Central Coast

As of May 2026, Terrigal, The Entrance, Gosford have 2,457 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 7% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Central Coast generates A$54K per year. High-performing properties earn A$130K/year, while low-performing properties earn A$24K/year. The substantial variance between top-tier earnings and the average suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, likely driven by specific property attributes or guest appeal rather than uniform market performance.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Central Coast. Average annual revenue is A$54K with 30% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to A$130K/year. A 30% occupancy rate alongside declining supply indicates a cautious market where demand is currently insufficient to absorb existing inventory levels effectively.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Coast is 30%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of A$475, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of A$110 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Central Coast, with annual revenue of A$76K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Central Coast market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Central Coast area. Terrigal: Moderate. NSW strata approval needed if applicable, fire safety compliance, 90-day unhosted limit unless approved. Code of Conduct mandatory. Moderate enforcement through complaints. The Entrance: Moderate. Same NSW rules - 90-day unhosted cap, fire safety standards, Code of Conduct registration. Central Coast Council monitors via complaints. Moderate enforcement. Gosford: Moderate. 90-day unhosted limit, fire safety requirements, Code of Conduct compliance. Council responds to neighbor complaints. Moderate enforcement overall. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Central Coast Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 11%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both supply and revenue suggests a period of market adjustment where lower-performing inventory is exiting while remaining assets face compressed pricing power.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 21% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Central Coast listings include: Kitchen (95%), Tv (92%), Air Conditioning (85%), Washing Machine (85%), Balcony (72%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Pool properties earning approximately 62% more (A$124K/year vs A$76K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Central Coast over the last 12 months: May: A$2K, June: A$2K, July: A$2K, August: A$2K, September: A$2K, October: A$4K, November: A$3K, December: A$6K, January: A$8K, February: A$3K, March: A$3K, April: A$5K. 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 Central Coast is A$475, up 4% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average A$227/night, 2-bedroom properties average A$307/night, 3-bedroom properties average A$457/night, 4+ bedroom properties average A$813/night. Rates peak in January and are lowest in August.

Guests in Central Coast book an average of 29 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 26 days, 2-bedroom: 27 days, 3-bedroom: 28 days, 4+ bedroom: 35 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Central Coast Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 7%, revenue per listing decreased 11%, occupancy fell 16%, average nightly rates increased 4%, and lead time decreased 18%. These shifts highlight a trend toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, signaling a transition toward more reactive, last-minute travel patterns.

In Central Coast, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 48% higher occupancy than weekdays.