This week on Airbnb Superhosts Down Under, we welcome Catharine, a seasoned Airbnb guest, devoted mum of two, and a voice every host should hear. With more than a decade of travel experience using Airbnb, Catharine shares what truly matters for families when booking a stay—from the small comforts that make a space feel like home, to the subtle touches that turn first-timers into repeat guests.

🎙️ In this episode:

• ​What families prioritize when choosing Airbnbs over hotels
• ​The emotional impact of thoughtful amenities like toys, kids’ cutlery, and practical layouts
• ​How Catharine’s daughter chose a familiar Airbnb over a birthday party
• ​Why smart locks and check-in simplicity can shape a guest’s first impression
• ​Dealing with “too much charm” — when quirkiness affects function
• ​Balancing honest reviews with empathy: how guests really think

This episode offers a refreshing flip of the mic—putting the guest’s voice front and center to inspire better hosting.

🏡 Featured Properties:

• ​South Yarra Property
• ​Silvia’s Shared Home
• ​North Melbourne Property

📲 Connect with Us:

Instagram – @superhostsdownunder

🎁 Sponsor:

KeyNest – Get 50% off your first month with coupon code: superhostpodcast50Visit KeyNest

Publish Date: June 16
Podcast: Airbnb Superhosts Down Under with Ray & Silvia

This week, we sit down with Kelly Maree, a powerhouse Superhost from North Brisbane managing five thriving Airbnb listings with a sixth on the way. With over six years of experience and a transport business funding her portfolio, Kelly shares her hands-on strategies, personal lessons, and the grit it takes to build a hosting business that’s both personal and scalable.

• The Sanctuary – Acreage Retreat with Pool
• Bushland Family Home – Pet Friendly
• Suburban Comfort with Great Access
• Cozy & Convenient Family Stay
• Bright 3-Bedroom with a View

• Getting Started: How Kelly turned her former home into a booking magnet—within 24 hours.
• Growing the Portfolio: Learn how she selects and styles her listings for consistent success.
• Running Like a Pro: Systems, screening, tradies, and her powerful welcome/check-out routine.
• Business Insight: Financing through trusts, business income, and working with advisors.
• Guest & House Rules: Why she never auto-accepts, always screens, and emphasizes clarity.
• North Brisbane Tips: What makes her area ideal for guests—and why dogs are a huge market.
• Lessons Learned: “Screen everyone,” “Diversify,” “Stay sharp,” and “Don’t be afraid to scale.”

• South Yarra Property
• Silvia’s Shared Home
• North Melbourne Property

Instagram – @superhostsdownunder

KeyNest – Get 50% off your first month with coupon code: superhostpodcast50
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In this episode of Airbnb Superhosts Down Under, hosts Ray and Silvia chat with Merrydith Callegari, a passionate host from Hobart, Tasmania. What started as a post-retirement hobby turned into a 9+ year hosting journey, full of color, connection, and community leadership.

🔗 Stay at Merrydith’s City Retreat
📸 Instagram: @city_retreat_airbnb

• Photo Reviews Surprise: Silvia shares a guest story that reveals how some Airbnb users from mainland China can include photos in reviews. Merrydith adds insight from her experience with Chinese guests and their travel habits.
• Transforming Her Home: Learn how Merrydith gradually renovated a teen retreat into a cozy, colorful Airbnb, complete with thoughtful amenities and an upgraded pool deck now featured in Airbnb’s “Amazing Pools” category.
• Inclusive Hosting: As a former Host Advisory Board member, Merrydith emphasizes the power of listing inclusivity—welcoming all guests regardless of background, and making that clear in her listing and photos.
• Local Tips & Warm Welcomes: From spontaneous dinners to driving guests to MONA, Merrydith goes beyond typical hosting, building deep connections and memorable stays.
• Advice for New Hosts: Be guest-focused, communicate well, prepare for issues, keep things personal—not perfect—and keep improving based on feedback.

• 🏡 Merrydith’s City Retreat (Hobart)
• 🏙️ South Yarra Property
• 🌿 Silvia’s Property
• 🧭 North Melbourne Property

📸 Instagram – Superhosts Down Under

KeyNest – Get 50% off your first month with code: superhostpodcast50
🔗 Visit KeyNest

Episode 33: Navigating Heritage Property Hosting with Matt Collins

In this episode of Airbnb Superhosts Down Under, hosts Ray and Silvia sit down with Matt Collins to dive into the unique world of hosting a heritage property. Matt shares his experience of converting a 19th-century church into a stunning Airbnb getaway, including challenges, rewards, and lessons learned along the way.

Key Highlights:

• Selling Airbnb Properties: Silvia discusses the logistics of selling an Airbnb, including handling bookings and cancellations. She shares a case where a host successfully canceled bookings after providing a signed sales contract to Airbnb.
• The Church Conversion: Matt talks about his passion for repurposed architecture and the fascinating journey of transforming a heritage-listed church into a charming guesthouse. From the stained-glass windows to the original slate roof, every detail honors the building's history.
• Managing Heritage Properties: The intricacies of managing a heritage-listed property are explored, from navigating council approvals to working with specialized restorers. Matt gives invaluable advice for those considering similar projects.
• Creating a Memorable Guest Experience: Learn how Matt’s property offers guests a mix of history, comfort, and unique amenities, from extensive kitchen supplies to record players in a vast sanctuary. Feedback from guests highlights the special atmosphere of staying in such a historical setting.
• Building a Guest Network: Discover how Matt manages the property remotely, relying on local help, technology like Ring doorbells, and property management software to streamline operations.
• Future Plans: Will Matt acquire more churches or continue with unique properties? He shares his vision for the future, including plans to expand his offerings.

