Short answer: professional Airbnb photography on the Gold Coast costs between $250 and $800 for most listings, depending on the size of the property and what's included. Drone, video and twilight edits are usually extra.
If you're about to list a short-stay — or your bookings have gone quiet — photos are the first thing to fix. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026, what drives the price, and how to tell a good deal from a cheap one.
Typical prices in Australia
Across Australia, Airbnb photography packages generally fall into three bands (Hometime, 2026):
| Package | What you usually get | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10–15 edited photos | $250–$300 |
| Standard | 20–30 edited photos | $295–$500 |
| Premium | Larger homes, drone, twilight | $500–$1,000+ |
On the Gold Coast, prices sit right in that range. For reference, my own packages are:
- Studio / 1-bed — $250: 15 HDR photos
- 2–3 bedroom — $390: 25 HDR photos and a sunset edit
- Villa, all inclusive — $780: 35+ photos, drone, two sunset edits and a 30-second video
All prices include delivery within 24 hours.
What drives the price
- Size of the property. More rooms means more time on site and more editing. As a rough guide, each extra bedroom adds $50–$100.
- Number of photos. A studio needs 15 strong images. A four-bedroom house with a pool needs 30 or more to tell the whole story.
- Drone. On the Gold Coast, location often sells the stay. A few aerials showing the beach or the view typically add $90–$300.
- Video. A short vertical video for Instagram, TikTok or your direct-booking page adds around $150–$200.
- Twilight shots. A real dusk shoot costs more; a sunset edit of a daytime exterior is a cheaper way to get the same glow.
- Licensing. Make sure you can use the photos on Airbnb, Booking.com, Stayz and your own website, for as long as you host.
What a good shoot should include
Whatever you pay, you should get:
- Every room, bathroom and outdoor area — plus the amenities guests filter for (pool, workspace, parking)
- HDR editing so windows aren't blown out and rooms aren't dark
- Straight vertical lines and true colours
- Files sized for every platform
- Delivery within one or two days, so your listing isn't sitting idle
Is it worth it?
At a $250 nightly rate, a $400 shoot pays for itself in two extra booked nights. Airbnb's own data suggests listings with professional photos earn noticeably more over a year. I break down the numbers in Do professional photos increase Airbnb bookings?
Get your place ready
The best photographer can't fix a cluttered room. Before your shoot, run through my free photo prep checklist or read how to prepare your Airbnb for a photo shoot.
Ready to book? See packages and book your Gold Coast Airbnb shoot →
