10+ Beautiful Airbnbs on Phillip Island, Victoria
A mecca for holidaymakers, Phillip Island is the perfect place to spend your summer (or winter) holidays. In this post, we’ve shared our list of the best Phillip Island Airbnbs to help you book the place of your dreams.
Phillip Island is the ultimate Aussie holiday haven.
Endless white beaches, iconic wildlife attractions, a burgeoning cafe and coffee scene, and laidback charm of yesteryear, Phillip Island is the perfect place to spend an Australian holiday.
As you’d imagine from a popular holiday resort that’s close to Melbourne, there are 100’s of Airbnb’s on the Island, and it can be hard to find exactly what you’re looking for - beach shack or palatial adobe, glamping tent or sprawling luxury? Luckily for you guys, we’ve sorted the best from the rest and have put together this Phillip Island Airbnb guide.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, or a cheeky couples weekend away, this guide showcases the most beautiful Airbnb listings in each main location/town on the Island (nothing daggy and dated in this guide!), as well as the attractions and eateries close by.
10+ INCREDIBLE PHILLIP ISLAND AIRBNBS
WHERE IS PHILLIP ISLAND?
Phillip Island is located around 140kms from Melbourne CBD in southern Victoria.
Known for its incredible beaches, natural beauty, and farmlands, Phillip Island is a popular holiday destination for Victorians escaping the city, with the population swelling by 300% during the summer months.
The original custodians of the land are the Boon Warrung people of the Kulin Nation, and Phillip Island is also known as Corriong, or Millowl in the Boonwurrung language.
HOW TO GET TO PHILLIP ISLAND
Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne is super easy.
We recommend taking the Monash Freeway (M1) to the Packenham/Koo Wee Rup exit, and following Healesville - Too Wee Rup Rd (C422) towards
Turn left at the road about and join the Bass Highway (M420), which passes through Grantville and Bass before arriving at San Remo. It’s here that you pass over the Phillip Island bridge and make it onto the Island.
The main town of Cowes is the most obvious destination once on the Island. Just follow the signs and you’ll arrive into Cowes within 15 minutes of crossing the bridge.
If you’re looking for a place to stop on the way, drop into the beautiful town of Loch and enjoy its incredible cafes.
OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO AIRBNB
Before we jump into our Phillip Island Airbnb guide, we thought we’d share our guide to Airbnb to help you guys get acquainted with the platform and its wonderful quirks (if you’re not already, of course!).
It wasn’t long ago that every hotel or apartment was booked over the phone, or through incredibly clunky websites. Then Airbnb came along and changed the travel game forever.
Out with the overpriced hotels, in with the chic homes, apartments, homestays and tiny houses.
It’s fair to say we love Airbnb, and our handy little guide to help you guys love it too - from setting up your own account, through to tips and tricks to get the most out of your stay.
AIRBNB GUIDE | Our essential guide to getting the best out of Airbnb
DISCOUNT | Sign up using our Airbnb code below, and get up to £30 / $40 off your booking!
PHILLIP ISLAND’S BEST AIRBNBS
COWES + SURROUNDS
If you’re keen to be right in the heart of the action, then finding your ultimate Phillip Island Airbnb in Cowes is a great idea.
Cowes is Phillip Island’s main town, a relaxed seaside settlement with everything you need to enjoy your stay on Phillip Island. There are a range of supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and retail shops, as well as access to parks and bayside beaches.
Here are our favourite Airbnb’s in Cowes, Phillip Island:
ISLAND PEARL
Located in the heart of Cowes, Island Pearl is beautifully appointed and perfect for either a couples or family getaway.
A short walk to Waterboy and Isola di Capri, you’ll enjoy the best of Melbourne close by on the Island.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, wi-fi, A/C, washer
Sleeps | 9
Image courtesy of Airbnb
WIMBLEDON PLACE
Wimbledon Place caught our eye with its stylish interior and accessibility. However, its best feature is surely the hot tub, which would be perfect on a chilly winter’s evening.
