Airbnb brings ‘Trips’ to Sydney

Foodie and former owner of Thanh Binh Restaurant, Angie Hong, has developed a special culinary walking tour of Cabramatta, Sydney, Australia. 23/3/2017
Photo - James Horan

Airbnb is bringing its ‘Trips’ service to Aussie shores, expanding its services beyond accommodation with its sights initially set on Sydney.

Airbnb launched its Trips arm in November last year, but only started with 12 cities worldwide.

From today, locals and travellers can choose from almost 20 curated Sydney-based activities, designed and led by local experts in the field.

Think a sunrise surf with Bondi Rescue Lifeguard and local legend Andrew ‘Reidy’ Reid, and fascinator-making with milliner Neil Grieg.

Vice President of Product and one of Airbnb’s first employees, Joe Zadeh, unveiled the news in Sydney today.

“Since we launched Trips at Airbnb Open last November, we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and interest we’re seeing from hosts and travellers alike.

“Everyone is eager to experience a different side of a city whilst immersing themselves in local communities,” he said.

Trips gives people travelling to Sydney the opportunity to feel like they can truly belong anywhere – which is integral to Airbnb’s global community.

“For local Sydney-siders, they can participate in and contribute to local tourism, sharing their skills and favourite experiences with others, whilst making a little extra money from their interests and passions. It’s a great way for people to discover new things to do, meet new people, and play tourist in their own backyard.”

Designed to make travel both easy and magical, Trips covers three key areas: Experiences, Places and Homes.

Experiences offer unprecedented access to locals sharing their passions and interests, with nearly 20 now available to book online.

From world-renowned Chef Neil Perry and professional big wave surfer Mark Matthews to everyday Aussies and professional tour guides, Australians are embracing the share economy, delivering Experiences that are in keeping with Airbnb’s culture and quality standards.

A few of these include:

  • Experience an insider’s view of the Sydney Opera House with a private guided tour followed by dinner and drinks backstage in the Green Room. As well as hearing stories of great performers past and present, guests will get to enjoy a live performance from the Best Seat in the House – the lighting box of the world-famous Concert Hall.
  • Go off the grid with Michael Mobbs and learn how he lives sustainably off natural resources, without needing to pay for a water or electricity bill nor buy groceries.
  • Explore Cabramatta like a local, and join Angie Hong (pictured above), mother to Dan Hong of Ms G’s, Mr Wong and El Loco fame, on a culinary walking tour. Visit Angie’s favourite local stores and fresh food producers then enjoy a Vietnamese Feast at the renowned Thanh Binh restaurant.
  • Learn from three times champion of the Oakley Big Wave Award, Mark Matthews, and discover the big breaks of Cape Fear with a pro.

Places include recommendations and hidden gems from local insiders in the know, with 34 Sydney Guidebooks now live featuring some of the city’s best kept secrets including:

  • Visit the many beaches and rock pools that inspired Ken Done, one of Sydney’s most iconic artists
  • Discover Dara Hayes aka DJ TigerLily’s favourite places to relax and enjoy a Sunday Session in Sydney
  • Follow in the fashion footsteps and discover designer Collette Dinnigan’s most loved boutiques and fashion haunts of Sydney
  • Get inked up at some of the city’s best dens known for body art, as revealed by renowned tattoo artist Melanie Milne

“Since Trips launched last year, the local Airbnb team has been busy working with the travel industry, local experts and businesses, as well as everyday Australians, to uncover experiences that best showcase this great city, and we’re only just getting started,” Airbnb Country Manager – Australia – and Regional Manager for Trips, Sam McDonagh said.

“Whether you’re interested in food and wine, cultural discoveries or new adventures, Trips offers people the opportunity to share their passions, whilst gaining unprecedented access to our global community and places that they would otherwise never have known.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to add more Experiences and Guidebooks to the Trips platform, and welcome the chance to work with the local community to share this amazing corner of the world with others.”

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

airbnb Trips

Latest News

  • Famil

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils

TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Travel Agents

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil

TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

  • Business Travel
  • Conferences

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

  • Cruise
  • Events

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events

AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade

Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

  • Food & Beverage

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar

Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

  • Events

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]