Beyond Airbnb: Alternative Booking Channels Aussie Hosts Should Be Using

Whether you're hosting a beach shack in Byron, a city pad in Melbourne, or a cosy cabin in the Tasmanian wilderness, there are plenty of alternative booking channels that can help you reach more guests, extend your peak season, and reduce your reliance on one platform.

Let’s explore some of the alternatives you should be using in Australia - plus local niche platforms in Tasmania that are perfect for tapping into regional tourism trends.

Perks of having your own Direct Booking Website

While third-party platforms help get your property seen, having your own direct booking website gives you full control over your brand, guest experience, and income. With your own site, you avoid high commission fees, build loyalty with repeat guests, and showcase your property exactly how you want, without being limited by someone else’s rules or layout.

A direct booking site also adds professionalism and trust, especially important for guests booking retreats or long stays. Combine your site with a channel manager (like Lodgify) to sync calendars and avoid double bookings, while making your property easier to find through Google and tourism websites like Discover Tasmania.

Key perks of a direct booking website:

• No commission fees – keep more of your revenue.
• Full brand control – custom photos, messaging, and offers.
• Repeat guests & email marketing – build long-term relationships.
• Better visibility – appear in Google searches and local tourism listings.

Stayz (Powered by VRBO)

Stayz is Australia’s answer to VRBO, and it’s a household name for many Aussies planning domestic getaways. Stayz is especially strong for whole-home rentals in popular holiday regions, and it's part of the VRBO/Expedia group, so your listing gets international visibility over multiple online travels agents too.

Why Stayz?

• Trusted Aussie brand with strong domestic traffic.
• Ideal for regional and holiday-area properties.
• Attracts families and mature travellers over party crowds.

Booking.com

Booking.com isn’t just for hotels - it’s one of the fastest-growing vacation rental platforms in Australia, especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. At Retreats Tasmania, this is the most popular booking platform with our guests.

What makes it different?

• Huge reach in the Asia-Pacific travel market
• High mobile bookings and spontaneous travellers
• Integrated with Google Travel and other engines

Caveats:

• Higher commission (~15%).
• Guest expectations are more ‘hotel-like’.

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Pro Tip: If your property is near business hubs or airports, Booking.com may attract weekday bookings others miss.

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Tasmania-Specific Platforms to Elevate Your Exposure

If you're a host in Tasmania, you’re sitting on one of Australia’s fastest-growing travel gems. With its pristine wilderness, boutique food and wine, and scenic escapes, Tasmania attracts a unique kind of traveller - and they are searching on multiple platforms.

Let’s explore some of the Tassies specific platforms that could do wonders in advertising your holiday getaway.

Discover Tasmania:

Best for: All types of tourism businesses and properties looking to reach Tasmania’s official visitor market

Discover Tasmania is the Tasmanian Government's official tourism platform, run by Tourism Tasmania. While you can't list directly as a property in the same way as booking platforms, you can register as a tourism operator to be included in promotions, itineraries, and event listings.

Why it's worth it:

• Trusted by interstate and international travellers
• Drives huge seasonal traffic during peak travel planning periods
• Opportunity to feature in Tasmanian travel campaigns

How to get listed: Register your property with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), and it can be displayed on Discover Tasmania as part of relevant searches or experience-based pages.

Tailored Tasmania:

Best for: Hosts who want to connect with boutique, experience-driven travellers looking for something ‘beyond the brochure’.

Tailored Tasmania is a local travel guide and media platform offering curated content, travel planning, and a loyal following of readers looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences. You can advertise or list your stay in their Accommodation section, and even feature in their printed travel guides, blog, or podcast.

Perks:

• Reaches a high-intent, loyal local and interstate audience
• Focuses on local storytelling and personal connection
• Strong emphasis on eco, artisanal, and slow travel

Great for: Eco-stays, vineyard retreats, slow travel cabins, or host-led experiences like cooking classes or bushwalks.

Conclusion

Tasmania is more than just a destination - it’s a lifestyle, and that’s exactly what your future guests are looking for. By getting your property listed on local, niche, and alternative platforms, you’ll connect with travellers who are intentionally seeking something special - not just somewhere to sleep. And if you're an Aussie host, it's time to expand your digital footprint.

So go beyond and showcase your corner of paradise where it truly belongs, in front of guests who’ll love it most.

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Looking for expert management for your Hobart and Southern Tasmania Airbnb or short term accommodation property? View our local property management services.

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