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

Source: AirROI

Last updated: 2025-07-01

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:18,543Monthly Revenue:$2122.47Daily Rate (ADR):$216.00Occupancy:45.55%Regulation:Low
Rank:#2Market:SydneyCountry:AustraliaProperties:12,992Monthly Revenue:$2655.25Daily Rate (ADR):$242.03Occupancy:50.73%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#3Market:Gold Coast CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:5,959Monthly Revenue:$3251.48Daily Rate (ADR):$282.12Occupancy:49.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#4Market:Greater BrisbaneCountry:AustraliaProperties:5,715Monthly Revenue:$2345.79Daily Rate (ADR):$199.17Occupancy:51.82%Regulation:Low
Rank:#5Market:AdelaideCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,705Monthly Revenue:$2650.93Daily Rate (ADR):$211.64Occupancy:49.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#6Market:Sunshine Coast RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,670Monthly Revenue:$2753.43Daily Rate (ADR):$258.30Occupancy:46.83%Regulation:Low
Rank:#7Market:HobartCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,690Monthly Revenue:$2509.96Daily Rate (ADR):$187.86Occupancy:53.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#8Market:Shoalhaven City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,154Monthly Revenue:$3238.56Daily Rate (ADR):$396.91Occupancy:35.19%Regulation:Low
Rank:#9Market:Newcastle-MaitlandCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,051Monthly Revenue:$2554.57Daily Rate (ADR):$235.32Occupancy:45.50%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#10Market:Noosa HeadsCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,051Monthly Revenue:$4235.18Daily Rate (ADR):$400.65Occupancy:47.49%Regulation:Low
Rank:#11Market:Byron BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,017Monthly Revenue:$4272.39Daily Rate (ADR):$435.53Occupancy:43.33%Regulation:Low
Rank:#12Market:CairnsCountry:AustraliaProperties:992Monthly Revenue:$2296.42Daily Rate (ADR):$173.41Occupancy:54.86%Regulation:Low
Rank:#13Market:Central Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:937Monthly Revenue:$2824.96Daily Rate (ADR):$360.70Occupancy:35.34%Regulation:Low
Rank:#14Market:GosfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:902Monthly Revenue:$2724.92Daily Rate (ADR):$359.27Occupancy:36.34%Regulation:Low
Rank:#15Market:Cairns RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:797Monthly Revenue:$3224.03Daily Rate (ADR):$293.85Occupancy:45.53%Regulation:Low
Rank:#16Market:DarwinCountry:AustraliaProperties:766Monthly Revenue:$1980.97Daily Rate (ADR):$182.96Occupancy:48.81%Regulation:Low
Rank:#17Market:CowesCountry:AustraliaProperties:707Monthly Revenue:$2096.11Daily Rate (ADR):$259.67Occupancy:33.68%Regulation:Low
Rank:#18Market:Port DouglasCountry:AustraliaProperties:632Monthly Revenue:$2973.97Daily Rate (ADR):$338.06Occupancy:40.53%Regulation:Low
Rank:#19Market:Wollongong City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:628Monthly Revenue:$2587.65Daily Rate (ADR):$241.68Occupancy:45.72%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#20Market:City of StirlingCountry:AustraliaProperties:601Monthly Revenue:$2695.72Daily Rate (ADR):$186.46Occupancy:59.65%Regulation:Low
Rank:#21Market:LauncestonCountry:AustraliaProperties:591Monthly Revenue:$2235.47Daily Rate (ADR):$174.23Occupancy:50.20%Regulation:Low
Rank:#22Market:City Of BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:566Monthly Revenue:$3657.23Daily Rate (ADR):$318.18Occupancy:44.07%Regulation:Low
Rank:#23Market:JindabyneCountry:AustraliaProperties:564Monthly Revenue:$2250.57Daily Rate (ADR):$391.31Occupancy:31.11%Regulation:Low
Rank:#24Market:TownsvilleCountry:AustraliaProperties:522Monthly Revenue:$1840.36Daily Rate (ADR):$185.47Occupancy:47.21%Regulation:Low
