Wollongong

Australia
Active
Last updated: 2026-10-10  ·  Last verified: 2026-10-13  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Wollongong Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes. Every short-term rental dwelling (hosted or non-hosted) must be registered on the NSW Short-term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Premises Register on
Night / Day CapNo day cap for hosted or non-hosted STRA in Wollongong under the current state framework (Wollongong is not in the Greater Sydney region list or the n
Minimum StayNone identified in official sources. Under NSW tenancy law a STRA booking cannot last more than 3 months.
Permit FeeSTRA Register: $65 for a new registration (first 12 months) and $25 annual renewal, per property (NSW DPHI, Feb 2024). Check the Planning Portal for t
PenaltiesNSW Fair Trading can place a host or guest on the STRA exclusion register for five years after two strikes (serious Code of Conduct breaches) within t
Primary Residence RequiredNo. Both hosted and non-hosted STRA are exempt development where residential use is permitted. Hosts can be owners, tenants or permanent residents. St
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Wollongong Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Wollongong Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Wollongong are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. Every short-term rental dwelling (hosted or non-hosted) must be registered on the NSW Short-term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Premises Register on the NSW Planning Portal before it is advertised. . The associated permit fees are STRA Register: $65 for a new registration (first 12 months) and $25 annual renewal, per property (NS.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Wollongong

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Wollongong include: Primary residence requirement: No. Both hosted and non-hosted STRA are exempt development where residential use is permitted. Hosts can be owners, tena. Rental day cap: No day cap for hosted or non-hosted STRA in Wollongong under the current state framework (Wollongong is not in the Great. Minimum stay: None identified in official sources. Under NSW tenancy law a STRA booking cannot last more than 3 months..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Wollongong

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Wollongong: STRA is exempt development (no development application) in lawfully built dwellings in zones where that type of dwelling is permitted, under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021..

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Wollongong

Hosts who fail to comply with Wollongong's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. NSW Fair Trading can place a host or guest on the STRA exclusion register for five years after two strikes (serious Code of Conduct breaches) within two years. Councils enforce the planning rules (unr.

Platform Obligations in Wollongong

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Wollongong: Under the NSW STRA Code of Conduct, booking platforms must ensure a property is on the NSW STRA Register before listing it. Platforms are also bound by the Code (rights and obligations of hosts, guest.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes. Every short-term rental dwelling (hosted or non-hosted) must be registered on the NSW Short-term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Premises Register on the NSW Planning Portal before it is advertised. The host must declare the dwelling meets the STRA fire safety standard. Approved tourist accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, serviced apartments) and caravans/tiny homes do not register.
Tax Registration
Unknown. No NSW state short-stay levy was found in the official STRA material reviewed; this is not confirmed as an absence of any tax.
Permit Fee
STRA Register: $65 for a new registration (first 12 months) and $25 annual renewal, per property (NSW DPHI, Feb 2024). Check the Planning Portal for the current amount.
Primary Residence Rule
No. Both hosted and non-hosted STRA are exempt development where residential use is permitted. Hosts can be owners, tenants or permanent residents. Strata by-laws may prohibit non-hosted STRA in a building.
Night / Day Cap
No day cap for hosted or non-hosted STRA in Wollongong under the current state framework (Wollongong is not in the Greater Sydney region list or the nominated regional areas).
Zoning Restrictions
STRA is exempt development (no development application) in lawfully built dwellings in zones where that type of dwelling is permitted, under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021.
Minimum Stay
None identified in official sources. Under NSW tenancy law a STRA booking cannot last more than 3 months.
Platform Obligations
Under the NSW STRA Code of Conduct, booking platforms must ensure a property is on the NSW STRA Register before listing it. Platforms are also bound by the Code (rights and obligations of hosts, guests, letting agents and booking platforms).
Compliance Notes
Register on the NSW STRA Register before listing, meet the STRA fire safety standard, and follow the NSW STRA Code of Conduct. Wollongong is not on the list of areas with a 180-night limit, so non-hosted letting can run year-round. Check strata by-laws for apartments.
Effective Date
2021-11-01
Key Notes
NSW state rules apply (register, fire safety, Code of Conduct). Wollongong is outside the 180-day cap areas.
Penalties
NSW Fair Trading can place a host or guest on the STRA exclusion register for five years after two strikes (serious Code of Conduct breaches) within two years. Councils enforce the planning rules (unregistered premises, day-limit breaches). Specific fine amounts not confirmed from an official source.
Additional Context
A Wollongong City Council draft Tourism Accommodation Review recommended no new local restrictions on short-term rentals pending the state review (Illawarra Mercury via Ulladulla Times). Some commercial guides wrongly say Wollongong is in Greater Sydney and capped at 180 days; the official Greater Sydney LGA list does not include Wollongong.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Wollongong?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Wollongong with proper registration and permits. Register on the NSW STRA Register before listing, meet the STRA fire safety standard, and follow the NSW STRA Code of Conduct. Wollongong is not on the list of areas with a 180-night limit, so non-hos

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Wollongong?

Yes. Wollongong requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes. Every short-term rental dwelling (hosted or non-hosted) must be registered on the NSW Short-term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Premises Register on the NSW Planning Portal before it is advertised. The host must declare the dwelling meets the STRA fire safety standard. Approved tourist accommodati.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Wollongong?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Wollongong may face enforcement. NSW Fair Trading can place a host or guest on the STRA exclusion register for five years after two strikes (serious Code of Conduct breaches) within two years. Councils enforce the planning rules (unregistered premises, day-limit breaches). Specific .

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Wollongong?

NSW state rules apply (register, fire safety, Code of Conduct). Wollongong is outside the 180-day cap areas.

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