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

Source: AirROI

Last updated: 2025-09-01

Unlock high-ROI opportunities in Australia‘s booming short-term rental (STR) market. This 2025 Airbnb investment guide from AirROI leverages cutting-edge Airbnb data analytics to pinpoint the most profitable cities for Airbnb and vacation rental entrepreneurs. Whether you’re scaling your portfolio or making your first STR investment, discover markets with strong rental demand, high revenue potential, and favorable regulations. We are committed to providing trustworthy insights based on comprehensive market analysis, and you can learn more about our rigorous approach to data accuracy.

Our STR market analysis dives deep into key performance indicators like monthly revenue, average daily rates (ADR), occupancy trends, property counts, and regulatory landscapes across Australia. We go beyond simple rankings to provide the context you need for informed investment decisions using reliable Airbnb data.

Explore the data-driven insights below to identify the premier short-term rental investment hotspots and high ROI Airbnb markets in Australia for 2025.

Top Short-Term Rental Markets in Australia

Rank:#1Market:MelbourneCountry:AustraliaProperties:18,862Monthly Revenue:$2099.00Daily Rate (ADR):$211.53Occupancy:45.55%Regulation:Low
Rank:#2Market:SydneyCountry:AustraliaProperties:13,497Monthly Revenue:$2642.85Daily Rate (ADR):$236.64Occupancy:50.89%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#3Market:Gold Coast CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:6,077Monthly Revenue:$3161.06Daily Rate (ADR):$275.25Occupancy:49.46%Regulation:Low
Rank:#4Market:Greater BrisbaneCountry:AustraliaProperties:5,960Monthly Revenue:$2332.82Daily Rate (ADR):$197.10Occupancy:51.47%Regulation:Low
Rank:#5Market:AdelaideCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,796Monthly Revenue:$2652.61Daily Rate (ADR):$210.93Occupancy:49.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#6Market:Sunshine Coast RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,702Monthly Revenue:$2736.83Daily Rate (ADR):$254.07Occupancy:46.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#7Market:HobartCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,683Monthly Revenue:$2554.25Daily Rate (ADR):$187.07Occupancy:53.72%Regulation:Low
Rank:#8Market:Shoalhaven City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,175Monthly Revenue:$3194.97Daily Rate (ADR):$394.34Occupancy:35.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#9Market:Newcastle-MaitlandCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,056Monthly Revenue:$2571.30Daily Rate (ADR):$233.90Occupancy:46.16%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#10Market:Noosa HeadsCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,043Monthly Revenue:$4223.82Daily Rate (ADR):$395.72Occupancy:47.18%Regulation:Low
Rank:#11Market:Byron BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,010Monthly Revenue:$4290.00Daily Rate (ADR):$436.38Occupancy:43.63%Regulation:Low
Rank:#12Market:CairnsCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,004Monthly Revenue:$2388.51Daily Rate (ADR):$173.48Occupancy:54.75%Regulation:Low
Rank:#13Market:Central Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:948Monthly Revenue:$2789.03Daily Rate (ADR):$354.72Occupancy:35.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#14Market:GosfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:937Monthly Revenue:$2709.03Daily Rate (ADR):$354.20Occupancy:36.64%Regulation:Low
Rank:#15Market:Cairns RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:762Monthly Revenue:$3352.84Daily Rate (ADR):$306.00Occupancy:43.33%Regulation:Low
Rank:#16Market:DarwinCountry:AustraliaProperties:748Monthly Revenue:$2085.30Daily Rate (ADR):$186.69Occupancy:47.97%Regulation:Low
Rank:#17Market:CowesCountry:AustraliaProperties:723Monthly Revenue:$2101.29Daily Rate (ADR):$254.55Occupancy:33.64%Regulation:Low
Rank:#18Market:Wollongong City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:643Monthly Revenue:$2531.80Daily Rate (ADR):$237.28Occupancy:45.65%Regulation:Low
