Queensland Airbnb hosts making millions with ultra-luxe short term rentals
Some of Queensland’s top Airbnb hosts have turned their short-stay accommodations into more than just a side hustle.
QLD News
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Queensland’s most luxurious short-stay accommodations are proving to be a lucrative side-hustle, some renting for $9000 a night and making owners millions of dollars a year.
While short-stay platforms like Airbnb offer many Queenslanders the chance to earn a little extra income, the hosts of some of the state’s best and most luxe listings have turned their offerings into bona fide businesses.
See a list of some of Queensland’s most luxurious Airbnb listings below
A stay at Casa Rotunda on Hamilton Island can set guests back from $8775 per night, with up to 16 guests accommodated in the expansive eight-bedroom, Mediterranean inspired mansion in the island’s prestigious Melaleuca Drive.
The Osprey at Peregian Beach charges from $6500-a-night for a stay in the ultra-luxe and ultra-smart home with 180 degree views of the ocean and an infinity edge pool.
Skyline Farmhouse in Rosevale, an hour west of Brisbane, is a sprawling and luxurious rural property sleeping up to 20 guests and situated on a secluded 755 acre working farm, that owner Cameron Crouch says is often completely booked out up to eight months in advance.
Crouch, who is also the Principal of Ray White Sherwood and Graceville, operates Skyline with his wife and a team of staff, both through Airbnb and as an independent accommodation option, as well as offering the property as an events and wedding venue.
With a minimum three-night stay at the idyllic farmhouse setting guests back a cool $5000, or $2500 for the recently launched luxe couples retreat, The Barn, the two rentals have the potential to generate a seven-figure income if their enormous popularity continues.
“We wanted to mix our big passion for luxury accommodation with the rural, farming lifestyle of our heritage,” Crouch said.
The property has more than 200 head of cattle, along with camels, sheep and chickens, that guests can interact with and feed, as well as kitchen gardens and an orchard that give guests the chance to experience life on a farm, without compromising on high-end comforts.
“We are trying to create that luxury rural live-in feel that you are actually in the middle of nowhere, and give the family the chance to experience the rural side of living, but with things you wouldn’t normally come across in a rural environment, like the plunge pool, the caterers’ kitchen and wine fridge …”
There is a full team of staff that curate a luxe experience for guests, and Crouch himself spends weekends at the property ensuring the accommodations are ready, and tending to the animals.
“Because of how we run it, with a full-time manager and caretakers and I also oversee … it’s not just an Airbnb, it’s our luxury business,” Crouch said.
“Guests can get help from any staff straight away – caretakers are far enough away to not be seen, but close enough to be right there when you need. When people turn up, the fires are already on, we try to give as much extra by giving them everything possible they need while they are here.”
“You’ve got to put 100 per cent into running it as an actual business, all your time and energy is directed towards your guests, from construction to running to day-to-day thinking about what guests like and want and need.”
Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager for Airbnb, Australia and New Zealand said that for many people, luxe stays were at the top of their wishlist.
“Airbnb has many incredibly special and spacious homes for those looking to indulge,” Wheeldon said.
“For some, this could be a lush couples getaway nestled in a national park, or for savvy groups who want privacy with all the inclusions, there are bigger homes that have a pool, spa, sauna and even a tennis court with the cost being split between the group.”
“Whatever budget or style guests are looking for, the recently introduced ‘Guest Favourites’ feature a collection of over two million homes that are most-loved by guests based on ratings, reviews and reliability so when travellers are looking for a high-end listing, they will be able to find one they are sure to love.”
