Airbnb reveals where Tasmanians want to travel this Easter break

Tasmanians overwhelmingly want to holiday locally this Easter, which is music to the ears of regional businesses and tourism operators. SEE THE TOP TEN DESTINATIONS >>

Annie McCann

2 min read

February 21, 2021 - 12:00AM

Tasmania

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TASMANIANS overwhelmingly want to holiday locally this Easter according to Airbnb search results.

Analysis of Airbnb searches from people within Tasmania checking in between April 2 and 9 have revealed eight of the top ten searched destinations were within the state.

Hobart topped the list as the most desired spot for locals to nab an Airbnb over the holiday period.

Strathmore of Sandy Bay, Hobart – Airbnb listed accommodation. Source: AIRBNB.

Next in line were east and north east coast beauties Bicheno, Binalong Bay, St Helens, Bridport and Coles Bay.

Launceston took seventh position, followed by tropical Queensland spots Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Coastal Cottage by the beach, Bicheno – Airbnb listed accommodation. Source: AIRBNB.

Rugged and remote Strahan rounded out the top ten.

Brady Young was thrilled his “somewhere nice farm stay” in St Helens was drawing Easter bookings.

He and his wife Liane Gordon transformed an old boatshed into an idyllic accommodation on a farm with a nearby archery club and animals ranging from Highland cattle to parrots.

“Next month we’ve only got one booking but April is almost filled,” Mr Young said.

Somewhere Nice Farm Stay, St Helens – Airbnb listed accommodation. Source: AIRBNB.

“Tourism is one of the big money makers for the town — we do have some wealthy people like all places, but it isn’t a really rich town. It needs tourism to support the businesses.”

West Hobart Airbnb host Yvette Watt, who lets guests stay in an adjoining room at her house or in her own living quarters when she travels, was “surprised” to learn Hobart was the top location on the list.

Airbnb host Yvette Watt at her West Hobart home. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I suppose now Mona’s open again that’s making a difference and I can only imagine it’s a nice taste of the city if you’re coming from somewhere rural,” Ms Watt said.

Yvette said travellers were typically spending longer at her space since lockdown ended, benefiting local bars, restaurants and cafes.

Ms Watt said her listing was snapped up within hours for the Easter period.

She said a traveller from Sydney booked with her almost immediately after Dark Mofo announced their festival dates.

Smolt Kitchen cafe owner Jacob Nunn said full Airbnbs benefited his neighbourhood cafe in West Hobart.

“The natural thing for visitors to do is do a Google search and go to the nearest place for food, so during Dark Mofo last year we were down by about $10,000 to $15,000 without travellers coming to us for breakfast or lunch,” Mr Nunn said.