Rank:#25Market:GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:521Monthly Revenue:$1702.01Daily Rate (ADR):$163.98Occupancy:43.64%Regulation:Low
Rank:#26Market:CessnockCountry:AustraliaProperties:519Monthly Revenue:$3819.62Daily Rate (ADR):$427.83Occupancy:35.11%Regulation:Low
Rank:#27Market:TorquayCountry:AustraliaProperties:504Monthly Revenue:$2464.45Daily Rate (ADR):$310.40Occupancy:38.53%Regulation:Low
Rank:#28Market:DunsboroughCountry:AustraliaProperties:499Monthly Revenue:$3703.75Daily Rate (ADR):$314.67Occupancy:47.68%Regulation:Low
Rank:#29Market:Nelson BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:493Monthly Revenue:$2446.74Daily Rate (ADR):$359.63Occupancy:31.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#30Market:BrightCountry:AustraliaProperties:486Monthly Revenue:$3298.61Daily Rate (ADR):$294.54Occupancy:41.52%Regulation:Low
Rank:#31Market:Eurobodalla Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:467Monthly Revenue:$2056.53Daily Rate (ADR):$254.24Occupancy:37.21%Regulation:Low
Rank:#32Market:DaylesfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:467Monthly Revenue:$2884.08Daily Rate (ADR):$300.01Occupancy:34.75%Regulation:Low
Rank:#33Market:North CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:460Monthly Revenue:$1713.97Daily Rate (ADR):$138.24Occupancy:51.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#34Market:Ocean GroveCountry:AustraliaProperties:455Monthly Revenue:$2270.23Daily Rate (ADR):$280.49Occupancy:37.38%Regulation:Low
Rank:#35Market:BallaratCountry:AustraliaProperties:441Monthly Revenue:$1547.40Daily Rate (ADR):$147.46Occupancy:42.73%Regulation:Low
Rank:#36Market:VincentiaCountry:AustraliaProperties:434Monthly Revenue:$3206.04Daily Rate (ADR):$373.76Occupancy:37.24%Regulation:Low
Rank:#37Market:Margaret RiverCountry:AustraliaProperties:424Monthly Revenue:$3921.14Daily Rate (ADR):$230.51Occupancy:60.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#38Market:Apollo BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:419Monthly Revenue:$2520.48Daily Rate (ADR):$268.22Occupancy:38.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#39Market:Port MacquarieCountry:AustraliaProperties:417Monthly Revenue:$2105.02Daily Rate (ADR):$210.12Occupancy:44.99%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#40Market:YambaCountry:AustraliaProperties:416Monthly Revenue:$2718.50Daily Rate (ADR):$318.71Occupancy:38.17%Regulation:Low
Rank:#41Market:ForsterCountry:AustraliaProperties:414Monthly Revenue:$1952.93Daily Rate (ADR):$286.43Occupancy:32.04%Regulation:Low
Rank:#42Market:PerthCountry:AustraliaProperties:413Monthly Revenue:$2488.60Daily Rate (ADR):$151.04Occupancy:60.61%Regulation:Low
Rank:#43Market:City of Greater GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:401Monthly Revenue:$2299.25Daily Rate (ADR):$299.98Occupancy:37.01%Regulation:Low
Rank:#44Market:Airlie BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:394Monthly Revenue:$3561.64Daily Rate (ADR):$290.65Occupancy:50.14%Regulation:Low
Rank:#45Market:Shire of Colac OtwayCountry:AustraliaProperties:389Monthly Revenue:$2779.73Daily Rate (ADR):$303.64Occupancy:37.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#46Market:Hervey BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:387Monthly Revenue:$2001.17Daily Rate (ADR):$171.10Occupancy:52.15%Regulation:Low
Rank:#47Market:LorneCountry:AustraliaProperties:385Monthly Revenue:$2831.74Daily Rate (ADR):$401.43Occupancy:33.28%Regulation:Low
Rank:#48Market:MandurahCountry:AustraliaProperties:369Monthly Revenue:$2951.07Daily Rate (ADR):$253.04Occupancy:47.65%Regulation:Low
Rank:#49Market:Port Stephens CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:366Monthly Revenue:$3355.09Daily Rate (ADR):$406.27Occupancy:34.95%Regulation:Low
Rank:#50Market:Whitsunday RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:362Monthly Revenue:$6565.34Daily Rate (ADR):$553.43Occupancy:49.73%Regulation:Low
