The Best Gold Coast Suburbs for Airbnb investments in 2026

The Gold Coast remains one of Australia’s strongest short-term rental markets.
Beach demand, major events and year-round tourism continue to support reliable Airbnb income across many suburbs.

For property owners, the choice of suburb has a direct impact on occupancy rates, nightly rates, and long-term returns on investment (ROI). Small differences in location, property type and guest profile can lead to meaningful differences in annual returns.

This guide breaks down the best Gold Coast suburbs for Airbnb rentals in 2026, utilising recent market data and on-the-ground insights to help investors make more informed decisions.

Gold Coast Airbnb market in 2026: what to expect

The Gold Coast Airbnb rental market enters 2026 with plenty of promise. Leisure travel remains strong, supported by population growth, improved infrastructure, and ongoing domestic tourism demand. While international traveller numbers are at their highest during peak season in summer, domestic and business travellers continue to anchor occupancy during off-peak periods. This helps smooth revenue across the year, particularly for well-located apartments and family-friendly properties. In fact, the Gold Coast is the number one searched destination in Australia, domestically and internationally combined. 

On average, short-term rentals in the Gold Coast shows a healthy performance:

• average nightly rates between $330 and $350, and
• occupancy ranging from 65% to 72%.

Events play a major role in revenue spikes. School holidays, long weekends and major sporting events often push rates well above annual averages. For owners, this means pricing strategy matters as much as location. Suburbs with flexible accommodation types and strong event demand tend to deliver higher Airbnb ROI over the year.

What top-ranking Gold Coast suburbs have in common

The best Gold Coast suburbs for Airbnb share a few clear traits:

• They offer easy, walkable access to beaches.
• They sit close to dining, retail and nightlife.
• Public transport (light rail or major bus routes) matters more than many owners expect, especially for short stays and car-free visitors.
• Proximity to events, surf breaks or family attractions.

Another key factor is property mix. Suburbs with apartments, townhouses and smaller homes tend to attract a wider guest base, from weekend couples to longer-stay families. This mix supports stronger occupancy across different seasons and reduces reliance on a single traveller type.

Best Gold Coast suburbs for Airbnb in 2026

Surfers Paradise

Average nightly rate: $330
Occupancy: 72%

Surfers Paradise, known for its iconic skyscrapers that scatter the skyline, remains the highest-volume Airbnb market on the Gold Coast. It attracts first-time visitors, international guests and short weekend stays.

The suburb benefits from:

• strong year-round tourist traffic,
• late-night entertainment, from popular nightclubs to specialty bars,
• direct light rail access, and
• beaches, shopping and nightlife within walking distance.

Apartments dominate the market. Ocean views and proximity to Cavill Avenue continue to lift earning potential for well-presented listings.

Surfers Paradise also responds well to event-based pricing. Major festivals nearby, like Blues on Broadbeach and Spilt Milk, and the school holiday period push nightly rates higher, rewarding owners who manage pricing.

Broadbeach

Average nightly rate: $340
Occupancy: 70%

Broadbeach, often referred to as “Broadie” by locals, offers a more relaxed alternative to the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise. It attracts families, couples and business travellers looking for a chill getaway to unwind.

Key demand drivers include:

• The Star Gold Coast,
• Broadbeach Beach,
• Broadbeach markets,
• Skypoint Observation Deck,
• Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, and
• a strong dining precinct.

Larger apartments suit longer stays, conference guests and repeat bookings. For investors focused on consistency rather than peak pricing, Broadbeach remains one of the best suburbs to invest in on the Gold Coast.

Burleigh Heads

‍Average nightly rate: $350
Occupancy: 65%

Burleigh Heads commands some of the highest nightly rates in the region, famous for its picturesque pine trees. Guests choose Burleigh for its lifestyle appeal rather than scale.

The suburb is known for:

• Burleigh Head National Park,
• Burleigh Heads Beach, where you can enjoy a barbecue with fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market,
• trendy village markets,
• the James Street shopping strip, where you can enjoy a fresh juice,
• popular surf breaks, and
• boutique dining and bars.

Smaller apartment blocks and houses dominate the supply. This limits inventory and supports pricing power, especially for properties close to the beach. Burleigh suits owners targeting higher nightly rates rather than maximum occupancy.

Coolangatta

Average nightly rate: $330
Occupancy: 65%

Coolangatta, derived from the Aboriginal word meaning “beautiful place,” certainly lives up to its name. With world-class surf breaks, its position on the easternmost point of Queensland provides breathtaking sunset/sunrise views across the Pacific Ocean. You can even visit the Rainbow Bay Surf Club and get the best seat to watch the pros ride some gnarly waves, while you dine over a long, relaxed lunch.

This holiday destination appeals to guests seeking a quieter Gold Coast stay, looking to connect with nature and unwind. Its proximity to the Gold Coast Airport also makes it a popular location for working remotely and taking in the scenic views.

Key advantages include:

• strong domestic travel demand,
• surf events and beachfront activities, and
• a walkable town centre.

Properties close to the beach perform best. Coolangatta works well for family stays and longer bookings outside peak holiday periods.

Palm Beach

Average nightly rate: $350
Occupancy: 66%

Famously known as the destination where the iconic Australian show Home and Away is filmed, Palm Beach continues to grow in popularity with repeat visitors. It sits between Burleigh Heads and Currumbin, offering a relaxed alternative to busier hubs.

Guests value:

• a laid-back coastal feel,
• newer developments, and
• easy access to local cafes and beaches.

Palm Beach suits owners looking for a balance of lifestyle appeal and earning potential. It often attracts longer stays compared to the northern suburbs.

How events drive Airbnb income on the Gold Coast

Events play a major role in short-term rental performance across the Gold Coast, and is a key aspect of your Airbnb pricing strategy.

Key drivers include:

• school holiday periods,
• major sporting events, and
• large-scale festivals, concerts and trade expos.

During these periods, guest behaviour changes. Travellers book earlier, stay longer and accept higher nightly rates in well-located suburbs.

For owners, this often translates to:

• stronger pricing power,
• fewer gaps between bookings, and
• a higher total revenue over a shorter timeframe.

Suburbs close to event venues, transport hubs and beachfront precincts benefit the most. Listings with flexible pricing rules and professional oversight are better positioned to capture this upside without reducing off-peak occupancy. This is where outsourcing to a property manager for professional revenue management has the greatest impact on annual Airbnb income.

Maximise your earning potential with professional Airbnb management

Strong suburbs help, good management makes the difference. Professional Airbnb management supports better results through:

• data-led pricing strategies,
• listing optimisation,
• local market knowledge,
• Airbnb cleaning,
• professional photography and short term rental styling,
• guest management, and
• property maintenance.

Hometime helps homeowners maximise returns with less effort. through our Gold Coast Airbnb management services. The results? On average, Hometime properties see an 11% rise in occupancy and a 9% revenue increase during peak season after implementing our strategies. Schedule a call below to learn more about how we can help increase your earnings: