Wollongong

As of May 2026, Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour have 415 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 18% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Wollongong generates A$55K per year. High-performing properties earn A$115K/year, while low-performing properties earn A$24K/year. This significant revenue spread highlights that performance is heavily bifurcated, with top-tier assets capturing vastly larger market shares despite a recent 18% contraction in total supply.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Wollongong. Average annual revenue is A$55K with 42% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to A$115K/year. The gap between average and high performers suggests that while the broader market faces a 7% revenue decline, select properties retain significant pricing power and utilization advantages.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Wollongong is 42%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of A$357, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of A$103 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Wollongong, with annual revenue of A$85K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Wollongong market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Wollongong area. Wollongong: Moderate. Development consent required for non-hosted STR, fire safety compliance, 90-day unhosted limit in residential zones. Complaints-based enforcement, some operating without approval. Kiama: Moderate. Development approval needed, 90-day unhosted cap in residential areas, hosted unlimited. Enforcement primarily complaint-driven, limited proactive monitoring. Shellharbour: Moderate. DA required for unhosted STR, 180-day annual cap, fire safety standards. Light enforcement, complaints-based system, many operate informally. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Wollongong Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 18% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 7%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized reduction in supply and revenue suggests that the market is adjusting to lower demand levels while attempting to stabilize current occupancy floors.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -11% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-August) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Wollongong listings include: Kitchen (100%), Tv (96%), Washing Machine (88%), Air Conditioning (80%), Heating (76%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Gym, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Gym properties earning approximately 55% more (A$103K/year vs A$66K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Wollongong 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$4K, January: A$6K, February: A$3K, March: A$3K, 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 Wollongong is A$357, up 9% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average A$208/night, 2-bedroom properties average A$313/night, 3-bedroom properties average A$446/night, 4+ bedroom properties average A$724/night. Rates peak in January and are lowest in May.

Guests in Wollongong book an average of 30 days in advance, down 22% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 27 days, 2-bedroom: 32 days, 3-bedroom: 29 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 Wollongong Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 18%, revenue per listing decreased 7%, occupancy fell 7%, average nightly rates increased 9%, and lead time decreased 22%. Increased rates alongside shorter lead times indicate a shift toward more spontaneous, shorter-stay booking patterns amid reduced inventory.

In Wollongong, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 42% higher occupancy than weekdays.