Rank:#51Market:OrangeCountry:AustraliaProperties:357Monthly Revenue:$2407.29Daily Rate (ADR):$213.95Occupancy:43.57%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#52Market:Port FairyCountry:AustraliaProperties:351Monthly Revenue:$2184.12Daily Rate (ADR):$272.34Occupancy:34.32%Regulation:Low
Rank:#53Market:Shire of South GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:349Monthly Revenue:$1980.26Daily Rate (ADR):$226.30Occupancy:36.31%Regulation:Low
Rank:#54Market:KingscliffCountry:AustraliaProperties:346Monthly Revenue:$3611.35Daily Rate (ADR):$398.44Occupancy:41.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#55Market:Mid-Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:334Monthly Revenue:$1940.50Daily Rate (ADR):$240.94Occupancy:35.46%Regulation:Low
Rank:#56Market:InverlochCountry:AustraliaProperties:333Monthly Revenue:$1753.03Daily Rate (ADR):$254.87Occupancy:34.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#57Market:Townsville CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:331Monthly Revenue:$1772.88Daily Rate (ADR):$222.17Occupancy:37.51%Regulation:Low
Rank:#58Market:FremantleCountry:AustraliaProperties:328Monthly Revenue:$2693.82Daily Rate (ADR):$168.94Occupancy:62.39%Regulation:Low
Rank:#59Market:CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:321Monthly Revenue:$1796.23Daily Rate (ADR):$155.66Occupancy:48.96%Regulation:Low
Rank:#60Market:Coffs HarbourCountry:AustraliaProperties:321Monthly Revenue:$2752.76Daily Rate (ADR):$240.38Occupancy:45.32%Regulation:Low
Rank:#61Market:BendigoCountry:AustraliaProperties:318Monthly Revenue:$1981.70Daily Rate (ADR):$161.56Occupancy:49.32%Regulation:Low
Rank:#62Market:Scenic Rim RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:298Monthly Revenue:$2981.20Daily Rate (ADR):$249.50Occupancy:45.59%Regulation:Low
Rank:#63Market:Sunshine BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:294Monthly Revenue:$3561.57Daily Rate (ADR):$415.35Occupancy:42.36%Regulation:Low
Rank:#64Market:Shire of HepburnCountry:AustraliaProperties:292Monthly Revenue:$2896.54Daily Rate (ADR):$307.33Occupancy:35.42%Regulation:Low
Rank:#65Market:Wagga Wagga City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:289Monthly Revenue:$1969.71Daily Rate (ADR):$202.54Occupancy:43.55%Regulation:Low
Rank:#66Market:ToowoombaCountry:AustraliaProperties:287Monthly Revenue:$2130.36Daily Rate (ADR):$143.19Occupancy:54.93%Regulation:Low
Rank:#67Market:WarrnamboolCountry:AustraliaProperties:280Monthly Revenue:$2133.27Daily Rate (ADR):$216.04Occupancy:41.90%Regulation:Low
Rank:#68Market:ThredboCountry:AustraliaProperties:276Monthly Revenue:$2563.57Daily Rate (ADR):$535.70Occupancy:26.66%Regulation:Low
Rank:#69Market:AlbanyCountry:AustraliaProperties:275Monthly Revenue:$2952.91Daily Rate (ADR):$211.40Occupancy:54.09%Regulation:Low
Rank:#70Market:AngleseaCountry:AustraliaProperties:263Monthly Revenue:$2009.29Daily Rate (ADR):$304.46Occupancy:32.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#71Market:Lennox HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:257Monthly Revenue:$3002.74Daily Rate (ADR):$339.10Occupancy:44.04%Regulation:Low
Rank:#72Market:RobeCountry:AustraliaProperties:257Monthly Revenue:$2105.93Daily Rate (ADR):$209.63Occupancy:40.10%Regulation:Low
Rank:#73Market:BathurstCountry:AustraliaProperties:256Monthly Revenue:$2358.30Daily Rate (ADR):$276.54Occupancy:38.97%Regulation:Low
Rank:#74Market:Surf Coast ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:250Monthly Revenue:$2075.38Daily Rate (ADR):$317.29Occupancy:34.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#75Market:Shoal BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:247Monthly Revenue:$2669.69Daily Rate (ADR):$371.41Occupancy:31.27%Regulation:Low
