Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Wollongong's property market is included in our pack
Running an Airbnb in Wollongong can be profitable, with average annual revenues reaching A$20,000 to A$67,000 depending on property type, location, and management strategy.
This coastal city offers strong short-term rental demand from Sydney weekenders, university visitors, and beach tourists, though hosts must navigate NSW's registration requirements and local competition.
We update this article regularly with fresh Wollongong Airbnb data and regulatory changes.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Wollongong.
Insights
- Wollongong Airbnb hosts earn an average of A$241 per night in early 2026, notably higher than Sydney's median rate of A$184, because entire-home beach properties dominate this market.
- With only around 1,000 active listings competing for roughly 5 million annual Illawarra visitors, Wollongong's short-term rental market remains less saturated than most Australian coastal cities.
- The typical Wollongong Airbnb achieves 54% occupancy annually (about 16 booked nights monthly), though well-optimized properties in Thirroul regularly hit 70% or higher.
- One and two-bedroom properties account for 62% of all Wollongong Airbnb listings, yet three-bedroom family homes command the highest seasonal premiums during summer school holidays.
- Wollongong sits outside the official Greater Sydney boundary, meaning most hosts here are not subject to the 180-day annual cap for non-hosted rentals.
- STRA registration costs just A$65 initially plus A$25 annually, making compliance affordable compared to other Australian states with levies or percentage-based fees.
- Properties near Wollongong's northern train stations like Thirroul and Austinmer earn 15 to 25% higher nightly rates because Sydney visitors arrive car-free in under 90 minutes.
- Summer high season generates roughly 35% more revenue than average, while winter months (May to August) typically drop to 70% of baseline, creating predictable cash flow patterns.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Wollongong in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term renting through Airbnb is legal in Wollongong under NSW's state-wide Short-Term Rental Accommodation framework, provided you follow registration, safety, and conduct requirements.
The main legal framework is the NSW Housing SEPP combined with the mandatory STRA Code of Conduct, which set clear rules for hosts, guests, and booking platforms.
The most important requirement is registering your property on the NSW STRA Register before advertising or accepting bookings, which involves confirming your property meets fire safety standards.
Additional restrictions can come from strata by-laws for apartments, development consent conditions, or council enforcement if complaints arise about noise or guest behavior.
Operating an unregistered rental can result in fines, placement on the NSW Exclusion Register banning you from hosting, and potential compliance action from Wollongong City Council.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Australia.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Australia.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there is no minimum-stay requirement for Wollongong Airbnb rentals, and the 180-day annual cap for non-hosted properties applies only to Greater Sydney, Ballina, Byron, and parts of Clarence Valley and Muswellbrook, not Wollongong.
Wollongong is classified as part of the Illawarra regional destination network rather than Greater Sydney, so most property types can operate year-round without day caps, though you should verify your specific property's status.
Hosts track rental nights automatically through the NSW STRA Register, which integrates with major platforms like Airbnb and Stayz, while direct bookings must be manually recorded.
If a host exceeded limits in capped areas, consequences could include council enforcement, fines, and removal from booking platforms that verify registration compliance.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Wollongong right now?
You do not have to live at your Wollongong property to run it as an Airbnb, and investment properties are permitted under NSW's STRA framework.
Owners of secondary homes can legally operate short-term rentals, though their rentals are classified as "non-hosted STRA" meaning the owner does not reside on premises during guest stays.
Non-hosted rentals face the same registration and fire safety requirements as hosted rentals, plus they may be restricted by strata by-laws in apartment buildings where owners corporations have voted to prohibit non-hosted short stays.
The main practical difference is that strata buildings can ban non-hosted STRA through a 75% special resolution vote, but cannot restrict hosted STRA where you live on-site during guest stays.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Wollongong
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Wollongong right now?
As of early 2026, NSW rules do not impose a "one host, one property" limit, so you can legally operate multiple Airbnb listings in Wollongong under a single name or entity.
There is no maximum number of properties one person or company can list at the state level, though each property must meet all registration and compliance requirements separately.
Hosts with multiple properties face no additional licensing beyond registering each premises individually on the NSW STRA Register and ensuring every property meets fire safety standards.
The practical challenge is that compliance risks multiply quickly, since more properties mean more chances for registration lapses, safety issues, or neighbor complaints triggering enforcement.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Wollongong Airbnb hosts need to register on the NSW STRA Register through the Planning Portal rather than obtain a traditional hotel-style license, and this is mandatory before advertising or accepting bookings.
The registration process takes just a few days online, where you provide property details, confirm fire safety compliance, and pay the registration fee to receive your STRA Property ID.
To get approved, you attest that your property meets NSW fire safety standards including interconnected smoke alarms, evacuation diagrams posted at the entrance and in each bedroom, and fire extinguishers for apartments.