Rank:#19Market:City of StirlingCountry:AustraliaProperties:632Monthly Revenue:$2657.68Daily Rate (ADR):$182.53Occupancy:60.14%Regulation:Low
Rank:#20Market:Port DouglasCountry:AustraliaProperties:624Monthly Revenue:$2946.84Daily Rate (ADR):$342.49Occupancy:38.54%Regulation:Low
Rank:#21Market:LauncestonCountry:AustraliaProperties:589Monthly Revenue:$2274.97Daily Rate (ADR):$172.24Occupancy:51.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#22Market:City Of BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:584Monthly Revenue:$3654.14Daily Rate (ADR):$311.31Occupancy:44.55%Regulation:Low
Rank:#23Market:JindabyneCountry:AustraliaProperties:568Monthly Revenue:$2168.88Daily Rate (ADR):$391.36Occupancy:29.25%Regulation:Low
Rank:#24Market:GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:539Monthly Revenue:$1681.41Daily Rate (ADR):$164.92Occupancy:43.73%Regulation:Low
Rank:#25Market:CessnockCountry:AustraliaProperties:521Monthly Revenue:$3844.61Daily Rate (ADR):$422.40Occupancy:35.11%Regulation:Low
Rank:#26Market:TownsvilleCountry:AustraliaProperties:515Monthly Revenue:$1813.33Daily Rate (ADR):$183.15Occupancy:46.60%Regulation:Low
Rank:#27Market:DunsboroughCountry:AustraliaProperties:514Monthly Revenue:$3665.89Daily Rate (ADR):$312.48Occupancy:47.89%Regulation:Low
Rank:#28Market:TorquayCountry:AustraliaProperties:512Monthly Revenue:$2445.37Daily Rate (ADR):$305.48Occupancy:38.72%Regulation:Low
Rank:#29Market:BrightCountry:AustraliaProperties:494Monthly Revenue:$3242.83Daily Rate (ADR):$293.74Occupancy:40.92%Regulation:Low
Rank:#30Market:Nelson BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:487Monthly Revenue:$2442.79Daily Rate (ADR):$356.31Occupancy:31.39%Regulation:Low
Rank:#31Market:Eurobodalla Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:478Monthly Revenue:$2029.02Daily Rate (ADR):$252.70Occupancy:36.87%Regulation:Low
Rank:#32Market:Ocean GroveCountry:AustraliaProperties:467Monthly Revenue:$2240.30Daily Rate (ADR):$275.73Occupancy:37.90%Regulation:Low
Rank:#33Market:North CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:461Monthly Revenue:$1767.37Daily Rate (ADR):$138.84Occupancy:51.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#34Market:DaylesfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:461Monthly Revenue:$2900.02Daily Rate (ADR):$299.30Occupancy:35.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#35Market:BallaratCountry:AustraliaProperties:452Monthly Revenue:$1587.22Daily Rate (ADR):$147.63Occupancy:43.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#36Market:Port MacquarieCountry:AustraliaProperties:434Monthly Revenue:$2080.22Daily Rate (ADR):$211.77Occupancy:45.06%Regulation:Low
Rank:#37Market:VincentiaCountry:AustraliaProperties:432Monthly Revenue:$3229.37Daily Rate (ADR):$366.32Occupancy:37.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#38Market:Margaret RiverCountry:AustraliaProperties:427Monthly Revenue:$3986.12Daily Rate (ADR):$229.10Occupancy:61.54%Regulation:Low
Rank:#39Market:ForsterCountry:AustraliaProperties:423Monthly Revenue:$1923.45Daily Rate (ADR):$273.65Occupancy:32.13%Regulation:Low
Rank:#40Market:YambaCountry:AustraliaProperties:421Monthly Revenue:$2632.27Daily Rate (ADR):$312.63Occupancy:37.60%Regulation:Low
Rank:#41Market:Apollo BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:420Monthly Revenue:$2484.10Daily Rate (ADR):$264.39Occupancy:37.97%Regulation:Low
Rank:#42Market:City of Greater GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:403Monthly Revenue:$2321.01Daily Rate (ADR):$295.15Occupancy:37.07%Regulation:Low
Rank:#43Market:LorneCountry:AustraliaProperties:396Monthly Revenue:$2754.26Daily Rate (ADR):$390.31Occupancy:32.91%Regulation:Low
Rank:#44Market:Hervey BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:394Monthly Revenue:$1983.29Daily Rate (ADR):$171.31Occupancy:51.19%Regulation:Low
Rank:#45Market:Shire of Colac OtwayCountry:AustraliaProperties:394Monthly Revenue:$2755.83Daily Rate (ADR):$299.53Occupancy:37.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#46Market:Airlie BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:387Monthly Revenue:$3546.04Daily Rate (ADR):$290.70Occupancy:49.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#47Market:PerthCountry:AustraliaProperties:387Monthly Revenue:$2593.35Daily Rate (ADR):$150.55Occupancy:62.27%Regulation:Low
