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

Source: AirROI

Last updated: 2025-10-01

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:18,359Monthly Revenue:$2125.45Daily Rate (ADR):$213.01Occupancy:45.44%Regulation:Low
Rank:#2Market:SydneyCountry:AustraliaProperties:13,228Monthly Revenue:$2690.76Daily Rate (ADR):$238.33Occupancy:50.73%Regulation:High
Rank:#3Market:Gold Coast CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:5,927Monthly Revenue:$3202.52Daily Rate (ADR):$276.24Occupancy:49.06%Regulation:Low
Rank:#4Market:Greater BrisbaneCountry:AustraliaProperties:5,805Monthly Revenue:$2384.83Daily Rate (ADR):$200.05Occupancy:51.05%Regulation:Low
Rank:#5Market:AdelaideCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,731Monthly Revenue:$2653.70Daily Rate (ADR):$210.44Occupancy:49.08%Regulation:Low
Rank:#6Market:Sunshine Coast RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:3,597Monthly Revenue:$2789.08Daily Rate (ADR):$256.24Occupancy:46.29%Regulation:Low
Rank:#7Market:HobartCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,656Monthly Revenue:$2605.39Daily Rate (ADR):$187.26Occupancy:53.72%Regulation:High
Rank:#8Market:Shoalhaven City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,167Monthly Revenue:$3207.66Daily Rate (ADR):$395.49Occupancy:35.16%Regulation:High
Rank:#9Market:Newcastle-MaitlandCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,035Monthly Revenue:$2597.24Daily Rate (ADR):$231.86Occupancy:46.22%Regulation:High
Rank:#10Market:Noosa HeadsCountry:AustraliaProperties:1,027Monthly Revenue:$4268.92Daily Rate (ADR):$394.95Occupancy:47.03%Regulation:Low
Rank:#11Market:Byron BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:995Monthly Revenue:$4278.51Daily Rate (ADR):$434.01Occupancy:43.42%Regulation:High
Rank:#12Market:CairnsCountry:AustraliaProperties:972Monthly Revenue:$2483.44Daily Rate (ADR):$174.24Occupancy:54.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#13Market:Central Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:940Monthly Revenue:$2767.62Daily Rate (ADR):$354.54Occupancy:35.17%Regulation:High
Rank:#14Market:GosfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:927Monthly Revenue:$2718.58Daily Rate (ADR):$355.63Occupancy:36.48%Regulation:High
Rank:#15Market:Cairns RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:742Monthly Revenue:$3457.18Daily Rate (ADR):$313.77Occupancy:43.02%Regulation:Low
Rank:#16Market:DarwinCountry:AustraliaProperties:736Monthly Revenue:$2181.62Daily Rate (ADR):$189.75Occupancy:47.59%Regulation:Low
Rank:#17Market:CowesCountry:AustraliaProperties:719Monthly Revenue:$2104.54Daily Rate (ADR):$256.26Occupancy:33.43%Regulation:Low
Rank:#18Market:Wollongong City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:640Monthly Revenue:$2516.73Daily Rate (ADR):$237.43Occupancy:45.70%Regulation:High
Rank:#19Market:Port DouglasCountry:AustraliaProperties:623Monthly Revenue:$2985.56Daily Rate (ADR):$343.81Occupancy:38.14%Regulation:Low
Rank:#20Market:City of StirlingCountry:AustraliaProperties:604Monthly Revenue:$2763.98Daily Rate (ADR):$184.68Occupancy:60.50%Regulation:High
Rank:#21Market:LauncestonCountry:AustraliaProperties:585Monthly Revenue:$2260.07Daily Rate (ADR):$171.87Occupancy:50.61%Regulation:High
Rank:#22Market:City Of BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:573Monthly Revenue:$3678.72Daily Rate (ADR):$312.72Occupancy:43.99%Regulation:High
Rank:#23Market:JindabyneCountry:AustraliaProperties:569Monthly Revenue:$2283.52Daily Rate (ADR):$392.07Occupancy:29.97%Regulation:High
Rank:#24Market:GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:529Monthly Revenue:$1693.11Daily Rate (ADR):$165.32Occupancy:43.84%Regulation:Low
