Cairns

As of May 2026, Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove have 2,191 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 12% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Cairns generates A$59K per year. High-performing properties earn A$108K/year, while low-performing properties earn A$27K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market rewards are heavily concentrated, as the declining supply has not prevented a notable drop in overall revenue performance.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Cairns. Average annual revenue is A$59K with 47% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to A$108K/year. This variance highlights a bifurcation where top-tier assets maintain significant earning power despite a broader market environment currently characterized by contracting revenue figures.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Cairns is 47%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of A$347, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of A$104 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Cairns, with annual revenue of A$83K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Cairns market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Cairns area. Cairns: Lenient. No specific STR permits required, standard business registration. Minimal enforcement, hosts operate freely. Port Douglas: Lenient. No dedicated STR licensing, general business rules apply. Light enforcement, tourism-friendly approach. Palm Cove: Lenient. No STR-specific regulations beyond standard business requirements. Minimal enforcement, resort area with permissive attitude. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Cairns Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 23%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both supply and revenue suggests that market participants are adjusting to a lower-demand environment without immediate signs of oversupply.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -33% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Cairns listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (91%), Washing Machine (87%), Balcony (78%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Washing Machine, Pool, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 39% more (A$82K/year vs A$59K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Cairns over the last 12 months: May: A$3K, June: A$3K, July: A$5K, August: A$4K, September: A$4K, October: A$3K, November: A$3K, December: A$3K, January: A$3K, February: A$2K, March: A$2K, April: A$4K. 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 Cairns is A$347, down 1% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average A$210/night, 2-bedroom properties average A$327/night, 3-bedroom properties average A$430/night, 4+ bedroom properties average A$658/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Cairns book an average of 39 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 35 days, 2-bedroom: 39 days, 3-bedroom: 44 days, 4+ bedroom: 45 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Cairns Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 12%, revenue per listing decreased 23%, occupancy fell 4%, average nightly rates decreased 1%, and lead time decreased 20%. These metrics reflect a compressed booking window and reduced pricing power, pointing toward a shift in consumer behavior.

In Cairns, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 9% higher occupancy than weekdays.