm Cove average 4.85 out of 5 overall, with about 11.4 reviews per active listing and 26.5% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Palm Cove

  • With an overall rating of 4.85, Palm Cove listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Location (4.91), while Value (4.77) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 26.5% 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.
  • With only 26.5% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.

Palm Cove Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Palm Cove

  • The most common availability pattern in Palm Cove falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 48% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 80.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Palm Cove (48%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 20.6% 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 Palm Cove?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Palm Cove

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Palm Cove is 47 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 65 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Fall (55 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (37 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (47 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Palm Cove.
  • For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 65 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 55 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Palm Cove averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Palm Cove?

Guests in Palm Cove stay about 5.2 nights on average, generating roughly 2,351 reservations and 23 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 Palm Cove

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Palm Cove

  • 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 23 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 Aug (6.6 nights) and shorten in Jan (4 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.

Palm Cove Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (5.9%)

1 Night

6 listings

5.9% of total

2 Nights (2.9%)

2 Nights

3 listings

2.9% of total

3 Nights (39.2%)

3 Nights

40 listings

39.2% of total

4-6 Nights (1%)

4-6 Nights

1 listings

1% of total

30+ Nights (51%)

30+ Nights

52 listings

51% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Palm Cove is 30+ Nights, adopted by 51% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (8.8%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
  • A significant segment (51%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Palm Cove, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 51% of Palm Cove hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 5.9% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 51% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Palm Cove.

Palm Cove Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Super Strict 30 Days

2 listings

2% of total

Flexible (9.8%)

Flexible

10 listings

9.8% of total

Moderate (10.8%)

Moderate

11 listings

10.8% of total

Firm (56.9%)

Firm

58 listings

56.9% of total

Strict (20.6%)

Strict

21 listings

20.6% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Palm Cove

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Palm Cove is Firm, used by 56.9% of listings.
  • A majority (77.5%) of hosts in Palm Cove utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 56.9% market standard in Palm Cove.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Palm Cove.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Palm Cove?

Cleaning fees in Palm Cove 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.

Average Cleaning Fee
$175
Median Cleaning Fee
$133
Listings Charging a Fee
81.4%
Fee as Revenue Share
8.4%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Palm Cove

  • 81.4% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Palm Cove. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($175) and median ($133) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 8.4% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Palm Cove median of $133. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • 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 Palm Cove Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Palm Covebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Belle Escapes Canopy Heights Heated Pool

Belle Escapes Canopy Heights Heated Pool

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$283,192
Revenue
55.1%
Occupancy
$1444.16
Daily Rate
Belle Escapes Daydream at Drift Beachfront

Belle Escapes Daydream at Drift Beachfront

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$228,311
Revenue
78.1%
Occupancy
$780.80
Daily Rate
Belle Escapes Luna - Brand New Luxury House

Belle Escapes Luna - Brand New Luxury House

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$200,538
Revenue
39.9%
Occupancy
$1565.28
Daily Rate
Villa by the C

Villa by the C

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$199,004
Revenue
53.4%
Occupancy
$983.93
Daily Rate
Belle Escapes Pura Shanti Oasis with Pool

Belle Escapes Pura Shanti Oasis with Pool

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$190,130
Revenue
42.8%
Occupancy
$1214.47
Daily Rate
Belle Escapes Endeavour To Impress

Belle Escapes Endeavour To Impress

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$186,739
Revenue
62.2%
Occupancy
$797.28
Daily Rate

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 Palm Cove?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Palm Cove based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Palm Cove by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Antje13$1,887,8881414.94/5.0
The Boutique Collection11$651,8261244.83/5.0
Cairns Coast Holidays22$484,532694.77/5.0
Thomas9$338,6121074.86/5.0
Fab Properties8$215,8331114.94/5.0
Frank3$169,946335.00/5.0
Trent5$147,1361764.76/5.0
Reef Stays4$142,403494.82/5.0
Jake1$104,965354.74/5.0
Kate1$100,70174.86/5.0

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 Palm Cove.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Palm Cove?

Palm Cove is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.

Superhosts
66.7%
Professional Management
45.1%
Cohosted Listings
22.5%
Instant Book Enabled
1.0%
Simplified Pricing
81.4%

Host Profile Insights for Palm Cove

  • With 66.7% Superhosts, Palm Cove has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
  • 45.1% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
  • 1.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 81.4% 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 22.5% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Palm Cove averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Palm Cove

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Palm Cove, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Palm Cove
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Antje13$1,887,888$96545.6%4.94/5
The Boutique Collection11$651,826$37751.3%4.83/5
Cairns Coast Holidays22$484,532$23534.4%4.77/5
Thomas9$338,612$31351.9%4.86/5
Jake1$104,965$44464.1%4.74/5
The Villas Palm Cove3$69,297$28835.4%4.60/5
Isabell1$64,858$39643.6%4.97/5
MadeComfy1$25,619$29830.2%4.43/5

Management Company Insights for Palm Cove

  • The leading management company, Antje, operates 13 listings with $1,887,888 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Palm Cove.
  • Top managers average 8 properties each, suggesting professional management in Palm Cove still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.77/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.

Recommendations

  • 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 Palm Cove's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Palm Cove 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, Palm Cove has 7 percentage points lower occupancy and about $88 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Palm Cove — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Kewarra Beach47$4,612$359.1650%
Trinity Beach15$3,738$300.4250%
Cairns Regional681$3,536$313.2243%
Smithfield10$3,188$270.9853%
Port Douglas638$3,069$348.0540%
Cairns City22$2,826$226.7446%
Cairns North26$2,820$214.9852%
Douglas Shire147$2,800$294.8741%
Mossman11$2,662$218.4845%
Cairns884$2,565$181.9453%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Palm Cove

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Palm Cove.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Palm Cove?

Palm Cove hosts earn about $46,895 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $359 and RevPAR of $173. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Palm Cove, Queensland, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Palm Cove market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palm Cove?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palm Cove is 46.0%. 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 Palm Cove?

Listings in Palm Cove average $359 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 Palm Cove?

Palm Cove currently has about 102 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 Palm Cove?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Palm Cove as Low. The dataset also shows about 3.9% 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 Palm Cove?

RevPAR in Palm Cove is about $173. 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 Palm Cove?

At 46.0% occupancy, Palm Cove 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 $46,895, 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 Palm Cove?

The average booking lead time in Palm Cove is about 47 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 Palm Cove?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Palm Cove include Palm Cove Beachfront, Esplanade Village, Nearby Rainforest. 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 Palm Cove?

entire_home listings make up 95.1% of the active supply in Palm Cove. 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 Palm Cove compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Kewarra Beach posts $55,349 in average annual revenue with 49.9% occupancy, compared to Palm Cove's $46,895 and 46.0%. 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 Palm Cove?

The average Airbnb stay length in Palm Cove is about 5.2 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 Palm Cove?

Airbnb listings in Palm Cove average 4.85 out of 5 overall. About 26.5% 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 Palm Cove?

Essentials and Dedicated workspace are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Palm Cove. 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 Palm Cove?

Yes. About 81.4% of active Airbnb listings in Palm Cove charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $175. 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 Palm Cove?

A 66.7% 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.

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