Rank:#76Market:HuskissonCountry:AustraliaProperties:237Monthly Revenue:$3755.46Daily Rate (ADR):$357.44Occupancy:40.57%Regulation:Low
Rank:#77Market:YallingupCountry:AustraliaProperties:237Monthly Revenue:$4150.11Daily Rate (ADR):$368.31Occupancy:48.48%Regulation:Low
Rank:#78Market:JoondalupCountry:AustraliaProperties:235Monthly Revenue:$2384.34Daily Rate (ADR):$162.11Occupancy:57.68%Regulation:Low
Rank:#79Market:BlackheathCountry:AustraliaProperties:233Monthly Revenue:$3009.13Daily Rate (ADR):$267.01Occupancy:43.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#80Market:District of BelconnenCountry:AustraliaProperties:232Monthly Revenue:$1533.62Daily Rate (ADR):$124.41Occupancy:49.77%Regulation:Low
Rank:#81Market:Livingstone ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:231Monthly Revenue:$1634.45Daily Rate (ADR):$177.10Occupancy:39.16%Regulation:Low
Rank:#82Market:Noosa ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:229Monthly Revenue:$2698.55Daily Rate (ADR):$278.97Occupancy:42.31%Regulation:Low
Rank:#83Market:Snowy Monaro Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:228Monthly Revenue:$3511.69Daily Rate (ADR):$397.51Occupancy:35.96%Regulation:Low
Rank:#84Market:BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:226Monthly Revenue:$3294.68Daily Rate (ADR):$239.71Occupancy:51.25%Regulation:Low
Rank:#85Market:Mid-Western Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:223Monthly Revenue:$2756.15Daily Rate (ADR):$307.88Occupancy:34.23%Regulation:Low
Rank:#86Market:Shire of East GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:222Monthly Revenue:$1508.76Daily Rate (ADR):$208.15Occupancy:32.58%Regulation:Low
Rank:#87Market:MudgeeCountry:AustraliaProperties:220Monthly Revenue:$2959.33Daily Rate (ADR):$283.28Occupancy:40.66%Regulation:Low
Rank:#88Market:KiamaCountry:AustraliaProperties:218Monthly Revenue:$2948.97Daily Rate (ADR):$353.29Occupancy:38.68%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#89Market:AlburyCountry:AustraliaProperties:215Monthly Revenue:$1977.07Daily Rate (ADR):$162.80Occupancy:50.60%Regulation:Low
Rank:#90Market:South CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:211Monthly Revenue:$2003.63Daily Rate (ADR):$144.51Occupancy:53.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#91Market:TerrigalCountry:AustraliaProperties:210Monthly Revenue:$2720.95Daily Rate (ADR):$375.52Occupancy:35.91%Regulation:Low
Rank:#92Market:MerimbulaCountry:AustraliaProperties:208Monthly Revenue:$2505.14Daily Rate (ADR):$268.63Occupancy:40.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#93Market:Byron Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:206Monthly Revenue:$3927.79Daily Rate (ADR):$431.31Occupancy:42.57%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#94Market:Agnes WaterCountry:AustraliaProperties:201Monthly Revenue:$2147.53Daily Rate (ADR):$239.28Occupancy:38.31%Regulation:Low
Rank:#95Market:Halls GapCountry:AustraliaProperties:199Monthly Revenue:$2400.27Daily Rate (ADR):$191.81Occupancy:42.50%Regulation:Low
Rank:#96Market:Crescent HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:196Monthly Revenue:$1830.29Daily Rate (ADR):$221.97Occupancy:36.07%Regulation:Low
Rank:#97Market:Rainbow BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:194Monthly Revenue:$2203.65Daily Rate (ADR):$223.20Occupancy:41.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#98Market:Suffolk ParkCountry:AustraliaProperties:192Monthly Revenue:$3192.60Daily Rate (ADR):$376.36Occupancy:46.48%Regulation:Moderate
Rank:#99Market:Lakes EntranceCountry:AustraliaProperties:192Monthly Revenue:$1819.96Daily Rate (ADR):$218.55Occupancy:34.39%Regulation:Low
Rank:#100Market:BichenoCountry:AustraliaProperties:190Monthly Revenue:$2861.83Daily Rate (ADR):$195.61Occupancy:53.20%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.

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