Located just outside of Cowes, Wimbledon Place sleeps four, and is perfect for a getaway with friends.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, hot tub, A/C
Sleeps | 4
Image courtesy of Airbnb
ISLAND SHACK
For the most part, Island Shack is just like every other Airbnb on Phillip Island - nice amenities, lots of space, and perfectly positioned close to all the action.
However, the backyard sets this property out - it’s perfect for summer sundowners and barbecues with friends.
The location, in between Cowes and Ventnor, ain’t bad either.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, BBQ, edible garden
Sleeps | 4
Image courtesy of Airbnb
WIMBLEDON STUDIO
This cute little studio is located in the sleepy suburb of Wimbledon Heights, yet is still close enough to enjoy the cafes, bars and restaurants of Cowes.
Wimbledon Studio is the perfect couples hideaway on Phillip Island.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchenette
Sleeps | 2
Image courtesy of Airbnb
CAPE WOOLAMAI
Cape Woolamai, is a small town located at the headland of the southern tip of the Island, and the perfect place to find your ultimate Phillip Island Airbnb.
Come here to get away from it all, with Cape Woolamai surf beach, and the famous cape hike, just a short drive away. The bayside beaches are perfect for families, and it’s still close enough to all of Phillip Island's major attractions.
CAPE CABIN
This charming little home is located right in the heart of Cape Woolamai, with direct beach access - which is good enough to make this property worth recommending - what makes it even better, however, is the Bali-inspired interior, which is to die for.
Sleeps up to 12, so is perfect for larger groups.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, laundry facilities, indoor fireplace
Sleeps | 12
Image courtesy of Airbnb
WAVEDREAMS 8
Dreamhouse alert.
We’re absolutely obsessed with Wavedreams8 - this gorgeous double story house is located just a short walk from the beautiful natural environs of Cape Woolamai, but you’ll never want to leave it’s so beautiful.
Features an incredible kitchen, dining and family room, which opens out into a beautiful courtyard, perfect for summer evenings. The spacious bedrooms and ultra-chic bathrooms are the stuff of dreams, and we also love the little nooks to sit back, relax, and read a book, throughout the house.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, indoor fireplace, bath
Sleeps | 6
Image courtesy of Airbnb
LANTANA
Lantana is a super modern beach shack located right near Colonnades beach, in the heart of Cape Woolamai.
This new build is perfect for families or a group of friends looking for the perfect beachside holiday home. It’s super close to downtown Cape Woolamai, which is home to some cool bars and cafes (Bang Bang and Island Burger Bar for the win!), as well as other amenities such as a supermarket.
All in all, you can’t really go wrong with this beautiful beach house.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, fireplace, BBQ, fussball table, A/C, coffee machine
Sleeps | 8
Image courtesy of Airbnb
SMITHS BEACH & SURROUNDS
Smiths beach is located on the southern part of the Island, on the drive into Cowes, and is home to the best beach on the Island. If you’re looking for a Phillip Island Airbnb that’s close to the beach, yet still it’s close to all the essentials in Cowes, Smiths beach is the place.
From here, you can enjoy a cheeky brunch in Cowes, then join one of the many surf schools and learn to slide, or just enjoy the idyllic beachside surrounds.
NUMBER FIFTEEN
A proper surf house located near the best breaks on all of the Island, Number Fifteen is perfect for surf weekends away, or summer holidays with the family.
The kitchen and communal spaces are super cool and well-appointed, and the outdoor deck with BBQ is perfect for a lazy afternoon after a day spent at the beach.
There’s also a trampoline for the kids or those young at heart.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, coffee machine, Netflix + Apple TV, A/C,
Sleeps | 8
Image courtesy of Airbnb
SURF BEACH TINY HOUSE
Insta-trend or way of the future? Either way, Tiny Houses are in vogue and bloody awesome.
This super-stylish tiny house has it all, including a well-appointed kitchen, so you won’t go without on your stay at Phillip Island’s Surf Beach. Just down the road are some of the worlds best surf breaks, while the cafes and restaurants of both Cowes and San Remo are just a short drive away.