Matt’s Advice for Hosts:

If you’re passionate about hosting, be prepared for the work, but also for the rewards. If you’re not, consider bringing on a co-host or property manager to help manage the workload.

Want to Stay at Matt’s Property?

Visit Haven on High for more details, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. You can also book through Airbnb, Booking.com, and other platforms.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram – Superhosts Down Under

Featured Properties:

• South Yarra Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5⁠

• Silvia’s Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠

• North Melbourne Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

Sponsor:

KeyNest – Get 50% off your first month with coupon code: superhostpodcast50
Visit KeyNest

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, we chat with Tania, a dedicated host from Rockdale, NSW, who turned to Airbnb hosting out of necessity—and discovered a passion for hospitality along the way.

Tania shares her experiences managing longer-term guests, including setting expectations, handling challenges like maintenance and cleanliness, and offering exceptional hospitality. She also reveals how thoughtful gestures lead to memorable stays and lasting friendships.

Listen in for practical insights on vetting guests, managing your property while working full-time, and how to provide a welcoming yet well-boundaried shared living experience.

https://www.airbnb.com/l/vJR6W4xx

• Instagram – Superhosts Down Under

• South Yarra Property – https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5
• Silvia’s Property – https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X
• North Melbourne Property – https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

KeyNest – Get 50% off your first month with coupon code: superhostpodcast50
Visit KeyNest

Welcome to Episode 31 of Superhosts Down Under, the podcast that dives into the real stories and practical tips behind Airbnb hosting in Australia. Your hosts Ray and Silvia sit down with David Wang, a Sydney-based Superhost managing four successful Airbnb listings in Croydon Park.

David shares how he transformed a family home into a thriving multi-room setup, the systems he’s built to automate guest experience, and the surprising way hosting led him to community, church, and even his wife. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about scaling an Airbnb operation with heart and purpose.

David’s Properties – Croydon Park, Sydney:

• Studio with private kitchen & bathroom: https://www.airbnb.com/l/3nU40NVl
• Room 1 – Shared bathroom & kitchen: https://www.airbnb.com/l/atiIcqLD
• Room 2 – Shared bathroom & kitchen: https://www.airbnb.com/l/r3VpCISH
• Room 3 – Shared bathroom & kitchen: https://www.airbnb.com/l/N1hVDbNx

Ray’s Properties:

• South Yarra Property: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/l2cCaaW5
• North Melbourne Property: https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

Silvia’s Property:

• https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X

Learn more about Airbnb’s fee structures:
https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/2700

@superhosts_down_under

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Use code: superhostpodcast50

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, we chat with Phil and Sandy, the creative duo behind The Shack, a beautifully restored fibro beach house in Culburra Beach, NSW.

They share how they transformed a rundown coastal shack into a vibrant retro-inspired Airbnb—complete with vintage furnishings, a tiki bar, and curated mid-century design touches. Learn how they overcame early hosting missteps, connected with the local community, and built an unforgettable guest experience.

Whether you’re starting your own Airbnb, restoring a themed property, or simply planning your next weekend escape from Sydney, this episode is filled with practical tips, entertaining stories, and loads of inspiration.

Stay at The Shack – Culburra Beach

https://www.airbnb.com/l/v1aNcZ0J

Connect with Us

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/superhosts_down_under

Featured Properties

South Yarra Property – https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5

Silvia’s Property – https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X

North Melbourne Property -

https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

Sponsor

KeyNest – Get 50% off your first month with the coupon code: superhostpodcast50

https://www.keynest.com

Looking for a luxury farm stay in Orange, NSW? In this episode of super hosts down under, we sit down with Helen, the visionary behind Black Sheep Inn, a unique boutique accommodation in the heart of wine country.

Helen shares how she transformed a heritage-listed shearing shed into a top-rated country retreat, offering a one-of-a-kind escape for wine lovers, foodies, and weekend getaways.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ Best places to stay in Orange, NSW and why it’s becoming a top travel destination

✅ The challenge of restoring heritage accommodation while maintaining modern comfort

✅ How Helen built a successful Airbnb business with a unique farm stay experience

✅ The booming wine and food tourism industry in Orange

✅ Top things to do in Orange NSW, from wine tasting to local farm tours

If you’re looking for the best boutique stays in NSW, or want to learn how to start a successful Airbnb, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and must-know travel tips!

South Yarra Property

⁠⁠⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5⁠⁠⁠

North Melbourne Property

⁠⁠https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3⁠⁠

Silvia's Property

⁠⁠⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠⁠⁠

Direct Message Us on Instagram

⁠⁠⁠@superhosts_down_under⁠⁠⁠

Sponsor

KeyNest - 50% off first month coupon code: superhostpodcast50