Registration costs A$65 for the first 12 months, then A$25 annually to renew, making it affordable compared to short-term rental schemes in other Australian states.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Wollongong does not have suburb-wide bans on Airbnb rentals, but restrictions can apply building-by-building in strata complexes where owners corporations have voted to prohibit non-hosted short-term letting.
Neighborhoods most likely to have restricted buildings include high-density apartment areas like Wollongong CBD, North Wollongong, and parts of Fairy Meadow and Gwynneville where strata schemes are common.
The main reason certain buildings restrict Airbnb is community disruption from short-stay guests, combined with 2025 NSW strata reforms that made it easier for owners corporations to pass by-laws banning non-hosted STRA with a 75% vote.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Wollongong in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly price for a Wollongong Airbnb is approximately A$241 (US$157, €145), while the median sits closer to A$215 (US$140, €129) because premium beach houses pull the average upward.
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of listings falls between A$150 and A$380 (US$98 to US$247, €90 to €228), with budget rooms at the low end and three-bedroom beach houses at the high end.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing is proximity to the beach, with properties offering ocean views or walk-to-sand access commanding 25 to 40% premiums over inland equivalents.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Wollongong.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, nightly Airbnb prices in Wollongong range from about A$170 (US$110, €102) in value suburbs like Coniston and Corrimal to over A$420 (US$273, €252) in premium northern beach villages like Thirroul and Austinmer.
The three neighborhoods with highest average nightly prices are Thirroul at A$350 to A$420 (US$228 to US$273, €210 to €252), Austinmer at A$320 to A$400 (US$208 to US$260, €192 to €240), and Coledale at A$300 to A$380 (US$195 to US$247, €180 to €228).
The three with lowest prices are Coniston at A$170 to A$220 (US$110 to US$143, €102 to €132), Corrimal at A$180 to A$240 (US$117 to US$156, €108 to €144), and West Wollongong at A$175 to A$230 (US$114 to US$150, €105 to €138), though guests still book these areas for affordability and CBD proximity.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Wollongong Airbnb listings is around 54%, translating to roughly 16 booked nights monthly or about 197 nights yearly for an average property.
The realistic range spans from about 40% for underperforming properties up to 70% or higher for well-optimized listings with great reviews, competitive pricing, and desirable locations.
Wollongong's 54% average compares favorably to many regional NSW markets and sits only slightly below Sydney's approximately 57% rate, reflecting strong demand from Sydney weekenders and university visitors.
The single biggest factor for above-average occupancy is competitive dynamic pricing combined with fast response times and a strong review profile that builds booking momentum.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Wollongong
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, average monthly revenue per Wollongong Airbnb listing is approximately A$1,700 to A$5,600 (US$1,100 to US$3,640, €1,020 to €3,360) depending on property type and availability.
The realistic range covering 80% of full-time listings falls between A$2,500 and A$6,500 (US$1,625 to US$4,225, €1,500 to €3,900), with smaller units at the lower end and well-located three-bedroom homes higher.
Top-performing Wollongong Airbnbs can generate A$7,500 to A$10,000 monthly (US$4,875 to US$6,500, €4,500 to €6,000) during peak summer, yielding annual revenues exceeding A$67,000.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Wollongong.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical Wollongong Airbnb revenue during low season (May through August) drops to around A$2,000 to A$3,500 (US$1,300 to US$2,275, €1,200 to €2,100), while high season (December through February) boosts revenue to A$4,500 to A$7,500 (US$2,925 to US$4,875, €2,700 to €4,500).
Low season runs May to August when winter weather reduces beach appeal, while high season peaks December through February with additional spikes during Easter, school holidays, and major events at WIN Stadium or the University of Wollongong.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for a Wollongong Airbnb range from A$900 to A$1,600 (US$585 to US$1,040, €540 to €960) for a self-managed unit, up to A$1,700 to A$3,200 (US$1,105 to US$2,080, €1,020 to €1,920) for a professionally managed house, excluding mortgage and cleaning fees.
The largest expense category is property management, typically 15 to 25% of booking revenue if using a professional service, or significant time investment if self-managing.
Wollongong hosts should expect operating expenses to consume 35 to 50% of gross revenue after accounting for cleaning, utilities, platform fees, insurance, consumables, and maintenance reserves.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Wollongong.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a Wollongong Airbnb ranges from A$1,200 to A$3,500 (US$780 to US$2,275, €720 to €2,100) excluding mortgage costs, with profit per available night between A$40 and A$60 (US$26 to US$39, €24 to €36).
The realistic monthly net profit range spans from about A$800 (US$520, €480) for conservatively managed units up to A$4,500 (US$2,925, €2,700) for optimized beach houses with strong occupancy.
