Cairns City Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Queensland, Australia
Is Airbnb profitable in Cairns City in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Cairns City, Queensland, Australia to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Cairns City, based on AirROI data from February 2025 to January 2026, reveals key trends in the niche market of 22 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Cairns City, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Cairns City Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Cairns City Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Cairns City (2026)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Cairns City is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Cairns City is typically August, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Cairns City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,435+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,975 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,834 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,732, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Cairns City
Cairns City Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Cairns City 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 Cairns City:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 76%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 66% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 50%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 32% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Cairns City
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Cairns City (2026)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Cairns City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Cairns City typically peaks in September and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $369+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $287 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $187 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $132 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Cairns City
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Cairns City (2026)
Peak Season (August, July, September)
- Revenue averages $4,695 per month
- Occupancy rates average 61.7%
- Daily rates average $228
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,200 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 42.7%
- Daily rates hold near $219
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $0 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 0.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $209
Seasonality Insights for Cairns City
- The Airbnb seasonality in Cairns City shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Cairns City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,996, occupancy reaching a high of 67.3%, and ADRs peaking at $249.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $0, occupancy could drop to 0.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $208.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Cairns City.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Cairns City seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Cairns City (2026)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Cairns City? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Cairns Esplanade | A popular waterfront promenade with stunning views, BBQ areas, and easy access to the beach. Tourists love it for its relaxed atmosphere and proximity to restaurants and activities. | Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Night Markets, Cairns Botanic Gardens, Cairns Convention Centre, The Esplanade Precinct |
| Palm Cove | Known for its beautiful palm-fringed beach and upscale resorts, Palm Cove is a tranquil destination for tourists seeking relaxation and luxury. | Palm Cove Beach, Village Park, Cairns Tropical Zoo, Day spas and wellness retreats, Fine dining restaurants |
| Port Douglas | A gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, it’s ideal for tourists looking for adventure and natural beauty. Offers a charming village atmosphere with boutique shops and cafes. | Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas Markets, Anzac Park |
| Kuranda | A picturesque village in the rainforest, Kuranda is known for its arts and crafts markets and scenic views. Great for those looking for a unique, nature-based experience. | Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda Markets, Birdworld Kuranda, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary |
| Trinity Beach | A family-friendly beach with beautiful views and access to various water sports. Popular among locals and tourists for its laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere. | Trinity Beach, Trinity Beach Village, Cairns Dive Centre, Water sports activities, Picnic spots and parks |
| Cairns City Centre | The heart of Cairns, bustling with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Ideal for tourists who want to be in the middle of the action and close to services. | Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Cairns Aquarium, Raintrees Shopping Centre, The Reef Hotel Casino, Restaurants and bars |
| Ellis Beach | A quiet beach escape close to Cairns, known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. A hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful getaway. | Ellis Beach, Beachfront cafes, Barbecue areas, Access to walking trails, Secluded swimming spots |
| Yorkeys Knob | A relaxed beach area perfect for families and those seeking outdoor activities such as kite surfing and fishing. Offers a friendly, community vibe. | Yorkeys Knob Beach, Marino's on the Beach, Golf course, Kite surfing, Fishing spots |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Cairns City (2026)
While Cairns City, Queensland, Australia currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Cairns City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Cairns City (2026)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Cairns Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
25 Harbour Lights with Magical Water Views
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Good Vibes on Lake — Relaxed Tropical Living
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Cairns City Apartment-Pool, Gym, Sauna, ReefTours
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Heart of Cairns City
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
McLeod Escape—Central Base by Markets & Waterfront
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Waters Edge - Swim Out Apartment
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Cairns City (2026)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cairns City based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antje | 1 | $126,055 | 17 | 5.00/5.0 |
| The Boutique Collection | 3 | $90,856 | 20 | 4.48/5.0 |
| Craig | 2 | $77,134 | 6 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Thomas | 3 | $59,354 | 15 | 4.68/5.0 |
| Scott & Kris | 1 | $48,505 | 39 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Michael | 1 | $45,670 | 25 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Sebastian | 1 | $45,663 | 22 | 4.64/5.0 |
| Freeman'S Residential | 3 | $42,463 | 24 | 4.61/5.0 |
| Terry | 1 | $31,299 | 24 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Jodie @ Jack & Newell Apartmen | 1 | $22,766 | 4 | 4.50/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Cairns City.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Cairns City STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Cairns City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCairns City Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Cairns City
- The Cairns City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 90.9% of the 22 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Cairns City, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (90.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
Cairns City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Cairns City
- The dominant room capacity in Cairns City is 1 bedroom listings, making up 36.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 68.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Cairns City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Cairns City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Cairns City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Cairns City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (36.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Cairns City STR market, accounting for 72.8% of listings.
- 18.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Cairns City.
- On average, properties in Cairns City are equipped to host 3.3 guests.
Cairns City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Cairns City
- The most common availability pattern in Cairns City falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 63.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 95.4% 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 Cairns City (63.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 4.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Cairns City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
2 listings
9.1% of total
2 Nights
8 listings
36.4% of total
3 Nights
6 listings
27.3% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
4.5% of total
30+ Nights
5 listings
22.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Cairns City is 2 Nights, adopted by 36.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (22.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Cairns City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 36.4% of Cairns City hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 9.1% currently do.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (36.4%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 22.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Cairns City.
Cairns City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
1 listings
4.5% of total
Flexible
4 listings
18.2% of total
Moderate
7 listings
31.8% of total
Firm
10 listings
45.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Cairns City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Cairns City is Firm, used by 45.5% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (50.0%) and stricter (45.5%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 45.5% market standard in Cairns City.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Cairns City.
Cairns City STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Cairns City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Cairns City is 26 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during September (average 37 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 0 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (31 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (0 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (26 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Cairns City.
- For September stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 37 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During April, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (0 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 31 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Cairns City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Cairns City (2026)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Cairns City
- Essential amenities in Cairns City that guests expect include: Pool, Smoke alarm, Air conditioning, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water kettle, TV, Bed linens are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Cairns City: Pool, Smoke alarm, Air conditioning, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water kettle or TV to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Cairns City to stay competitive.
Cairns City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Cairns City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Cairns City consists of a mix of domestic (63%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby Melbourne, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Korean.
- Domestic travelers account for 62.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (62.7%) and United States (11.1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (68.1%) followed by Korean (8.5%).
- 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 Queensland.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Cairns City 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kewarra Beach | 47 | $4,698 | $360.15 | 51% |
| Palm Cove | 99 | $3,938 | $361.83 | 48% |
| Cairns Regional | 693 | $3,554 | $312.48 | 43% |
| Trinity Beach | 14 | $3,387 | $316.88 | 50% |
| Port Douglas | 647 | $2,992 | $339.48 | 40% |
| Douglas Shire | 149 | $2,812 | $291.13 | 41% |
| Mossman | 11 | $2,656 | $212.54 | 48% |
| Cairns North | 27 | $2,548 | $217.45 | 52% |
| Tablelands Regional | 41 | $2,533 | $248.64 | 46% |
| Cairns | 917 | $2,531 | $177.00 | 54% |