Kiama

As of May 2026, Kiama, Shellharbour, Gerringong have 1,650 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Kiama generates A$69K per year. High-performing properties earn A$155K/year, while low-performing properties earn A$32K/year. This massive revenue variance highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier assets capture significantly more value despite the overall 10% dip in listing earnings.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Kiama. Average annual revenue is A$69K with 35% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to A$155K/year. The delta between the average and high-end performers demonstrates that revenue potential is heavily skewed toward specific segments that maintain appeal despite recent downward pressure on total market supply.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Kiama is 35%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of A$497, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of A$139 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Kiama, with annual revenue of A$93K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Kiama market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Kiama area. Kiama: Moderate. Registration required under NSW Code of Conduct, 90-day unhosted cap unless approved. Moderate enforcement through complaints. Shellharbour: Moderate. NSW Code of Conduct registration mandatory, 90-day unhosted limit. Complaint-driven enforcement, some unlicensed operations exist. Gerringong: Moderate. Part of Kiama Council jurisdiction, same NSW Code rules apply. 90-day cap for unhosted rentals. Enforcement primarily complaint-based. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Kiama Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 10%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized contraction suggests a market adjusting to lower demand levels while attempting to stabilize yield per property.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 18% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-August) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Kiama listings include: Kitchen (91%), Tv (89%), Air Conditioning (85%), Washing Machine (80%), Balcony (64%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Washing Machine, Hot Tub, with Pool properties earning approximately 77% more (A$152K/year vs A$86K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Kiama over the last 12 months: May: A$3K, June: A$3K, July: A$3K, August: A$2K, September: A$3K, October: A$5K, November: A$4K, December: A$6K, January: A$8K, February: A$4K, March: A$4K, April: A$6K. 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 Kiama is A$497, up 0% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average A$272/night, 2-bedroom properties average A$335/night, 3-bedroom properties average A$448/night, 4+ bedroom properties average A$790/night. Rates peak in January and are lowest in August.

Guests in Kiama book an average of 33 days in advance, down 14% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 30 days, 3-bedroom: 32 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Kiama Airbnb and VRBO market has seen: supply declined 9%, revenue per listing decreased 10%, occupancy fell 6%, average nightly rates increased 0%, and lead time decreased 14%. These metrics reveal a trend toward shorter booking windows and reduced utilization, reflecting a more cautious consumer environment.

In Kiama, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 64% higher occupancy than weekdays.