In this episode of Superhost Down Under, Ray and Silvia talk with

Meredith Cowley, founder of Custom BNB Hosting, about what it really takes to

build and run a short term rental management business across Australia’s east coast.

Meredith shares her journey from working in frontline child protection as a social worker to becoming a

property investor and host. A stage four breast cancer diagnosis forced her to rethink what she wanted from

life and created the space to start a business that aligned more closely with her values and lifestyle.

Today she manages a portfolio of around 35 properties across Melbourne, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and

Hervey Bay.

The conversation dives into co hosting models, the leasing or arbitrage model, guest expectations,

owner psychology and the reality of operating a 24/7 hospitality business. Meredith also explains how

Custom BNB Hosting uses multiple platforms and local hosting professionals to deliver a consistent guest

experience and solid returns for owners.

In this episode, we discuss:

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• Listing on multiple platforms and how Custom BNB Hosting balances Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, Marriott and direct bookings.

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• Meredith’s personal story, including her cancer diagnosis and the decision to move from social work into property and hosting.

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• The leasing model: how renting properties and then listing them on Airbnb works in practice and when it makes sense.

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• How co hosts and local hosting professionals support operations across different cities while Meredith is based in Queensland.

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• Cleaners, checklists, photos and the ongoing challenge of maintaining standards that keep reviews and ratings high.

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• How Custom BNB Hosting onboards new owners, sets expectations and structures its commission and pricing model.

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• Guest expectations, value for money and why styling, amenities and experience now matter more than ever.

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• Emerging trends in the short term rental space, including automation, AI tools and changing regulations.

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If you are a new host, a property investor or someone considering working with a professional management

company, this episode offers a practical and honest look at what works, what is hard and how to think about

building a sustainable short term rental business in Australia.

In this episode, we speak with Lorna Hay, a Western Australia–based superhost, business owner, and operator of multiple successful Airbnb properties across Perth, Darwin, and the Kimberley. Lorna shares how her hosting journey began when her son moved to boarding school and how it grew into a thriving, lifestyle-driven business supported by her trade services company.

Alongside Ray and Silvia, Lorna discusses remote hosting, managing cleaners, family-friendly stays, preparing homes for extreme climates, and how her background in plumbing and trades gives her a unique advantage in short-term rental management.

• Silvia’s experience with poor hosting practices in Italy and why first impressions matter
• Lorna’s transition from family needs to building a short-term rental portfolio
• How she manages Airbnb properties remotely from a remote region of Australia
• The importance of strong cleaner and co-host relationships
• Managing humidity, mold, and tropical climate challenges in Darwin
• How Airbnb provides creative fulfillment beyond traditional business
• How her plumbing business, IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services, supports her hosting
• Advice for hosts wanting to operate in the Northern Territory

• Darwin Property: airbnb.com.au/h/careycove
• IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services: www.ibacplumbingandtradeservices.com.au
• Travel Blog & Booking Info: www.deadsettravel.com.au
• Instagram: @deadsettravel

• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

Hosted by Ray Yee and Silvia, Superhosts Down Under features real stories and practical insights from Australia’s top short-term rental operators. Each episode shares lessons, experiences, and strategies to help hosts deliver exceptional stays and build successful hosting businesses.

In this episode, we speak with Lorna Hay, a Western Australia–based superhost, business owner, and operator of multiple successful Airbnb properties across Perth, Darwin, and the Kimberley. Lorna shares how her hosting journey began when her son moved to boarding school and how it grew into a thriving, lifestyle-driven business supported by her trade services company.

Alongside Ray and Silvia, Lorna discusses remote hosting, managing cleaners, family-friendly stays, preparing homes for extreme climates, and how her background in plumbing and trades gives her a unique advantage in short-term rental management.

• Silvia’s experience with poor hosting practices in Italy and why first impressions matter
• Lorna’s transition from family needs to building a short-term rental portfolio
• How she manages Airbnb properties remotely from a remote region of Australia
• The importance of strong cleaner and co-host relationships
• Managing humidity, mold, and tropical climate challenges in Darwin
• How Airbnb provides creative fulfillment beyond traditional business
• How her plumbing business, IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services, supports her hosting
• Advice for hosts wanting to operate in the Northern Territory

• Darwin Property: airbnb.com.au/h/careycove
• IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services: www.ibacplumbingandtradeservices.com.au
• Travel Blog & Booking Info: www.deadsettravel.com.au
• Instagram: @deadsettravel

• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

Hosted by Ray Yee and Silvia, Superhosts Down Under features real stories and practical insights from Australia’s top short-term rental operators. Each episode shares lessons, experiences, and strategies to help hosts deliver exceptional stays and build successful hosting businesses.