Rank:#48Market:Port Stephens CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:369Monthly Revenue:$3254.82Daily Rate (ADR):$396.29Occupancy:34.49%Regulation:Low
Rank:#49Market:Whitsunday RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:366Monthly Revenue:$6405.99Daily Rate (ADR):$561.20Occupancy:48.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#50Market:KingscliffCountry:AustraliaProperties:349Monthly Revenue:$3447.07Daily Rate (ADR):$389.77Occupancy:40.51%Regulation:Low
Rank:#51Market:Shire of South GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:346Monthly Revenue:$1987.65Daily Rate (ADR):$227.05Occupancy:36.17%Regulation:Low
Rank:#52Market:Port FairyCountry:AustraliaProperties:345Monthly Revenue:$2192.55Daily Rate (ADR):$279.55Occupancy:34.29%Regulation:Low
Rank:#53Market:OrangeCountry:AustraliaProperties:344Monthly Revenue:$2456.64Daily Rate (ADR):$216.71Occupancy:44.11%Regulation:Low
Rank:#54Market:MandurahCountry:AustraliaProperties:343Monthly Revenue:$2956.66Daily Rate (ADR):$254.31Occupancy:47.37%Regulation:Low
Rank:#55Market:Townsville CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:336Monthly Revenue:$1620.74Daily Rate (ADR):$217.02Occupancy:35.23%Regulation:Low
Rank:#56Market:Coffs HarbourCountry:AustraliaProperties:335Monthly Revenue:$2677.51Daily Rate (ADR):$240.17Occupancy:44.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#57Market:CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:330Monthly Revenue:$1773.79Daily Rate (ADR):$154.98Occupancy:48.66%Regulation:Low
Rank:#58Market:Mid-Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:330Monthly Revenue:$1941.61Daily Rate (ADR):$232.32Occupancy:35.89%Regulation:Low
Rank:#59Market:InverlochCountry:AustraliaProperties:328Monthly Revenue:$1741.29Daily Rate (ADR):$253.63Occupancy:33.99%Regulation:Low
Rank:#60Market:BendigoCountry:AustraliaProperties:327Monthly Revenue:$1993.11Daily Rate (ADR):$164.59Occupancy:48.56%Regulation:Low
Rank:#61Market:FremantleCountry:AustraliaProperties:326Monthly Revenue:$2751.66Daily Rate (ADR):$170.92Occupancy:62.75%Regulation:Low
Rank:#62Market:Wagga Wagga City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:299Monthly Revenue:$1966.90Daily Rate (ADR):$200.33Occupancy:44.44%Regulation:Low
Rank:#63Market:Scenic Rim RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:299Monthly Revenue:$3157.95Daily Rate (ADR):$251.01Occupancy:47.08%Regulation:Low
Rank:#64Market:Shire of HepburnCountry:AustraliaProperties:290Monthly Revenue:$2900.12Daily Rate (ADR):$308.08Occupancy:35.90%Regulation:Low
Rank:#65Market:ToowoombaCountry:AustraliaProperties:286Monthly Revenue:$2208.51Daily Rate (ADR):$143.45Occupancy:55.82%Regulation:Low
Rank:#66Market:Sunshine BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:277Monthly Revenue:$3636.05Daily Rate (ADR):$415.24Occupancy:41.60%Regulation:Low
Rank:#67Market:AlbanyCountry:AustraliaProperties:277Monthly Revenue:$2975.10Daily Rate (ADR):$206.91Occupancy:55.19%Regulation:Low
Rank:#68Market:ThredboCountry:AustraliaProperties:274Monthly Revenue:$2449.14Daily Rate (ADR):$543.89Occupancy:25.14%Regulation:Low
Rank:#69Market:WarrnamboolCountry:AustraliaProperties:273Monthly Revenue:$2173.32Daily Rate (ADR):$216.38Occupancy:42.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#70Market:BathurstCountry:AustraliaProperties:267Monthly Revenue:$2328.36Daily Rate (ADR):$269.15Occupancy:39.40%Regulation:Low
Rank:#71Market:RobeCountry:AustraliaProperties:265Monthly Revenue:$2073.45Daily Rate (ADR):$209.28Occupancy:39.99%Regulation:Low
Rank:#72Market:AngleseaCountry:AustraliaProperties:265Monthly Revenue:$2006.34Daily Rate (ADR):$306.70Occupancy:33.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#73Market:Lennox HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:253Monthly Revenue:$2993.88Daily Rate (ADR):$342.98Occupancy:44.57%Regulation:Low