Wollongong hosts typically achieve net profit margins between 35% and 50% of gross revenue, meaning for every A$100 earned, you keep A$35 to A$50 after operating costs but before mortgage payments.
The break-even occupancy rate sits around 30 to 40% depending on fixed costs, meaning most properties become profitable once consistently booking 10 to 12 nights monthly at market rates.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Wollongong, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Wollongong as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there are approximately 700 to 1,000 active Airbnb and short-term rental listings in Wollongong, with around 90% being entire-home rentals rather than private rooms.
Listing numbers have grown by roughly 15 to 22% over the past year, reflecting increasing investor interest, though the market remains less saturated than Sydney's 12,500+ or Melbourne's 17,000+ listings.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most saturated Wollongong neighborhoods are Wollongong CBD, North Wollongong, Thirroul, Austinmer, and Fairy Meadow, where listings cluster around beach access and train stations.
These areas are saturated because they offer the combination Sydney visitors want: under-90-minute train access from Central Station, walkable restaurants, and coastal lifestyle that justifies premium rates.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods offering opportunities include Bulli, Woonona, Corrimal, Figtree, and Coniston, where lower listing density means less direct competition while still capturing overflow demand.
What local events spike demand in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, main events spiking Wollongong Airbnb demand include summer school holidays (December through January), University of Wollongong graduations and orientation weeks, major concerts and sports at WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre, and major triathlon events.
During peak events like New Year's Eve at Wollongong Harbour or stadium concerts, bookings increase 30 to 50% and nightly rates can be pushed 20 to 40% higher, especially for properties near venues.
Hosts should adjust pricing and minimum stays two to four weeks before major events, since booking lead times for event weekends tend to be shorter with last-minute demand spikes.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, top-performing Wollongong Airbnb hosts achieve occupancy rates of 70 to 78%, significantly outperforming the market average of 54% through better photography, faster responses, dynamic pricing, and excellent reviews.
The average host achieves roughly 54% occupancy, while competent hosts actively managing listings typically reach 62 to 68%, showing operational quality creates meaningful performance gaps.
New hosts typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, since building a strong review base requires time and the Airbnb algorithm favors listings with consistent booking history.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Wollongong.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Wollongong right now?
Based on Wollongong Airbnb data in early 2026, amenities nearly all competitors offer include wifi (96% of listings), kitchen (89%), washer (82%), and heating (80%), making these baseline requirements rather than differentiators.
Wollongong-specific competitive amenities include easy parking (essential outside CBD), outdoor space like balcony or backyard (expected by beach travelers), and self check-in (important for late Sydney arrivals).
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Wollongong right now?
The most crowded price range is A$180 to A$280 nightly (US$117 to US$182, €108 to €168), matching the dominant supply of one and two-bedroom entire-home listings in CBD and near-beach locations.
White space opportunities exist above A$400 nightly (US$260, €240) for true family-ready three-bedroom-plus properties near beaches, and in the 30-plus day monthly stay segment for visiting professionals, relocations, and university-related extended stays.
Property characteristics helping new hosts succeed in underserved segments include pet-friendly homes with fenced yards, family-oriented setups with cribs and highchairs, and properties marketed for monthly corporate or university stays with workspace and fast internet.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Wollongong
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What property works best for Airbnb demand in Wollongong right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Wollongong as of 2026?
As of early 2026, one and two-bedroom properties get the most consistent bookings in Wollongong, accounting for 62% of all listings (37% one-bedroom, 25% two-bedroom) which reflects steady demand.
The estimated booking breakdown shows one-bedroom units capturing 35 to 40% of total bookings, two-bedroom 25 to 30%, three-bedroom 20 to 25%, and four-plus bedroom filling the remaining 10 to 15% primarily during peak holidays.
One and two-bedroom properties perform best for year-round occupancy because they match the dominant guest profile of couples and small groups making weekend beach trips from Sydney.
What property type performs best in Wollongong in 2026?
As of early 2026, apartments and units perform best for consistent year-round occupancy in Wollongong, while detached houses near beaches deliver highest revenue during peak periods through premium pricing for group stays.
Occupancy rates show apartments achieving 55 to 60% year-round, detached houses 50 to 65% depending on location and season, townhouses 52 to 58%, and granny flats 58 to 65% due to their appeal for longer stays.
Apartments outperform for consistency because they cluster in high-demand areas with train access and dining, while houses outperform for peak revenue by accommodating family and group bookings commanding significantly higher rates.
What location traits boost bookings in Wollongong right now?
