Preparing Your Airbnb for Summer in the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia: A Host’s Guide
Hello fellow hosts!
With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to give your Airbnb property a little extra TLC.
Here on the Eyre Peninsula, we’re lucky to have long, sunny days, incredible coastal scenery, and plenty of activities that make it a prime spot for summer travellers. But with peak season comes higher expectations from guests who want a memorable experience, and that means getting your property ready for the summer rush.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some tried-and-true tips to make your property stand out this summer. We’ll cover practical maintenance steps, thoughtful touches, and some marketing magic to help you attract more guests and keep them coming back year after year.
Ready to dive in?
Why Preparing for Summer Matters
The Eyre Peninsula attracts visitors from all over during summer—families looking for beach days, couples on romantic getaways, and adventurers seeking outdoor thrills.
To meet the expectations of these summer guests, it’s essential to start with some proactive preparation. A well-maintained and thoughtfully-prepared property not only leads to happy guests but also helps prevent any mid-season emergencies, keeps energy costs down, and boosts your chances of glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
Plus, a summer-ready property just has that extra sparkle that guests love, creating a welcoming environment where they can relax and unwind. So, here are some key steps to make your space shine in the summer sun.
Summer Maintenance Tips: 10 Actionable Steps
1. Service the Air Conditioning
South Australian summers can be scorching, so make sure your AC is running efficiently. Clean the filters, check the unit’s performance, and, if needed, bring in a professional to service it. A cool, comfortable space is essential to happy summer guests.
2. Deep Clean Windows and Doors
Clean windows can transform your space, letting that beautiful summer light in and giving guests clear views of the outdoors. Take time to wipe down windows and doors, inside and out, to keep them sparkling.
3. Hire a Professional Cleaner for a Seasonal Deep Clean
A professional cleaner can tackle areas that often get missed in day-to-day cleaning, like carpets, curtains, and behind furniture. It’s a worthwhile investment to start the season off with a pristine property.
Make your outdoor area inviting by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and sprucing up any seating or dining areas. Add comfortable outdoor furniture and consider a few plants or flowers to create a relaxing oasis for your guests.
5. Inspect and Repair Decks or Patios
Outdoor decks take a beating from the summer sun, so make sure everything is in good shape. Check for loose boards or nails, and reseal any wooden surfaces to prevent heat damage.
6. Switch to Lightweight Bedding and Towels
Swap heavy bedding for light, breathable options like cotton or linen. Fresh, seasonal linens make a big difference in comfort, and guests will appreciate the effort to keep them cool.
Little details matter! Stock a basket with beach towels, sunscreen, or a sunhat. Guests love these thoughtful extras, and it shows you care about their experience.
8. Clean and Stock the BBQ Grill
Barbecue season is here! Ensure your grill is clean and stocked with supplies. Include basic grilling tools and enough fuel, so guests don’t run out halfway through cooking.
Summer often means longer stays, so make sure you’re well-stocked on basics like toilet paper, coffee, and dish soap. It’s the little things that can make or break a guest’s experience.
10. Create a Summer Essentials Basket
Make a “summer survival kit” with items like insect repellent, aloe vera gel, and perhaps a refreshing drink or two. Guests will appreciate these thoughtful touches as soon as they arrive.
With these steps in place, your property will be in tip-top shape and ready for the busy season. But with the property set, let’s talk about how to attract those guests who are dreaming of a summer getaway on the Eyre Peninsula.
Marketing Strategies to Attract Summer Guests
The summer season is competitive, and standing out among other listings requires a little marketing finesse. Here are some tips to help your listing catch the eye of summer travellers and keep those bookings rolling in.
1. Show Off Your Summer-Ready Amenities
Guests looking for a summer getaway are often searching for specific amenities—air conditioning, outdoor dining, BBQ facilities, and beach access, to name a few. Highlight these amenities in your listing title and description so potential guests can immediately see why your property is perfect for a summer stay.
2. Optimise Your Listing with Seasonal Keywords
Using the right keywords can help your listing rank higher in searches. Sprinkle terms like “beachside escape,” “summer-ready Airbnb,” “cool, air-conditioned retreat,” and “perfect for summer” throughout your title, description, and tags. These terms help attract guests who are looking for a summer vacation specifically.
3. Update Photos to Reflect the Summer Vibe
Refresh your photos to show off the best of your property in the summer light. Take shots of the outdoor seating area, nearby beaches, or scenic coastal views. Try to capture the feeling of a warm, breezy summer day to help guests imagine their ideal holiday.
4. Offer a Welcome Package for Summer Guests
Start your guests’ experience off right with a small welcome package. A cold drink, a local snack, or even a mini bottle of sunscreen can make a big difference. It’s an easy way to add a bit of extra care, helping guests feel appreciated and at home.
5. Highlight Local Summer Attractions
The Eyre Peninsula offers plenty of summer activities like beach outings, hiking trails, and water sports. Mention popular spots or create a digital or printed guide with information on local summer events, dining options, and outdoor activities. It’s a simple addition that guests will find valuable.
6. Encourage Longer Stays with Discounts
Many summer travelers are looking for week-long stays, especially if they’re coming from far away. Consider offering discounts for extended stays. It’s an attractive offer for guests, and it can help fill your calendar.
7. Boost Social Media with Summer-Themed Posts
If you promote your property on social media, now’s the time to post pictures that capture the summer spirit. Use hashtags like #EyrePeninsula, #SummerInSouthAustralia, and #BeachHolidaySA to reach potential guests who are browsing for summer getaway ideas.
8. Offer Last-Minute Deals
Sometimes, bookings come in last-minute during the busy season. Consider offering slight discounts for any open weekends. Advertise these last-minute deals in your listing title or description to attract guests looking for spontaneous getaways.
9. Request Reviews Mentioning Summer Experiences
Positive reviews are priceless, especially ones that highlight a summer stay. After each guest’s visit, encourage them to share what they loved about their time in summer—whether it was the beach proximity, outdoor BBQ, or the cool air conditioning. This social proof can draw in future guests.
10. Be Prompt and Friendly in Communication
Summer is a busy time for travelers, and quick, friendly communication can be a big selling point. A welcoming, responsive approach shows guests that you’re attentive and committed to helping them have a great experience.
Wrapping Up
As a host, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing happy guests enjoy everything your property and the Eyre Peninsula have to offer. By getting your property summer-ready, you’re setting yourself up for a fantastic season filled with positive reviews, return visitors, and new guests eager to experience this beautiful slice of South Australia.
With a little extra effort in both maintenance and marketing, your Airbnb can shine this summer. It’s all about creating a space where guests feel welcomed and looked after, so they can make memories of sun-soaked days, beach adventures, and relaxing evenings—all thanks to your thoughtful hosting. Here’s to a successful, bustling, and rewarding summer season!