Rank:#25Market:CessnockCountry:AustraliaProperties:517Monthly Revenue:$3914.70Daily Rate (ADR):$423.67Occupancy:35.57%Regulation:High
Rank:#26Market:DunsboroughCountry:AustraliaProperties:505Monthly Revenue:$3718.61Daily Rate (ADR):$315.26Occupancy:47.39%Regulation:High
Rank:#27Market:TownsvilleCountry:AustraliaProperties:504Monthly Revenue:$1834.04Daily Rate (ADR):$184.84Occupancy:46.67%Regulation:Low
Rank:#28Market:TorquayCountry:AustraliaProperties:499Monthly Revenue:$2481.45Daily Rate (ADR):$307.53Occupancy:38.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#29Market:BrightCountry:AustraliaProperties:490Monthly Revenue:$3209.47Daily Rate (ADR):$291.20Occupancy:40.60%Regulation:Low
Rank:#30Market:Nelson BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:487Monthly Revenue:$2449.33Daily Rate (ADR):$357.09Occupancy:31.39%Regulation:High
Rank:#31Market:Eurobodalla Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:474Monthly Revenue:$2030.49Daily Rate (ADR):$255.47Occupancy:36.55%Regulation:High
Rank:#32Market:Ocean GroveCountry:AustraliaProperties:457Monthly Revenue:$2255.52Daily Rate (ADR):$275.93Occupancy:37.97%Regulation:Low
Rank:#33Market:North CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:454Monthly Revenue:$1782.49Daily Rate (ADR):$139.07Occupancy:50.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#34Market:DaylesfordCountry:AustraliaProperties:453Monthly Revenue:$2906.17Daily Rate (ADR):$298.98Occupancy:35.03%Regulation:Low
Rank:#35Market:BallaratCountry:AustraliaProperties:438Monthly Revenue:$1604.42Daily Rate (ADR):$148.92Occupancy:43.54%Regulation:Low
Rank:#36Market:VincentiaCountry:AustraliaProperties:426Monthly Revenue:$3244.67Daily Rate (ADR):$365.50Occupancy:37.06%Regulation:High
Rank:#37Market:Margaret RiverCountry:AustraliaProperties:424Monthly Revenue:$3990.01Daily Rate (ADR):$230.73Occupancy:61.05%Regulation:High
Rank:#38Market:Port MacquarieCountry:AustraliaProperties:423Monthly Revenue:$2090.84Daily Rate (ADR):$212.53Occupancy:44.74%Regulation:High
Rank:#39Market:ForsterCountry:AustraliaProperties:420Monthly Revenue:$1931.92Daily Rate (ADR):$275.30Occupancy:31.89%Regulation:High
Rank:#40Market:Apollo BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:418Monthly Revenue:$2491.14Daily Rate (ADR):$265.73Occupancy:37.77%Regulation:Low
Rank:#41Market:YambaCountry:AustraliaProperties:416Monthly Revenue:$2636.06Daily Rate (ADR):$314.68Occupancy:37.01%Regulation:High
Rank:#42Market:City of Greater GeelongCountry:AustraliaProperties:397Monthly Revenue:$2340.32Daily Rate (ADR):$294.44Occupancy:37.02%Regulation:Low
Rank:#43Market:Shire of Colac OtwayCountry:AustraliaProperties:395Monthly Revenue:$2726.40Daily Rate (ADR):$299.68Occupancy:37.19%Regulation:Low
Rank:#44Market:LorneCountry:AustraliaProperties:392Monthly Revenue:$2696.53Daily Rate (ADR):$388.49Occupancy:33.00%Regulation:Low
Rank:#45Market:Hervey BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:383Monthly Revenue:$2015.10Daily Rate (ADR):$171.40Occupancy:50.91%Regulation:Low
Rank:#46Market:Airlie BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:382Monthly Revenue:$3558.65Daily Rate (ADR):$291.69Occupancy:49.47%Regulation:Low
Rank:#47Market:PerthCountry:AustraliaProperties:372Monthly Revenue:$2612.05Daily Rate (ADR):$151.09Occupancy:62.19%Regulation:High
Rank:#48Market:Port Stephens CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:366Monthly Revenue:$3262.69Daily Rate (ADR):$398.03Occupancy:34.28%Regulation:High
Rank:#49Market:Whitsunday RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:364Monthly Revenue:$6451.75Daily Rate (ADR):$563.27Occupancy:48.12%Regulation:Low
