INTELLIREAL
Property in Cairns Regional Council, QLD

Local Council Rules

Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Cairns Regional Council 2026

QLDLast updated: 2026-03-20

Can I Airbnb in Cairns Regional Council?

YES

Short-term rentals are permitted in Cairns Regional Council with standard registration requirements.

Check rules for a specific address in Cairns Regional Council

Short-Term Rental Regulations

Queensland State Rules

Registration: Mandatory — Queensland Short-Term Rental Register
Night cap: No state-wide cap
Levy: No state-level levy (council-specific levies may apply)
Legislation: Planning Act 2016 (Qld) — Short-Term Accommodation provisions
Code of conduct: Mandatory
  • Mandatory state-wide registration introduced 2024
  • No state-wide night cap — individual councils set limits
  • Council planning schemes determine if STR is permissible in each zone
  • Code of conduct for hosts and guests
  • Body corporate by-laws can restrict short-term letting

Cairns Regional Council Council Rules

Registration: Required — the Queensland Short-Term Rental Register
Night cap: No council cap
Permit required: No — Self-assessable in most zones.
Levy: No council-specific levy
Max penalty: $26,000 per offence
Fire compliance: Required (smoke alarms, extinguisher, evacuation plan)

Strata Restrictions

Many managed resort-style apartments operate as STR by default.

Dual Income / Secondary Dwelling

Allowed
Max floor area: 80 sqm
Min lot size: 400 sqm
Approval pathway: Building approval (accepted development)
Est. build cost: $110,000 - $190,000
Applicable zones:
Low Density ResidentialLow-Medium Density Residential
  • Cyclone-rated construction required
  • Lower build costs than southern states

Key Zoning Information

Zone CodeZone NameSTR PermittedDual Income
LDRLow Density ResidentialYesYes
TCTourist CommercialYesNo

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Councils

City of Townsville
QLD — No night cap
City of Gold Coast
QLD — No night cap
Noosa Shire Council
QLD — No night cap
Brisbane City Council
QLD — No night cap
Sunshine Coast Council
QLD — No night cap
Moreton Bay Regional Council
QLD — No night cap