Mackay Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Queensland, Australia
Is Airbnb profitable in Mackay in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Mackay, Queensland, Australia to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Mackay, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 94 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Mackay, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Mackay 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 Mackay Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Mackay (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Mackay 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 Mackay is typically May, while March often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Mackay across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,873+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,918 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,067 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,040, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Mackay
Mackay Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Mackay STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Mackay:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 89%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 78% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 59%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 30% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Mackay
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Mackay (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Mackay involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Mackay typically peaks in December 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 $189+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $147 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $114 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $91 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Mackay
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Mackay (2025)
Peak Season (May, July, June)
- Revenue averages $2,537 per month
- Occupancy rates average 58.0%
- Daily rates average $123
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,213 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 56.5%
- Daily rates hold near $125
Low Season (February, March, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,688 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 46.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $124
Seasonality Insights for Mackay
- The Airbnb seasonality in Mackay shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. 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 Mackay's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,571, occupancy reaching a high of 65.3%, and ADRs peaking at $132.
- 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 $1,494, occupancy could drop to 41.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $121.
- 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 Mackay.
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 Mackay seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Mackay (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Mackay? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mackay City Centre | The heart of Mackay, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Ideal for travelers looking for convenience and access to local amenities. | Civic Centre, Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Artspace Mackay, Bluewater Lagoon, Mackay Marina |
| Mackay Harbour | A picturesque waterfront area popular with tourists for its beautiful views, dining, and water activities. Great for those looking to enjoy a more relaxed holiday experience by the sea. | Mackay Marina, Harbour Beach, Bluewater Quay, Mackay Fish Market, Boat tours and fishing charters |
| Slade Point | A quiet suburban area close to the beach, providing a peaceful retreat for families and beach lovers. Known for its natural beauty and proximity to local parks. | Slade Point Beach, Lamberts Beach, Bamboo Creek, Paterson Park, Baker's Creek |
| North Mackay | A growing residential area with plenty of local parks and amenities. Attracts families and longer-stay visitors looking for a home-like atmosphere. | Pioneer River, Caneland Central Shopping Centre, Queens Park, North Mackay Heritage Centre, Local parks and sports facilities |
| Walkerston | A peaceful rural community located close to Mackay, ideal for those wanting a quieter lifestyle away from the city while still being accessible to all the attractions. | Walkeston State School, Pioneer Valley, Local markets, Shared community facilities, Nature walks and trails |
| Dumbleton | A semi-rural area known for its scenic landscapes and tranquil surroundings. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. | Dumbleton Nature Reserve, Eungella National Park nearby, Rainforest walks, Scenic drives, Wildlife spotting |
| Eimeo | A coastal suburb known for its beautiful beaches and great ocean views. Attracts visitors looking for a beachside vacation experience with a relaxed vibe. | Eimeo Beach, The Eimeo Pub, Shute Harbour, Dolphins at Eimeo, Local surf spots |
| Pioneer Valley | A scenic region located inland from Mackay known for its agricultural landscapes and outdoor activities. Appeals to those wanting to explore the natural beauty of Queensland. | Eungella National Park, Pioneer Valley lookout, Bushwalking trails, Waterfalls, Local farms and produce |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Mackay (2025)
While Mackay, 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 Mackay to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Mackay (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Mackaybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
"Karma Waters" Beach House
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Beach Holiday Home - Mackay QLD
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Dazniks place.
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
New Home close to Airport,hospital, Coles & Resto
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
On the Wake
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Best Location +PoolTable+bar+pool +Tarven
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Mackay (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mackay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christine And Brad | 11 | $282,279 | 627 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Cesar | 8 | $187,852 | 395 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Emma | 4 | $135,073 | 155 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Airtrip Home | 3 | $76,550 | 103 | 3.88/5.0 |
| Berni | 2 | $72,835 | 202 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Cheryl | 2 | $57,844 | 32 | 4.47/5.0 |
| Heli | 2 | $55,489 | 997 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Glen | 1 | $53,932 | 53 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Mackay Oceanside Hotel | 2 | $52,907 | 80 | 4.46/5.0 |
| Nichole | 1 | $49,926 | 44 | 4.93/5.0 |
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 Mackay.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Mackay STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Mackay. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMackay Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Mackay
- The Mackay Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.2% of the 94 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Mackay, House properties are the most common (48.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 48.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 7.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others, unique stays (combined 7.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Mackay Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Mackay
- The dominant room capacity in Mackay is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 29.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 53.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Mackay, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 35.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Mackay.
Mackay Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Mackay
- The most common guest capacity trend in Mackay vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (22.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Mackay STR market, accounting for 44.6% of listings.
- 41.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Mackay.
- On average, properties in Mackay are equipped to host 4.6 guests.
Mackay Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Mackay
- The most common availability pattern in Mackay falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 37.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 40.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Mackay (36.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 59.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Mackay Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
18 listings
20.7% of total
2 Nights
29 listings
33.3% of total
3 Nights
25 listings
28.7% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
4.6% of total
7-29 Nights
7 listings
8% of total
30+ Nights
4 listings
4.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Mackay is 2 Nights, adopted by 33.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 33.3% of Mackay hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 20.7% currently do.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Mackay.
Mackay Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
16 listings
18.6% of total
Moderate
20 listings
23.3% of total
Firm
17 listings
19.8% of total
Strict
33 listings
38.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Mackay
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Mackay is Strict, used by 38.4% of listings.
- A majority (58.2%) of hosts in Mackay utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 38.4% market standard in Mackay.
- With 38.4% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Mackay, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Mackay.
Mackay STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Mackay
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Mackay is 36 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 55 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 27 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (47 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (36 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Mackay.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 55 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 47 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Mackay averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Mackay (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Mackay
- Essential amenities in Mackay that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Washer, Kitchen, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Mackay: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Washer or Kitchen 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 Mackay to stay competitive.
Mackay Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Mackay
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Mackay consists of primarily domestic travelers (89%), often arriving from nearby Brisbane, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 89.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (89.4%) and United Kingdom (2.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (75.6%) followed by Spanish (4.8%).
- 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 Brisbane 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 Mackay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitsunday Regional | 356 | $6,512 | $562.63 | 49% |
| Shute Harbour | 19 | $3,932 | $377.99 | 41% |
| Airlie Beach | 387 | $3,617 | $286.35 | 51% |
| Cannonvale | 71 | $2,398 | $199.16 | 52% |
| Mackay Regional | 44 | $1,874 | $147.34 | 52% |
| Bowen | 17 | $1,761 | $149.83 | 43% |
| Seaforth | 11 | $1,675 | $122.83 | 52% |