Rank:#74Market:Surf Coast ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:250Monthly Revenue:$2038.91Daily Rate (ADR):$305.57Occupancy:34.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#75Market:YallingupCountry:AustraliaProperties:241Monthly Revenue:$4229.75Daily Rate (ADR):$370.52Occupancy:47.95%Regulation:Low
Rank:#76Market:HuskissonCountry:AustraliaProperties:240Monthly Revenue:$3704.72Daily Rate (ADR):$344.02Occupancy:40.18%Regulation:Low
Rank:#77Market:BlackheathCountry:AustraliaProperties:235Monthly Revenue:$3071.44Daily Rate (ADR):$266.58Occupancy:44.03%Regulation:Low
Rank:#78Market:Shoal BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:235Monthly Revenue:$2707.28Daily Rate (ADR):$367.71Occupancy:31.51%Regulation:Low
Rank:#79Market:District of BelconnenCountry:AustraliaProperties:234Monthly Revenue:$1580.57Daily Rate (ADR):$125.26Occupancy:49.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#80Market:Livingstone ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:234Monthly Revenue:$1708.66Daily Rate (ADR):$179.69Occupancy:40.04%Regulation:Low
Rank:#81Market:BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:230Monthly Revenue:$3277.97Daily Rate (ADR):$234.54Occupancy:51.53%Regulation:Low
Rank:#82Market:Mid-Western Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:229Monthly Revenue:$2872.34Daily Rate (ADR):$306.76Occupancy:34.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#83Market:Snowy Monaro Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:229Monthly Revenue:$3474.19Daily Rate (ADR):$391.49Occupancy:35.39%Regulation:Low
Rank:#84Market:KiamaCountry:AustraliaProperties:228Monthly Revenue:$2876.44Daily Rate (ADR):$363.08Occupancy:37.48%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#85Market:Noosa ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:227Monthly Revenue:$2647.67Daily Rate (ADR):$277.35Occupancy:41.45%Regulation:Low
Rank:#86Market:Shire of East GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:226Monthly Revenue:$1498.40Daily Rate (ADR):$205.28Occupancy:31.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#87Market:MudgeeCountry:AustraliaProperties:222Monthly Revenue:$3060.70Daily Rate (ADR):$291.27Occupancy:40.54%Regulation:Low
Rank:#88Market:JoondalupCountry:AustraliaProperties:222Monthly Revenue:$2398.94Daily Rate (ADR):$163.61Occupancy:57.33%Regulation:Low
Rank:#89Market:South CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:219Monthly Revenue:$1968.60Daily Rate (ADR):$142.82Occupancy:52.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#90Market:TerrigalCountry:AustraliaProperties:216Monthly Revenue:$2715.99Daily Rate (ADR):$357.30Occupancy:36.69%Regulation:Low
Rank:#91Market:Byron Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:215Monthly Revenue:$3935.54Daily Rate (ADR):$432.94Occupancy:43.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#92Market:AlburyCountry:AustraliaProperties:212Monthly Revenue:$2069.48Daily Rate (ADR):$161.51Occupancy:51.05%Regulation:Low
Rank:#93Market:MerimbulaCountry:AustraliaProperties:211Monthly Revenue:$2464.43Daily Rate (ADR):$263.82Occupancy:40.56%Regulation:Low
Rank:#94Market:Agnes WaterCountry:AustraliaProperties:210Monthly Revenue:$2099.73Daily Rate (ADR):$241.68Occupancy:38.21%Regulation:Low
Rank:#95Market:Crescent HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:199Monthly Revenue:$1763.16Daily Rate (ADR):$222.03Occupancy:35.76%Regulation:Low
Rank:#96Market:Shellharbour City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:199Monthly Revenue:$3068.90Daily Rate (ADR):$335.57Occupancy:41.80%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#97Market:Halls GapCountry:AustraliaProperties:199Monthly Revenue:$2361.54Daily Rate (ADR):$190.55Occupancy:41.86%Regulation:Low
Rank:#98Market:Rainbow BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:195Monthly Revenue:$2094.47Daily Rate (ADR):$217.32Occupancy:40.47%Regulation:Low
Rank:#99Market:City of VincentCountry:AustraliaProperties:193Monthly Revenue:$1863.86Daily Rate (ADR):$132.25Occupancy:57.65%Regulation:Low
Rank:#100Market:Lakes EntranceCountry:AustraliaProperties:189Monthly Revenue:$1834.45Daily Rate (ADR):$214.69Occupancy:34.36%Regulation:Low

Our Data-Driven Methodology for STR Market Analysis

At AirROI, our market rankings and insights are powered by a robust methodology combining comprehensive Airbnb data collection with sophisticated STR analytics techniques. We strive to provide the most accurate and actionable intelligence for short-term rental investors.

Data Collection & Scope

  • Global Coverage: We aggregate STR data from tens of millions of active short-term rental listings across platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo worldwide.
  • Real-Time Metrics: Our systems track key performance indicators (KPIs) daily, including booking rates, nightly pricing (ADR), occupancy rates, and revenue.
  • Regulatory Monitoring: We actively monitor and incorporate local short-term rental regulations, licensing requirements, and tax obligations into our market analysis.

Analysis & Ranking

  • Proprietary Algorithms: AI and machine learning models analyze booking patterns, predict seasonal demand shifts, and identify emerging market trends in the STR space.
  • Key Metric Evaluation: We evaluate markets based on a weighted combination of critical investment factors using our extensive Airbnb analytics:
    • Revenue Potential: Average Monthly Revenue and Average Daily Rate (ADR).
    • Market Demand: Occupancy Rate and booking lead times.
    • Investment Scale: Number of active properties and market growth trends.
    • Regulatory Environment: Assessed impact of local STR regulations on operational feasibility and profitability.
  • Benchmarking: Performance is benchmarked against regional and global averages to provide context for vacation rental investment potential.

Key Metrics Explained

  • Properties: The count of active short-term rental listings in the market.
  • Monthly Revenue: Average revenue generated per property per month, a key indicator for Airbnb profitability.
  • Daily Rate (ADR): Average nightly booking price.
  • Occupancy: Percentage of nights booked out of total available nights, crucial for understanding STR demand.
  • Regulation: An indicator of the local regulatory climate impacting Airbnb investment.

This rigorous approach ensures our recommendations are based on real-world performance Airbnb data and forward-looking market analysis, empowering you to invest smarter in the vacation rental market.

Access Real-Time Airbnb API

This report is powered by our industry-leading Airbnb Data API, providing direct access to live short-term rental data from global markets like Australia. Use this data to build powerful analytics tools, discover investment opportunities, and inform your vacation rental strategy.

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