Small bed and breakfast
Welcome guests to a few rooms in your house or property with a cooked breakfast included.
- A$5k-30k
- Part-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small guesthouse offering a handful of rooms and breakfast, often in a larger home, farm or country property. The personal welcome and local tips are a big part of the appeal.
Your first three steps
- Talk to your local council about planning approval and food registration for serving breakfast
- Prepare two or three rooms to a high standard and photograph them well
- Create a simple website and list on booking sites, then connect with local wineries, venues and tourism groups
Who pays
Couples on weekend breaks, touring travellers, wedding guests and visitors to regional events.
How it makes money
A nightly room rate that includes breakfast, with extras such as picnic hampers, packages or late checkout.
Skills that help
- Hospitality and hosting
- Cooking breakfasts safely
- Marketing and managing reviews
Watch out for
- Council approval for commercial accommodation, plus building and fire safety requirements
- Food business registration and food safety training for serving meals; check with your council
- Public liability and building insurance suitable for paying guests
- Alcohol cannot be sold without a liquor licence from your state regulator
- Seasonal demand and the effort of daily changeovers
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a bed and breakfast in Australia?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $30,000, depending on your property, how many rooms you offer and how much fit-out, furnishing and kitchen work is needed. Insurance and safety requirements may also affect your total.
How much can a small bed and breakfast earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your location, room rates and how often rooms are booked. The estimate starts from about 15 hours a week, and demand can be seasonal.
What licences and approvals should I check for a B&B?
Check council approval for commercial accommodation, plus building and fire safety requirements. Check food business registration and food safety training for serving meals, and suitable public liability and building insurance. Alcohol can't be sold without a liquor licence from your state regulator.
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Photo: tianya1223 on Pixabay