Currently there are 26 properties listed in the Horsham area on the website Airbnb, while there are 174 listings near the popular tourist destination Halls Gap.

There are also listings in Warracknabeal, Dimboola, Nhill, Natimuk and Murtoa, among many others.

The Wimmera Mail-Times spoke to three Wimmera residents with Airbnb listings about their experiences.

JACINTA McIvor owns popular short stay house, Rosedale, in the heart of Horsham. Mrs McIvor started advertising the three-bed bedroom property on Airbnb two years ago.

“We bought it just for that reason; we already had another short stay property and because it was doing so well, we decided to invest in a second because the demand for it was amazing,” she said.

“That first property is often booked out 80 to 90 per cent of the time, while Rosedale is booked about 75 per cent of the time. This time of year is crazy busy with school holidays and family gatherings – both houses are very popular.”

She said the experience of owning short stay properties was mostly fantastic.

“There are a few challenges that you do come across, like of something happens at the property you have to book trades to fix it – but those things just happen,” she said.

“Mostly you meet a lot of lovely people who are appreciative, friendly and great to deal with. People came from all over the place. Being that halfway point between Adelaide and Melbourne helps.”

Mrs McIvor said she would definitely recommend owning a short stay property.

“We started by just jumping into it and seeing how it would go, and it has just gone from strength to strength. It’s ended up being a really good little business to have,” she said.

“This has just been a great experience. Now when we go away, we always try to stay at Airbnbs. We find it a lot more comfortable and easy than a hotel or motel. It’s also more family-friendly.”

ANT Mair and his wife Melissa have found great success in renting out Ant's Halls Gap House, Quamby Farm located at the foothills of the Grampians. The couple has rented out the property for five years.

“Before we started using Airbnb, we had it on a couple of other websites but they weren’t as good. When Airbnb came along, it was a really personal interface and we could have conversations with the guests before they arrived,” he said.

“Because we’re on a farm, we’re able to do tours of the property to show guests around. Then everyone takes home a basket of produce like fruit and preserves – that wasn’t possible before. It started to become more of an experience rather than something impersonal.”

Located on a 60 acre farm, the property features spectacular views of the Grampians.

Mr Mair said about 50 per cent of guests at the property were from overseas.

“Generally they will do the triangle tour where they land in Melbourne, drive to Port Campbell and then head up here to the Grampians for a few nights. Then they return to Melbourne through the Goldfields,” he said.

“If you name an obscure country, we have had people from there. We’ve had people from eastern Russia, Paraguay, Laos, Quatar and Nigeria – it’s incredibly diverse and we’ve certainly had someone from every continent.”

He said the property was booked out about 70 per cent of the year.

“We’re often booked out two months in advance. It’s been really successful for us. If you're into meeting people and sharing, it’s perfect. It’s open and engaging and we get people who compliment us on the personal aspects of their stay,” he said.

JAN Morris opened her Horsham home to Airbnb users 18 months ago. She said she the Airbnb venture had been a great success so far.

“I love having my house exactly how I want it. It’s not the entire home so we advertise just some of the house, so I act as a hostess,” she said.

“I’m able to read people quickly – whether they wish to be quiet or want to know more about ourselves. I give them the opportunity to share breakfast with us if they wish. I am pretty booked out during the Christmas period.”

Mrs Morris built a unit in the upstairs area of her house just after her husband Richard passed away with the plans of letting the space out.

“Having the Airbnb hasn’t made much of a difference to my day-to-day life; I’m still doing all the things I love doing,” she said.

She said guests often stayed following recommendations from their friends.

“We’ve had a lot of guests from China who have been recommended by their friends back home. We also get guests from Singapore, the Philippines, but also a lot of Australians who are travelling through from Melbourne and Adelaide,” she said.

“We also get a lot of people coming to stay who are looking at jobs in the region, or who have moved here for work.

“Almost everyone who comes comments on how beautiful Horsham is and say I am fortunate. Sometimes we take a lot for granted when we live in a place like Horsham, so it has really opened my eyes.”

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