Cairns
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Overview
Annual Rev
A$70.2k
12 mo avg
↓3%
from prior 12 mo
Occupancy rate
50%
12 mo avg
↓4%
from prior 12 mo
Avg daily rate
A$352
12 mo avg
↑6%
from prior 12 mo
Lead time
40 days
12 mo avg
↓7 days
from prior 12 mo
Revpar
A$126
12 mo avg
↓21%
from prior 12 mo
Methodology note: Figures reflect Cairns market data as of September 2026. Data covers Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com listings. Values are seasonally influenced; rounding applied for readability.
Revenue per listing by bedroom
Bedroom count:
0
1
2
3
4+
Short-term rental supply growth
Performance metrics by bedroom
Bedrooms
Annual Rev
Supply
Revenue boost by amenity
| Amenity | Listings With | Revenue Boost | Revenue With | Revenue Without |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool | — | +$11,520 | — | — |
| Barbecue | 🔒 9•• (••%) | 🔒 +$7••• (+•%) | 🔒 $8•••• | 🔒 $8•••• |
| Gym | 🔒 3•• (••%) | 🔒 +$6••• (+•%) | 🔒 $8•••• | 🔒 $8•••• |
| Sauna | 🔒 5• (•%) | 🔒 +$5••• (+•%) | 🔒 $8•••• | 🔒 $8•••• |
| TV | 🔒 2••• (••%) | 🔒 +$5••• (+•%) | 🔒 $8•••• | 🔒 $7•••• |
| Lake Access | 🔒 3• (•%) | 🔒 +$4••• (+•%) | 🔒 $8•••• | 🔒 $8•••• |
| Hot Tub | 🔒 2•• (••%) | 🔒 +$1••• (+•%) | 🔒 $8•••• | 🔒 $8•••• |
Nightly rate by day of week
Occupancy rate by day of week
Listings by channel
Listings by rental type
Listings by amenities
Listings by size
4+ bedrooms (0%)
Listings by availability
Length of stay by bedroom
4+ bedrooms (5.6 nights)
3 bedrooms (5.1 nights)
2 bedrooms (5.0 nights)
1 bedroom (4.8 nights)
Cleaning fee by bedroom
4+ bedrooms (A$251)
3 bedrooms (A$150)
2 bedrooms (A$103)
1 bedroom (A$64)
Professional host share
Professionally managed (85%)
Independent hosts (15%)
Over the 12 months ending August 2026, the Cairns market averaged 2,242 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, down 3% from a year earlier and down 6% over two years.
An average Cairns listing earns A$67K/year. High-performing listings earn A$122K, while low-performing listings earn A$30K.
Average occupancy in Cairns is 46%, producing RevPAR of A$124 per available night.
4+ bedroom listings generate the highest average annual revenue in Cairns, at A$97K.
Rules vary across Cairns. Cairns: Lenient. No specific STR permits required, general business registration recommended. Minimal enforcement, large STR market operates freely. Port Douglas: Lenient. No dedicated STR licensing, standard business compliance. Tourism-driven area with light enforcement, widespread operations. Palm Cove: Lenient. No STR-specific permits, general Queensland regulations apply. Tourist precinct with minimal enforcement, established STR industry. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.
The Cairns Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has declined 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 8%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.
RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in February and March.
The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (97%), TV (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+33%), Internet (+29%), Air Conditioning (+27%).
Average daily rate in Cairns is A$375, up 12% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.
Guests in Cairns book an average of 41 days in advance, down 7% from last year. Booking windows range from 36 days for 1-bedroom listings to 47 days for 4+ bedroom listings.
Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 10% higher than weekday occupancy.