Skyline Farmhouse
Rosevale, 4340
Sleeps up to 20
From $1670 per night*
Features:
Located on working farm, 755 acres; Complete privacy; Large pool with spa; Caterers’ kitchen with high-end appliances including wine fridges; Outdoor entertainment space with BBQ; Fire pit; Bocce field; Kitchen garden; Orchard; Amazing views; Animals including camels, cattle alpacas, sheep, pigs and chickens; On-property caretakers
The Barn
Rosevale, 4340
Sleeps up to four
From $833 per night
Features:
Located on working farm, 755 acres; Complete privacy; Plunge pool; Outdoor bath and shower; Terrace with in-built BBQ; Fire pit; Amazing views; Animals including camels, cattle alpacas, sheep, pigs and chickens; On-property caretakers
Casa Rotunda by HIHA
Hamilton Island, 4803
Sleeps up to 16 guests
From $8775 per night*
Features:
Three level home; Circular sunken lounge; Open-plan, entertainer’s kitchen with Gaggenau wall oven; Scullery equipped for private chef; Balcony with five-burner BBQ and 16 seat table; Balcony with pool, spa and bar; Stocked wine cellar; Floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Catseye Bay, Passage Peak, Whitsunday Island; Two buggies; Private chef, yoga and yacht charter available
Rivermead Estate and Pool Guest House
Guanaba, 4210
Sleeps up to 12 guests, plus six in guesthouse
From $4750 per night*
Features:
Fully equipped kitchen with casual dining and lounge; Formal dining room; Billiard and cinema rooms; Wine cellar; Day spa and sauna; Heated swimming pool and jacuzzi; Outdoor dining with BBQ and teppanyaki bar; Fully equipped gym; Tennis court; Firepit; Equestrian facilities; Concierge services; Catering and in-home dining; Beauty and massage therapists, personal trainer and pilates/yoga instructor
Flagstaff Pavillion
Port Douglas, 4877
Sleeps up to 8 guests
From $982 per night*
Features:
King-sized bedrooms; Two levels; Dual-head showers; Gourmet kitchen; Alfresco area with in-built BBQ; Plunge pool; Incredible views
Betty Black Mountain House
Black Mountain, 4563
Sleeps up to 8 guests
From $1008 per night*
Features:
Architecturally designed; Wrap-around deck; Entertaining deck with outdoor BBQ and firepit; Gourmet, country-style kitchen; Double shower and freestanding bath; Solar-heated pool; Tree swing; Incredible views of the hinterland and Mount Cooroy
Beach Cabana @ Crusoe
Castaways Beach, 4567
Sleeps up to 10 guests
From $1350 per night*
Features:
Beach views and private beach access; Child-friendly entertaining deck with BBQ; Pet-friendly; Heated pool with waterslide; Cubby house; Sauna, hot-tub and gym; Basketball court and ping pong
Osprey
Peregian Beach, 4573
Sleeps up to 8 guests
From $6500 per night*
Features:
Beachfront home, 180 degree ocean views; Multiple outdoor dining and entertaining areas; State-of-the art kitchen; Infinity-edge pool; Gym; Hollywood-style cinema; Option to book with private chef, personal trainer and spa therapists; Smart home; Steam shower and freestanding stone bath
The Noosa Ranch
Tinbeerwah, 4563
Sleeps up to 15 guests
From $1000 per night*
Features:
Gourmet chef’s kitchen and servery; Outdoor dining with BBQ and firepit; Resort-style pool with waterslide; Mini golf; Full bar; Home theatre; Bath with property views
Villa Parkana
Buddina, 4575
Sleeps up to 18 guests
From $1000 per night*
Features:
Four-level home with views of marina, Mooloolah River and hinterland; Gym, games room and media room; Rooftop terrace; Double and walk-in showers and bathtubs; Fireplace;
Swimming pool
The Glasshouse
Hamilton Island, 4803
Sleeps up to 16 guests
From $6500 per night*
Features:
Ocean views; 18-metre infinity-edge pool; Two buggies; Gym; Pool and foosball; Theatre room; Smart home; Private chef and spa therapists available
Villa Illalangi
Hamilton Island, 4803
Sleeps up to 8 guests
From $3500 per night*
Features:
Outdoor area with private tropical pool, spa, sauna; Pool deck gazebo with indoor BBQ, wine fridge and dining; Designer kitchen and outdoor dining; Two buggies; In-house spa therapy and babysitting available; Ocean views
Woody Grove Retreat
Mapleton, 4560
Sleeps up to 14 guests
From $1650 per night*
Features:
21 acre property with coastal views; Two separate accommodation options that can be shared- The Lodge and Annexe; Chef’s kitchen; Double-sided fireplace; Media room; Solar heated, undercover pool; Bath with a view
Alkira Resort House
Cape Tribulation, 4873
Sleeps up to 12 guests
From $2500 per night
Features:
Set on man-made lake; Arrive by helicopter to the heart of Daintree Rainforest; Off-grid and carbon neutral; Architecturally designed; Open-air theatre; Miele kitchen including teppanyaki grill; Gym; Pool and outdoor spa; Exclusive beach access via wooden boardwalks through rainforest
The Edge
Port Douglas, 4877
Sleeps up to 4 guests
From $2175 per night
Features:
10-metre, heated, infinity lap pool; Luxury kitchen; Full open-plan living; Panoramic views of Four Mile Beach; Garden terrace
*Exact pricing is subject to change and dependent on many factors. Contact host for up-to-date pricing information.
Originally published as Queensland Airbnb hosts making millions with ultra-luxe short term rentals
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