The markets where short-term rentals are booking out

The data indicates that Queensland is the most popular Australian destination for international holiday-makers, with the Sunshine State boasting two of the three most popular locations.  

The top three listed Australian locations for international tourism are:

1. Gold Coast

2. Sydney

3. Sunshine Coast

Further scrutiny of the data has shown that beach fairing holidays are the most popular for tourists, with those flocking to Queensland spending an average of five to seven nights along the pristine coastline.

This bodes well for holiday home owners in these areas, with international travel into Australia expected to experience a steady climb back to normal levels. The influx of tourists into the state comes despite Brisbane council’s announcement last week that it would be implementing substantially higher council rates for property owners operating holiday homes.

Down south, the report has alerted short-term rental property owners in NSW, particularly Sydney and the state’s north and south coasts, to prepare their properties for an increased uptake in bookings as travellers visit these regions for an average of one-to-three nights per stay. 

Meanwhile, holiday home owners in Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, as well as the Great Ocean Road and regional Victorian properties that lie on acreage, can expect a strong slow of visitors in the coming months, with a stay duration of one to three nights, similar to that of Sydney.

Darren Karshagen, the director of ANZ vacation rentals at Expedia Group, explained that there are a few reasons behind the sudden rising return of international tourists. 

“Shorter length of stays from international travellers tell us that tourists are coming back, whether it be to visit family and then travel from city to city within Australia, or just coming for leisure,” Mr Karshagen said.

On the domestic front, the data indicated that travellers are opting for a diverse mix of destinations, ranging from cosy winter locations right through to warmer coastal climates. The data showcased that the top five domestic destinations are:

1. Snowy Monaro Regional Council

2. High Country

3. Cairns

4. Sunshine Coast region

5. Sydney and surrounds, such as the Blue Mountains

Short-term rental property owners in these regions should prepare for “longer length of stays and high party sizes [as] domestic travellers are keen to get a group together and getaway, taking time to see both regional towns and major cities”, Mr Karshagen said.

He added that “it is interesting to see the different interests between international and domestic travellers, and what they are after, and why”.