What’s more, the outdoor space is perfect for summer evenings.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, washing machine, coffee machine, A/C
Sleeps | 2 (at a stretch, 4)
Image courtesy of Airbnb
VENTNOR
Ahhh, sleepy little Ventnor, home to some of our favourite Phillip Island Airbnbs. Located on the far west of the Island, Ventnor overlooks Flinders on the Morning Peninsula, and is blessed with ample space and a quiet pace. From here, it’s a short drive to the Penguin Parade, and is close to Cowes.
It’s also home to The Store - our fave little cafe/eco-store.
FIVE ACRES FARM STAY
This endearing little farm stay is located in Ventnor, a short drive from the magical Penguin Parade, and 10 minutes from Cowes.
There are thoughtful touches throughout this absolutely beautifully appointed, while the huge balcony offers views out over Phillip Island and the bay. Oh, and Katie, the host, is exceptional.
As it’s a working farm, there are heaps of animals around for kids to feed and observe.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, fireplace, washing machine, coffee machine, A/C
Sleeps | 5
Image courtesy of Airbnb
THE LITTLE GREY FARM STAY
This super cosy studio is located in our favourite part of the Island, Ventnor, surrounded by artisan eateries and farm gate sales. Located super close to the Penguin Parade and other attractions.
Sleeps two, so it’s perfect for couples on a cheeky weekend away from Melbourne.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, BBQ, A/C
Sleeps | 2
Image courtesy of Airbnb
TWO STOREY BEACHFRONT IN VENTNOR
Picture the end of a long summers day. You’re sitting on the decking, gin and tonic in hand, watching another amazing sunset on Phillip Island. Sounds amazing, right? Then this Phillip Island Airbnb is perfect for you.
Located in Ventnor with direct access to the beach, this huge two-storey home is ideal for large families or a group of friends. The upstairs balcony and kitchen are made for entertaining, allowing you to cook up a storm for family or friends.
With direct access to the beach, there’s no need to travel far, however, Cowes is just a short 10-minute drive away.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, BBQ, open fireplace, A/C
Sleeps | 11
Image courtesy of Airbnb
RHYLL
Rhyll is a hidden gem on Phillip Island. Tucked away on the north-eastern tip of the Island, this small fishing town is the ultimate hideaway, with an abundance of nature and a relaxed village atmosphere.
Not much goes on here, but that’s perfect, isn’t it?
CAPTAIN LOCK'S COTTAGE
Captain Lock’s Cottage was featured on Channel 9’s local travel show, Postcards, which is good enough for us.
One of Phillip Island’s oldest cottages, this cottage oozes history and charm, with an open fire, polished floorboards, period features, incredible views and a cottage garden.
While a lot of the properties featured on this Phillip Island Airbnb guide are modern, new builds, this delightful cottage is ideal for those looking to escape the modern world for a few days.
It’s also located close to Cowes and San Remo, as well as the beautiful Rhyll wetlands.
THE DETAILS
Amenities | Kitchen, BBQ, open fireplace, A/C
Sleeps | 9
Image courtesy of Airbnb
GLAMPING ON PHILLIP ISLAND
After doing extensive research on the best Phillip Island Airbnbs, we noticed a huge array of glamping opportunities and thought it would be remiss of us to not include the best in this guide.
Glamping is Mim’s favourite style of camping, where creature comforts and hipster style meets proper camping. Phillip Island is a great place to glamp, especially in the summer months, where you can sit back and watch the sunset with a nice rosé, before enjoying a barbecue and great nights sleep.
Here are the best Philip Island glamping options:
THE SHELTERED GLAMPING CO. | EMPEROR TENT, GENTOO TENT, FIORDLAND TENTS
The Sheltered Glamping Co is located on a lovely, tree-filled property in Ventnor, with direct access to one of Phillip Island's secluded beaches.
There are a number of glamping options depending on your budget.
