Short-Term Rentals in Regional NSW: Clear Rules, Big Opportunity

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By Tim Mortimer, CEO and Founder – BNB Made Easy 

If you’re considering a short-term rental in Regional NSW, the good news is this: the rules are clear, the framework is stable, and the opportunity is stronger than ever.

NSW has one of the most advanced short-term rental (STR) systems in the world, designed to balance community expectations with regional tourism and economic growth.

For Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, and Wagga Wagga, this creates a powerful advantage for property owners and investors.

The Key Rules for Short-Term Rentals in NSW

Hosted vs Unhosted

  • Hosted: owner lives on site.
  • Unhosted: guests have the entire property.


Both are allowed under NSW STRA rules.

Mandatory STR Registration

All short-term rentals must be registered on the NSW Planning Portal.
It’s simple, low-cost, and ensures transparency across the sector.

Code of Conduct

A statewide Code of Conduct applies to hosts, guests, and platforms, with a two-strike system and an Exclusion Register for serious breaches, a globally unique safeguard that protects local communities.

Night Caps: The Most Important Clarification

NSW’s 180-night cap for unhosted STRs applies only in select LGAs:

  • Greater Sydney
  • Ballina
  • Clarence Valley
  • Muswellbrook
  • Byron Bay (60-night cap)

 

Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, and Wagga Wagga are NOT capped.
There is no night limit in these regional cities.

Even in capped areas, stays of 21+ nights don’t count toward the limit.

Why Regional NSW Is a Prime STR Market

Regional NSW is entering a major growth phase. With billions of dollars in infrastructure, workforce, mining, education, health, and tourism projects in the pipeline, councils are increasingly recognising that short-term rentals enable investment, they provide the flexible accommodation needed to attract workers, visitors, events, and spending.

Put simply: STR capacity fuels regional growth.

What This Means for Property Owners

If you own property in Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, or Wagga Wagga:

  • You can operate all year
  • You face no night cap
  • You must be registered and compliant
  • You can plan confidently for long-term income

 

It’s a clear, stable regulatory environment, and a significant investment opportunity.

Ready to Enter the Market?

At BNB Made Easy, we help property owners:

  • Meet STRA compliance requirements
  • Set up guest-ready, high-performing rentals
  • Maximise revenue in regional NSW
  • Operate confidently within the rules

 

Now is one of the strongest moments to launch or scale a short-term rental in Regional NSW.

👉 Book your free consultation at bnbmadeeasy.com.au or call (02) 5325 8561 today.

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