The three location traits most strongly boosting Wollongong Airbnb bookings are walk-to-beach access, proximity to train stations along the northern suburbs rail line connecting to Sydney in under 90 minutes, and nearness to demand anchors like CBD, University of Wollongong, hospital precinct, and WIN Stadium.
Neighborhoods scoring well on these traits include North Wollongong (beach plus CBD adjacency), Thirroul, Austinmer, and Coledale (premium beach villages plus train line), and Wollongong CBD (events, dining, and business stays).
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Wollongong, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and don't throw out numbers at random.
We aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and explained how we used them.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Department of Planning - STRA Framework | Official NSW Government page explaining the state-wide short-term rental accommodation planning framework. | We used it to define hosted versus non-hosted STRA, explain the exempt-development pathway, and clarify 180-day cap rules and which areas they apply to. |
| Service NSW - STRA Registration | Official gateway for NSW government transactions and registrations. | We used it to confirm STRA registration requirements, costs (A$65 initial, A$25 renewal), and practical steps hosts must complete before listing. |
| NSW Government - STRA Code of Conduct | Official NSW Government explanation of the mandatory code of conduct for hosts, guests, and platforms. | We used it to describe host and guest obligations, the Exclusion Register enforcement mechanism, and behavioral compliance requirements. |
| ABLIS - Australian Business Licence Information Service | Official Australian Government-supported licensing information portal used by businesses nationwide. | We used it to cross-check STRA registration applies to residential dwellings and validate rule summaries alongside NSW Planning sources. |
| AirDNA - Wollongong Market Overview | Widely used, methodology-based short-term rental data provider covering Airbnb and Vrbo markets globally. | We used it for quantitative baselines including active listings, occupancy rates, ADR, RevPAR, listing mix, and bedroom distribution. |
| Airbtics - Wollongong Revenue Data | Airbnb analytics provider with comprehensive listing data collection since 2019. | We used it to cross-reference annual revenue figures (A$67K average), occupancy rates (64%), and ADR (A$305) for fuller profitability picture. |
| GuestFavorites - Wollongong Occupancy Rates | Detailed Airbnb occupancy and performance data for specific council areas. | We used it to verify listing counts, occupancy benchmarks (54%), and licensing compliance rates in Wollongong City Council area. |
| Destination NSW - Greater Sydney Engagement Program | NSW Government's tourism and major events agency responsible for regional tourism coordination. | We used it to confirm Wollongong is classified as Illawarra regional destination network rather than Greater Sydney. |
| NSW Planning - A Metropolis of Three Cities | Official NSW Government planning page explaining Greater Sydney's geographic boundaries. | We used it to accurately distinguish Greater Sydney from Wollongong, supporting our conclusion about day cap applicability. |
| NSW DCJ - Rent and Sales Report | NSW Government dataset described as authoritative source for NSW rent movements and housing affordability. | We used it to benchmark long-term rent levels and trends, providing context for comparing Airbnb revenues against traditional rental income. |
| Wollongong City Council - Tourism Accommodation Review | Published by Wollongong City Council directly addressing local tourism accommodation landscape. | We used it to understand local policy attention on tourism accommodation supply and monitoring of short-term rental impacts. |
| PDC Law - NSW Strata STRA Rules (December 2025) | Legal firm specializing in strata law providing detailed analysis of recent NSW STRA regulatory changes. | We used it to understand latest strata by-law powers, July 2025 reforms, and potential 2026 regulatory changes. |
| PBL Legal - 2025 STRA Laws Guide | Comprehensive legal guide on NSW strata STRA laws from reputable property law firm. | We used it to verify strata restriction mechanisms and 75% special resolution requirement for banning non-hosted STRA. |
| PriceLabs - Australia Airbnb Market Trends | Leading dynamic pricing platform with comprehensive Australian short-term rental market data. | We used it to contextualize Wollongong's seasonality patterns and validate occupancy and ADR trends against broader benchmarks. |
| Visit Wollongong - Events Calendar | Official destination marketing organization for Wollongong tourism events and activities. | We used it to identify major events spiking Airbnb demand and provide timing guidance for dynamic pricing adjustments. |
| Wollongong Housing Monitor - .id | Council-partnered demographic and housing data platform providing official Wollongong statistics. | We used it to verify median house prices, rental growth rates, and housing trends affecting purchase decisions and yield comparisons. |
| Houst - Sydney STRA Rules Guide | Property management company providing detailed compliance guides for NSW short-term rental hosts. | We used it to cross-check registration procedures, fire safety requirements, and day-tracking mechanisms applying to Wollongong hosts. |
| Hostaway - Airbnb Rules in Australia 2025 | Vacation rental management software provider with comprehensive Australian state-by-state STRA guides. | We used it to compare NSW rules against other states and contextualize Wollongong's regulatory environment nationally. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Related blog posts