Bega

As of May 2026, Bega, Merimbula, Tathra have 951 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Bega generates A$34K per year. High-performing properties earn A$64K/year, while low-performing properties earn A$17K/year. This wide earnings variance suggests that top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of demand, while the bottom quartile struggles to maintain visibility in a contracting revenue environment.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Bega. Average annual revenue is A$34K with 33% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to A$64K/year. The delta between average and high-end performance highlights that profitability is heavily dependent on asset positioning, as the overall market experiences a contraction in total revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bega is 33%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of A$291, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of A$73 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Bega, with annual revenue of A$46K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Bega market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Bega area. Bega: Lenient. Part of Bega Valley Shire requiring development consent for STRs over 60 days/year, but enforcement minimal. Many operate without approval. Merimbula: Lenient. Same Bega Valley Shire rules apply - development consent needed over 60 days annually. Light enforcement, widespread non-compliance tolerated. Tathra: Lenient. Also Bega Valley Shire jurisdiction with 60-day threshold requiring consent. Minimal active enforcement, hosts commonly operate without formal approval. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Bega Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 20%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The sharper drop in revenue compared to supply suggests that despite inventory reduction, market demand is softening at a faster rate than the competition is exiting.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 14% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-August) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Bega listings include: Kitchen (92%), Tv (87%), Washing Machine (72%), Air Conditioning (67%), Balcony (64%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Gym, Parking, Washing Machine, with Gym properties earning approximately 39% more (A$69K/year vs A$49K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Bega over the last 12 months: May: A$1K, June: A$1K, July: A$1K, August: A$959, September: A$2K, October: A$2K, November: A$2K, December: A$3K, January: A$4K, February: A$2K, March: A$3K, April: A$3K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Bega is A$291, down 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average A$196/night, 2-bedroom properties average A$236/night, 3-bedroom properties average A$325/night, 4+ bedroom properties average A$471/night. Rates peak in January and are lowest in June.

Guests in Bega book an average of 34 days in advance, down 17% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 33 days, 3-bedroom: 35 days, 4+ bedroom: 39 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Bega Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 6%, revenue per listing decreased 20%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates decreased 5%, and lead time decreased 17%. These metrics signal a tightening market where reduced consumer urgency and lower demand are exerting downward pressure on yield.

In Bega, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 25% higher occupancy than weekdays.