Geelong

As of May 2026, Geelong, Torquay, Lorne have 924 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 13% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Geelong generates A$36K per year. High-performing properties earn A$72K/year, while low-performing properties earn A$17K/year. The wide revenue disparity suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to asset-specific appeal rather than broad market trends, as the shrinking supply base has yet to force a convergence in earnings.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Geelong. Average annual revenue is A$36K with 34% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to A$72K/year. This double-digit gap between average and top-tier performance highlights a market where demand is increasingly concentrated, rewarding those who capture the premium segment despite an overall contraction in revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Geelong is 34%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of A$277, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of A$73 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Geelong, with annual revenue of A$45K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Geelong market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Geelong area. Geelong: Moderate. Planning permit required for non-hosted rentals over 60 days/year. Owner-occupancy encouraged but not mandatory. Local councils conduct compliance checks, though enforcement varies by area. Torquay: Moderate. Part of Surf Coast Shire requiring permits for frequent short-term use. No strict caps but planning approval needed. Moderate enforcement with complaint-based investigations. Lorne: Moderate. Planning permits required, particularly in residential zones. No formal caps but community pressure exists. Council responds to complaints; some operate without permits but risk exists. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Geelong Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 13% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 7%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized reduction in both supply and revenue suggests the market is naturally recalibrating, preventing a sharper downturn despite the current cooling in per-listing earnings.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 10% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (July-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Geelong listings include: Kitchen (98%), Air Conditioning (96%), Tv (94%), Washing Machine (86%), Heating (81%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Gym, Washing Machine, Tv, with Gym properties earning approximately 65% more (A$82K/year vs A$49K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Geelong over the last 12 months: May: A$1K, June: A$2K, July: A$2K, August: A$1K, September: A$2K, October: A$2K, November: A$2K, December: A$4K, January: A$5K, 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 Geelong is A$277, up 8% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average A$166/night, 2-bedroom properties average A$251/night, 3-bedroom properties average A$297/night, 4+ bedroom properties average A$447/night. Rates peak in January and are lowest in August.

Guests in Geelong book an average of 28 days in advance, down 17% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 22 days, 2-bedroom: 29 days, 3-bedroom: 30 days, 4+ bedroom: 33 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Geelong Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 13%, revenue per listing decreased 7%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 8%, and lead time decreased 17%. Rising rates amid falling occupancy reflect a strategic shift toward yield optimization, signaling a departure from volume-based growth in a tightening environment.

In Geelong, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 39% higher occupancy than weekdays.