Writing the perfect Airbnb city guidebook - Sydney

Posted by

Posted by The MadeComfy Team
elipze to break up blog information
reading time

Published on Nov 02, 2019

Table of contents

Many Airbnb bookings come from international and domestic guests visiting a city for the first time, so providing a helping hand to guide their stay is one way for top hosts can stand out from the crowd.

Airbnb allow hosts to create a custom 'guidebook' which will appear on their listing.

Setting up your guidebook:

To create or edit a guidebook:

  1. Go to Your listings on airbnb.com and select a listing
  2. Click Manage listing
  3. Next to Guidebook, click Edit to add or make changes
  4. Click Add, then the changes will automatically save. From there, you can select that recommendation to update, cancel or delete.

More information on setting up your Airbnb listing guidebook

Local neighbourhood tips:

Convenience

An integral part of any guest's stay is knowing where they can stock up the fridge and buy provisions. Therefore, your guide should include information on the nearest supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies.

Local eats and drinks

It’s also an excellent idea to let guests know your favourite restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area. Go above and beyond by creating a list that includes information such as websites, opening times and of course your go to item on the menu.

Emergency details

Guest safety should be any host's number one propriety so explaining the whereabouts of the nearest medical practice and police station is extremely important. Also, you should make sure that guests know that in life-threatening emergencies they should dial 000 and for police assistance, they should call 131-444.

Map and transport options

Providing a map and highlighting the locations of public transport, local cafes and landmarks, etc. offer a great visual representation of your property's surroundings and guests who are unfamiliar of the area will truly appreciate this.

Now that you know what information you should include regarding your property's local neighbourhood, here are some general recommendations and advice that you can supply visitors for any of your Sydney properties.

Getting around Sydney:

Opal card

The payment method of NSW's integrated public transport system is called an Opal card. Opal cards can be purchased from most convenience stores and can be topped up in train stations or online if you get your card registered.

The best aspect of the Opal card is that it can be used on all different modes of transport such as buses, trains, light rails and as well as ferries, but just remember to tap on and off to avoid paying the maximum default fare.

Also, if you are planning to go on multiple long commutes in one day then Sunday is the best day to go on an adventure as there's a $2.80 cap on Sundays meaning you pay only this amount for the entire day regardless of how many trips you take.

If you have an American Express, Mastercard or a Visa card then you can tap it directly onto the reader as an alternative payment to the opal card as buses are increasingly becoming prepay only and many no longer accept cash.

Ride sharing apps

Download peer-to-peer ride sharing apps like Uber, Ola and Bolt as they are cheaper than getting a cab and they often have special discounts and offers such as $25 flat fees to and from the airport.

Must see attractions

Iconic tourist attractions

Sydney Opera House: When you say Australia, one of the first things that come to anyone's mind is the Sydney Opera House. This award winning multi-venue performing arts centre, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzont is one of the most famous architectures of the 20th century.

Sydney Harbour Bridge: Connecting the city's CBD to the North Shore, the Harbour Bridge is another must see Australian icon. Standing 134 meters tall, the structure is the highest arch bridge in the world.

The Rocks: This vibrant neighbourhood filled with historic laneways is home to some of Sydney’s oldest pubs and exclusive restaurants. During the weekend, local residents and visitors enjoy street food and handmade fashion at the Rocks Markets.

Darling Harbour: Tourists flock Darling Harbour for incredible waterside dining and entertainment options. On Saturday nights, spectacular firework displays can be observed against the city skyline.

Royal Botanic Gardens: Wrapped around the Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Gardens offer some of the most picturesque views of the city and the harbour. The collection of plants from Australia and overseas provide a serene backdrop for a perfect picnic experience.

Queen Victoria Building (QVB): Visit the iconic heritage-listed 19th-century monument of Queen Victoria to learn parts of Sydney's history while shopping at the variety of prestigious boutique stores and cafes in the building.

Sydney Eye Tower: Located inside the Pitt Street Westfield shopping centre, the Sydney Eye Tower offers breathtaking 360 degree bird’s-eye view of the city.

Nature and beaches

Watsons Bay: Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove, Lady Bay Beach

Royal National Park: Wattomola Beach, Figure 8 Pools, Wedding Cake Rock

Blue Mountains: The Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, Jenolan Caves

Famous Sydney beaches: Bondi (Bondi icebergs; Bondi to Bronte walk), Coogee, Maroubra, Manly (Spit to manly walk), Mona Vale and Palm Beach

Activities and entertainment

Zoo: Taronga Zoo, Sydney Wildlife Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Water sports: surfing (lessons offered in Manly and Bondi starting from $70), whale watching cruises, kayak tours

Performances: Capitol Theatre, Oxford Art Factory, Sydney Lyric Theatre at the Star

Arts and museums

Art Galleries: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, While Rabbit Gallery, Art Gallery of New South Wales

Museums and cultural centres: Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum, The Cutaway's Indigenous Art and Culture Centre

Markets and shopping

Malls: Westfield (multiple locations), Birkenhead Point Outlet, the Strand Arcade

Boutiques: Newtown's King Street, Paddington's Oxford and William Street

Markets: Paddy's Market, Carriageworks, Glebe Market, Sydney Fish Markets

Eats and drinks

Bars and clubs: Champagne Bar, Blue Horizon Bar, The Baxter Inn, Rocks Brewing Co, Home the Venue

Restaurants: The Potting Shed at the Grounds, Queen Chow, Thai Phothong, O Bar and Dining, Tetsuya's, Buffalo Dining Club

Cafes: Speedo's, Henry Lee's Redfern, Tea Cosy, Blackwood Pantry

Desserts: Black Star Bakery, Uncle Tetsu's Cheesecakes, Cafe Cre Asion, Cow & Moon Gelato

Street food: Chinatown markets in Haymarket and Burwood, Spice Alley

Day trip ideas

Hunter Valley: Hunter Valley Wine Tours, Lake St Clair, Barrington Tops National Park

Kangaroo Valley: Artemis Wines, Lake Yarrunga, Erith Coal Mine Track at Morton National Park

New Castle: Stockton Dunes's sand boarding, Newcastle Castle, Bogey Hole

Wollongong: Nantien Temple, Sea Cliff Bridge Drive, Wollongong Beach


FREE INSTANT APPRAISAL
Calculate

Subscribe to MadeComfy’s newsletter and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Curious how much your property could make as a short-term rental?
Beds
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Related articles