Airbnb brings its insider experiences to Australia

Airbnb has brought its Trips service to Australia, launching nearly 20 Sydney activities designed and led by local experts.

The arrival of Trips, which launched late last year in 12 cities around the world, means it's possible to book both accommodation and activities in Sydney with Airbnb.

The activities on offer in Sydney range from a Bondi Dawn Patrol session with a lifeguard from the TV series Bondi Rescue, to a tour of the best places to shop and eat in Cabramatta with a Vietnamese restaurateur, and a behind-the-scenes experience at the Sydney Opera House.

There's also the chance to surf Sydney's infamous Cape Fear with professional big-wave surfer Mark Matthews (pictured at top), along with kayaking trips, an exploration of Sydney's convict past with a historian, an Italian cooking lesson and dinner party with a chef, a studio visit and weaving lesson with a local textile artist, and more. 

"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," said Airbnb's vice president of product Joe Zadeh. 

"Everyone is eager to experience a different side of a city whilst immersing themselves in local communities."

From the point of view of locals, Mr Zadeh said participating in Trips was "a great way for people to discover new things to do, meet new people, and play tourist in their own backyard".

Complementing Trips are 34 Sydney Guidebooks, featuring local recommendations, along with more than 22,000 accommodation listings in Sydney, with thousands more throughout Australia. 

Fact File

• See airbnb.com.au for more.