Cairns has momentum. New and returning routes, steady domestic interest and bucket-list international trips are translating into longer stays—especially at the Northern Beaches and larger family places.
What’s driving bookings
- Flight confidence: more seats = more flexibility = better mid-week occupancy.
- Experience-led trips: reef, rainforest and food scenes mean guests value location + comfort.
- Work-from-anywhere: longer stays off-peak when Wi-Fi and desks are dialled.
What to do with pricing
- Protect weekends: 3–5 night minimums for peak/event periods.
- Backfill mid-week: LOS discounts Tue–Thu; keep ADR stable rather than slashing.
- Stage event rates: ladder up as pacing strengthens; avoid a single big jump.
Photos still sell the stay
Great photos can add 10–20% to ADR over time. Stage the balcony, the morning coffee spot, and the “bags down” entry moment. Then cut anything that looks cluttered. See our Photography Checklist.
Minimum stays & turnover cost
Short stays chew through cleaning. If your clean is $150, a 1-night booking often nets less than a 2–3 night stay at a slightly lower ADR. Protect your margin with higher minimums on Fri–Sun and during event weeks.
Where the demand is
- City units: short trips, event weeks, corporate spill-over.
- Northern Beaches: longer, family stays—set weekly discounts and keep beach gear stocked.
- Premium homes: guests pay for space + finishes; copy should highlight comfort and quiet AC.
Quick checklist for 2025
- Refresh your hero photo order
- Set 3–5 night minimums on peak weekends
- Enable LOS discounts on Tue–Thu
- Prep event-week rate ladders and post-event offers
- Tighten your pre-arrival messages and house rules
Related reads
If you’d like us to tune pricing and minimums around your goals, book a free consult or try the earnings & turnover calculator.