Rank:#50Market:KingscliffCountry:AustraliaProperties:346Monthly Revenue:$3453.84Daily Rate (ADR):$393.30Occupancy:40.04%Regulation:High
Rank:#51Market:Shire of South GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:345Monthly Revenue:$1973.55Daily Rate (ADR):$227.48Occupancy:35.41%Regulation:Low
Rank:#52Market:Port FairyCountry:AustraliaProperties:342Monthly Revenue:$2179.33Daily Rate (ADR):$280.10Occupancy:33.72%Regulation:Low
Rank:#53Market:OrangeCountry:AustraliaProperties:340Monthly Revenue:$2465.66Daily Rate (ADR):$218.55Occupancy:44.24%Regulation:High
Rank:#54Market:Coffs HarbourCountry:AustraliaProperties:334Monthly Revenue:$2651.54Daily Rate (ADR):$239.10Occupancy:44.04%Regulation:High
Rank:#55Market:MandurahCountry:AustraliaProperties:334Monthly Revenue:$2956.90Daily Rate (ADR):$255.87Occupancy:47.16%Regulation:High
Rank:#56Market:Townsville CityCountry:AustraliaProperties:330Monthly Revenue:$1629.36Daily Rate (ADR):$217.37Occupancy:34.62%Regulation:Low
Rank:#57Market:CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:325Monthly Revenue:$1762.96Daily Rate (ADR):$154.45Occupancy:47.88%Regulation:Low
Rank:#58Market:Mid-Coast CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:323Monthly Revenue:$1971.10Daily Rate (ADR):$234.92Occupancy:35.59%Regulation:High
Rank:#59Market:InverlochCountry:AustraliaProperties:323Monthly Revenue:$1756.18Daily Rate (ADR):$254.95Occupancy:33.35%Regulation:Low
Rank:#60Market:FremantleCountry:AustraliaProperties:318Monthly Revenue:$2772.36Daily Rate (ADR):$171.02Occupancy:62.20%Regulation:High
Rank:#61Market:BendigoCountry:AustraliaProperties:315Monthly Revenue:$1955.29Daily Rate (ADR):$164.82Occupancy:47.66%Regulation:Low
Rank:#62Market:Wagga Wagga City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:297Monthly Revenue:$1987.45Daily Rate (ADR):$202.39Occupancy:43.78%Regulation:High
Rank:#63Market:Scenic Rim RegionalCountry:AustraliaProperties:292Monthly Revenue:$3209.35Daily Rate (ADR):$249.56Occupancy:47.08%Regulation:Low
Rank:#64Market:ToowoombaCountry:AustraliaProperties:285Monthly Revenue:$2219.23Daily Rate (ADR):$144.21Occupancy:55.30%Regulation:Low
Rank:#65Market:Shire of HepburnCountry:AustraliaProperties:285Monthly Revenue:$2898.38Daily Rate (ADR):$308.92Occupancy:35.86%Regulation:Low
Rank:#66Market:Sunshine BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:275Monthly Revenue:$3684.96Daily Rate (ADR):$419.62Occupancy:41.21%Regulation:Low
Rank:#67Market:AlbanyCountry:AustraliaProperties:275Monthly Revenue:$2971.69Daily Rate (ADR):$208.37Occupancy:54.53%Regulation:High
Rank:#68Market:WarrnamboolCountry:AustraliaProperties:268Monthly Revenue:$2200.20Daily Rate (ADR):$216.67Occupancy:42.75%Regulation:Low
Rank:#69Market:ThredboCountry:AustraliaProperties:266Monthly Revenue:$2508.64Daily Rate (ADR):$542.79Occupancy:25.86%Regulation:High
Rank:#70Market:AngleseaCountry:AustraliaProperties:264Monthly Revenue:$1991.35Daily Rate (ADR):$308.05Occupancy:32.56%Regulation:Low
Rank:#71Market:BathurstCountry:AustraliaProperties:263Monthly Revenue:$2240.60Daily Rate (ADR):$267.76Occupancy:38.83%Regulation:High
Rank:#72Market:RobeCountry:AustraliaProperties:263Monthly Revenue:$2084.80Daily Rate (ADR):$211.59Occupancy:39.56%Regulation:Low
Rank:#73Market:Lennox HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:252Monthly Revenue:$2991.94Daily Rate (ADR):$343.46Occupancy:44.47%Regulation:High
Rank:#74Market:Surf Coast ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:244Monthly Revenue:$2055.65Daily Rate (ADR):$307.32Occupancy:34.40%Regulation:Low
Rank:#75Market:YallingupCountry:AustraliaProperties:239Monthly Revenue:$4236.51Daily Rate (ADR):$372.45Occupancy:47.44%Regulation:High
Rank:#76Market:HuskissonCountry:AustraliaProperties:235Monthly Revenue:$3771.26Daily Rate (ADR):$346.25Occupancy:39.61%Regulation:High
Rank:#77Market:Shoal BayCountry:AustraliaProperties:235Monthly Revenue:$2679.38Daily Rate (ADR):$366.73Occupancy:31.22%Regulation:High
Rank:#78Market:BlackheathCountry:AustraliaProperties:234Monthly Revenue:$3069.26Daily Rate (ADR):$267.21Occupancy:44.10%Regulation:High
Rank:#79Market:Mid-Western Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:230Monthly Revenue:$2898.05Daily Rate (ADR):$307.49Occupancy:33.99%Regulation:High
Rank:#80Market:Snowy Monaro Regional CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:230Monthly Revenue:$3527.54Daily Rate (ADR):$391.80Occupancy:35.49%Regulation:High
Rank:#81Market:Livingstone ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:228Monthly Revenue:$1740.73Daily Rate (ADR):$183.12Occupancy:39.08%Regulation:Low
Rank:#82Market:District of BelconnenCountry:AustraliaProperties:226Monthly Revenue:$1594.85Daily Rate (ADR):$126.60Occupancy:48.38%Regulation:Low
Rank:#83Market:KiamaCountry:AustraliaProperties:224Monthly Revenue:$2929.52Daily Rate (ADR):$363.91Occupancy:37.83%Regulation:High
Rank:#84Market:Noosa ShireCountry:AustraliaProperties:224Monthly Revenue:$2658.76Daily Rate (ADR):$279.92Occupancy:40.99%Regulation:Low
Rank:#85Market:BusseltonCountry:AustraliaProperties:223Monthly Revenue:$3340.61Daily Rate (ADR):$238.12Occupancy:51.18%Regulation:High
Rank:#86Market:Shire of East GippslandCountry:AustraliaProperties:219Monthly Revenue:$1521.14Daily Rate (ADR):$205.52Occupancy:31.70%Regulation:Low
Rank:#87Market:MudgeeCountry:AustraliaProperties:218Monthly Revenue:$3143.12Daily Rate (ADR):$293.15Occupancy:40.98%Regulation:High
Rank:#88Market:South CanberraCountry:AustraliaProperties:215Monthly Revenue:$1975.04Daily Rate (ADR):$144.41Occupancy:51.98%Regulation:Low
Rank:#89Market:Byron Shire CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:211Monthly Revenue:$3987.01Daily Rate (ADR):$437.96Occupancy:43.52%Regulation:High
Rank:#90Market:AlburyCountry:AustraliaProperties:210Monthly Revenue:$2109.41Daily Rate (ADR):$160.20Occupancy:51.22%Regulation:High
Rank:#91Market:TerrigalCountry:AustraliaProperties:210Monthly Revenue:$2721.67Daily Rate (ADR):$354.89Occupancy:36.90%Regulation:High
Rank:#92Market:JoondalupCountry:AustraliaProperties:210Monthly Revenue:$2441.62Daily Rate (ADR):$163.05Occupancy:57.67%Regulation:High
Rank:#93Market:MerimbulaCountry:AustraliaProperties:209Monthly Revenue:$2505.45Daily Rate (ADR):$263.67Occupancy:40.38%Regulation:High
Rank:#94Market:Agnes WaterCountry:AustraliaProperties:206Monthly Revenue:$2095.57Daily Rate (ADR):$241.12Occupancy:37.19%Regulation:Low
Rank:#95Market:Halls GapCountry:AustraliaProperties:199Monthly Revenue:$2307.21Daily Rate (ADR):$189.78Occupancy:40.97%Regulation:Low
Rank:#96Market:Shellharbour City CouncilCountry:AustraliaProperties:198Monthly Revenue:$3110.95Daily Rate (ADR):$335.66Occupancy:41.93%Regulation:High
Rank:#97Market:Crescent HeadCountry:AustraliaProperties:195Monthly Revenue:$1786.09Daily Rate (ADR):$220.52Occupancy:35.92%Regulation:High
Rank:#98Market:Rainbow BeachCountry:AustraliaProperties:192Monthly Revenue:$2078.85Daily Rate (ADR):$218.55Occupancy:39.46%Regulation:Low
Rank:#99Market:Lakes EntranceCountry:AustraliaProperties:190Monthly Revenue:$1839.58Daily Rate (ADR):$215.47Occupancy:34.38%Regulation:Low
Rank:#100Market:South West RocksCountry:AustraliaProperties:189Monthly Revenue:$1470.32Daily Rate (ADR):$178.01Occupancy:36.79%Regulation:High

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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