The Emperor is the largest - a safari-style tent with all the luxuries you’d expect, including a four-poster queen bed, fireplace, as well as a nook to escape into with a good book.
Another option is the large bell tent, Fiordland, which houses a super cool space overlooking the incredible natural surrounds. Better still, this tent is completely solar-powered.
The Gentoo, a super cool 5m round canvas tent, has all you could ever need, including comfy bed and electricity.
There’s also a communal outdoor kitchen, shower and eco-toilet. What’s more, your hosts will make a charitable donation to projects that make a difference.
This eco-friendly and socially responsible enterprise is right up our street, so spend your hard-earned here and also do good.
Amenities | Communal kitchen, bbq, outdoor shower, eco-toilet
Sleeps | 2
Book | The Emperor, The Fiordland, The Gentoo
Sheltered Glamping Co. Phillip Island | Image courtesy of Airbnb
MORE PHILLIP ISLAND AIRBNBS
Not found what you’re looking for? Or our selections didn’t take your fancy.
You can search for all Phillip Island Airbnb’s here, or use the interactive map below to find your perfect accommodation or experience on the Island.
WHAT TO DO ON PHILLIP ISLAND
It goes without saying, but if you’re into the outdoors, you’ll absolutely love Phillip Island.
There’s a huge amount of things to do, mostly involving nature. From checking out the cutest little penguins at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade to hiking to the point of Cape Woolamai, you’ll feel revived and alive when you leave.
Beyond the obvious, we’ve discovered a super laidback community, with cool cafes, wineries and bars scattered across the island, so if you’re a Melburnian who loves all the good things (ie. coffee, brunch), you’ll feel right at home.
We’ve written a huge guide on everything to do on Phillip Island, which you can find here.
Here’s a few must-see’s on the Island:
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Cape Woolamai Hike
The Nobbies
Pyramid Rock (and whale watching)
Learn to surf at Smith’s beach
Explore the Forrest Caves
Stroll through downtown Cowes
A few places to eat & drink on the Island
Waterboy Cafe, Cowes
Porter Republic, San Remo
The Store, Ventnor
Phillip Island winery
Shaka Bar
RELATED | The best things to do on Phillip Island (including where to eat)
PHILLIP ISLAND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
HOW TO EXPLORE PHILLIP ISLAND
Pretty much the only way to explore all of Phillip Island’s attractions is via vehicle, whether your own rental or on a day trip from Melbourne if time is limited.
Here are a few of our fave options:
BY CAR
Phillip Islands is perfect for an epic road trip from Melbourne. If you don’t own your own car, or if you’re a traveller in Australia and need to hire a car, we recommend booking through Rentalcars.com.
BOOK | Rentalcars.com
BY VAN
One of the most common sights you’ll see on Victorian roads is the bright green and purple branding of Jucy Rentals vans. #Vanlifing across the state is one of the most popular ways to discover the area — and is something we can personally vouch for having done the very same for a week back in 2017!
BOOK | Book your Jucy Rental
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN AUSTRALIA
Whatever you do, don’t travel through Australia without travel insurance, even if you’re the most experienced traveller.
Whether it be a surfing injury (oh Phillip Island, it’s possible!), car accident, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Australia, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
EXPLORE THE BEST OF VICTORIA WITH THESE ESSENTIAL POSTS
PHILLIP ISLAND | Top things to do on Phillip Island
LOCH | A guide to the pretty town of Loch, Gippsland
GREAT OCEAN ROAD | The best things to do on the Great Ocean Road, the ultimate guide to visiting Loch Ard Gorge
THE BEST OF THE OTWAYS | Our guide to Hopetoun Falls, and the mystical Otway Californian Redwoods
THE BEST OF WARBURTON | Our complete guide to the beautiful Warburton, and the East Warburton Redwood Forest
VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide
DAYLESFORD | Our Daylesford and surrounds day trip & weekend getaway guide
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE VICTORIA WITH OUR IN-DEPTH TRAVEL GUIDES
Some of the links on this Phillip Island Airbnb guide are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
