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REVEALED: Hundreds of Mackay home owners raking in cash

How home owners are making an extra $139 a day

View from the deck to the beach. Picture: Airbnb
View from the deck to the beach. Picture: Airbnb

MACKAY property owners who have opened their homes to complete strangers are raking in an average of $139 per day as short-term lodging through Airbnb continues to grow in popularity.

According to Airdna data a surge of new Airbnb rentals have been listed in Mackay in the last two years, growing from 154 in 2016 to 257 in 2018. So far this year, an extra 24 properties have become available.

Here are some of the best available around the region:

#1 Keswick Retreat

The view from the balcony as this deserted apartment on Keswick Island. Picture: Airbnb
The view from the balcony as this deserted apartment on Keswick Island. Picture: Airbnb

Located on Keswick Island, you can rent this entire bungalow for just $215 per night. It can sleep up to eight guests and has three bedrooms with five beds and two bathrooms.

It has amazing balcony views that overlook the Great Barrier Reef and a comfortable area for you to relax.

You can book here.

#2 Sunset Bay Beachfront Studio

With comfy sitting areas, this place is perfect for your next getaway. Picture: Airbnb
With comfy sitting areas, this place is perfect for your next getaway. Picture: Airbnb

This beach themed bed and breakfast is available in Eimeo.

It features two bedrooms and one bathroom and an outdoor entertaining area with a pool.

The major drawcard of this property is its proximity to the beach and its valued host. Comments and reviews of the property suggest that she is a very welcoming host and even prepared cupcakes for some of the guests.

You can book here.

#3 Ocean Front Studio Apartment - Dolphin Heads

This stunning beach front apartment is situated within a resort complex with a large lagoon style pool.

Guest can dine at the 'Salt' restaurant or cool off and have a cocktail by the pool. Live entertainment plays at the resort every Sunday afternoon.

The apartment has air-conditioning and comes with an LCD TV. It also has comfortable leather lounges for guests and can sleep up to three people for only $80 per night.

#4 Rustic Rural Retreat Robinson's Farm

The view from the rural retreat. Picture: Airbnb
The view from the rural retreat. Picture: Airbnb

This unique "Shouse" (shed house) is located on the side of a hill in Eungella.

It features on one bedroom but can sleep up to seven guest with four beds in the property. It has a pot belly stove to escape the Eungella cold, a firepit, and a Weber BBQ.

Guests can pre-order a massage on the deck or at the top of a waterfall. The property also boasts a full kitchen with a gas cook-top and an oven for guest convenience, but meals can also be order at $20pp.

It will cost about $75 and you can book here.

#5 Misty Mountain Cabins

Unusual bedroom at Misty Mountains. Picture: Airbnb
Unusual bedroom at Misty Mountains. Picture: Airbnb

This one bedroom cabin has loads of character, and is a great place to stay if you have a love of nature and wildlife.

Guest will be able to feed peacocks and guinea fowls. The host are also available to take you for a platypus viewing at Broken River or a birdwatching tour through the surrounding rainforest.

The cabin cost about $61pn and you can book here.

#6 Ball Bay bliss

This stunning three bedroom house is available for rent at Ball Bay in the Mackay region.

It is right on the beach and is especially great for nature lovers.

If you stay in the summer time then you will be able to view the turtle hatchlings as they begin their long journey to the ocean. T

he main bedroom features a queen bed with a full size television. The house features an amazing wrap around balcony where you can sit and enjoy the views of the beach.

It's $131 per night to stay at this property and you can find where to book here.

#7 Mount Pleasant Holiday House

A staple of all central Queensland homes is plenty of outdoor space to do activities. Picture: Airbnb
A staple of all central Queensland homes is plenty of outdoor space to do activities. Picture: Airbnb

This beautiful four bedroom house can be rented in Mount Pleasant, Mackay. It features a pool table, large swimming pool and a bar. It has two bathrooms which makes it comfortable to sleep up to nine guests. It also has a fully self contained kitchen so guest can prepare their own meals.

This property costs about $200 per night and you can book here.

#8 Shambahla Creek Cottage - Rainforest Retreat

This covered deck is perfect for alfresco dining or afternoon drinks enjoying the view. Picture: Airbnb
This covered deck is perfect for alfresco dining or afternoon drinks enjoying the view. Picture: Airbnb

This gorgeous rainforest retreat is situated in Mt Charlton. It features three beautiful bedrooms with an ensuite off the main.

This is a special property that also has multiple outdoor eating areas and a fully equipped, modern kitchen. The home is also accessible for wheelchairs. The property also boasts an indoor fireplace for guests to relax by, a large bathtub and a view of the nearby creek.

At a cost of $220 per night and you can book the Shambahla Creek Cottage here.

#9 7th Heaven BnB

7th Heaven looks like it could be heaven for anyone who visits the property. Picture: Airbnb
7th Heaven looks like it could be heaven for anyone who visits the property. Picture: Airbnb

This BnB gives guests the choice between different types of accommodation in picturesque Eungella. You can choose from the "The Unit", "The Granny Flat" or the "The Studio". The property also has indoor and outdoor fireplaces for guest to enjoy. Each dwelling has been immaculately kept and visitors are sure to enjoy their time here.

#10 Driftwood

Outdoor area great for relaxing. Picture: Airbnb
Outdoor area great for relaxing. Picture: Airbnb

This beautiful three bedroom is broken up into two parts, with the master retreat connected to the house by a fully covered breeze way. This house has stunning natural light and fully stocked modern kitchen so guests can prepare their own meals. It also features an outdoor BBQ and entertaining area so you can enjoy the great outdoors at this property.

There is also a media room for the kids.

Driftwood cost about $200 per night and you can book here

#11 Cannonvale Private Room

Stunning view from the Cannonvale room. Picture: Airbnb
Stunning view from the Cannonvale room. Picture: Airbnb

While most of the properties on this list are renting the entire house, this special room warranted a mention.

While this is only a private room for rental, it deserved a mention because of the spectacular views and luxury pool that guest can enjoy.

Your room has a walk in robe and ensuite, as well as a kitchenette area. Owners of this property have also provided guest with a Weber BBQ on the pool deck and allow guest the full usage of the pool hut attached to the property.

There are three mountain bikes for guest use and the property backs on to a national park.

This room costs $118 per night and you can book it here.

#12 Luxury Eco Home - Keswick island

This beautiful home on Keswick Island has three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms and boasts complete privacy for guest.

The house is fitted out with the most luxurious furnishings and finishes, and supplies guests with a full kitchen. The house can also be provisioned if requested before arrival.

The master bedroom has a spa bath and double shower and has magnificent ocean views.

#13 Belmunda Beach Hideaway

This six bedroom house is available for guests to rent for $200 per night.

Guest will be able to enjoy a spa bath or relax on the balcony. They will also be able to utilise a private access to the beach.

Originally published as REVEALED: Hundreds of Mackay home owners raking in cash

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/property/revealed-hundreds-of-mackay-home-owners-raking-in-cash/news-story/d86fb03b6dfa215c03fd9975a0424955