“El Penguini” is a delightful double-storey family home in Cowes just a short walk from the beach and supermarkets, restaurants & cafés of Cowes. Some of the many features of this lovely home are detailed below:
Indoor Areas
Downstairs is an entry hall with a fully equipped european Laundry (with washing machine & clothes dryer) that provides access to Bedroom 1 (with 31” TV, Chromecast & BluRay player), a Bathroom (with shower over bath & toilet), Bedroom 2 (with BIR, 31” TV & Chromecast) a Deck and internal access to the Double Garage. Upstairs is a large open plan Kitchen/Family/Dining Room providing access the first floor Balcony, an adjoining Living Room (with 41” TV, Chromecast & BluRay player), as well as Bedroom 3 (with BIR, 31” TV & Chromecast), a Bathroom (with bath & shower) and a separate Toilet.
Outdoor Areas
The ground floor Deck & Patio (with 4 seater table & 2 recliners) overlooks the grassy fully enclosed rear courtyard with dog kennel (please note, smaller dogs would be more suited to this space). The upstairs Balcony (with sunshade awning, gas BBQ, 6 chairs & 2 recliners) overlooks the shared facilities, including a solar-heated in-ground pool and shady communal BBQ area. There is a Double Garage (with foldup table tennis table & internal access to the home) that accommodates 2 cars plus some additional communal parking spots which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kitchen
The fully appointed kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, microwave, Nespresso pod coffee machine, toaster, kettle, etc. plus a double sink, fridge, dishwasher, electric oven and induction cook top.
Heating/Cooling Systems
There are wall mounted reverse cycle air conditioners in all three Bedrooms and the upstairs Dining/Living Area, plus a ceiling fan in Bedroom 1.
Bedding Configuration
This home has 6 beds, and 2 sofa beds, accommodating up to 10 guests:
Bedroom 1 (Downstairs): Two sets of Single bunks Bedroom 2 (Downstairs): One Queen bed Bedroom 3 (Upstairs): One Queen bed
There are also two small double sofa beds in the upstairs Living Room, each suitable for 1 adult or 2 small children.
Linen
It is common in the region for some linen to be provided for bookings, and some linen to be available as an optional extra. By default, a booking at this home does not include optional linen (top & bottom sheets, bath towels and pillowcases). What is included are doonas (quilts) with covers, pillows without covers, tea towels, hand towels and bathmats. If you would like the optional linen included in your booking, please let us know, including which beds you would like it provided for. The additional cost would be a one-off charge of $30 per bed (some sites add a service fee to these costs) - and we prefer 7 days' notice prior to your arrival to get that arranged.
Peak Periods
Please note that during the peak summer period and other peak times, check in times are set as 3pm unless by prior arrangement. Please also note that if you avail of the optional linen hire over these times, it may involve linen being left out but beds not being made up.
Functions, Celebrations and Schoolies
Please note that the home is not suitable for celebrations, parties or large events. The home also does not take bookings over Schoolies. All bookings are subject to approval, pending Guest verification process - Local council restrictions are in place for this property and compliance is mandatory.
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This reservation is not confirmed until guest verification process has been completed. Strict local council regulations apply.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20053301
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Cowes
Located in Cowes, this holiday home is near the beach. National Vietnam Veterans Museum and Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Phillip Island Leisure Centre and Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Travelling with kids? Consider A Maze'N Things and Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale watching and wildlife walks.
Phillip Island Coastal Reserve - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Silverleaves Beach - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Phillip Island Leisure Centre - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Phillip Island Wildlife Park - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
Getting around
Baxter Station - 73 min drive
Restaurants
Hotel Phillip Island - 9 min walk
Chapel Lane - 6 min walk
Isola di Capri - 8 min walk
Nat’s Fish And Chips - 8 min walk
Pino's Trattoria - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does El Penguini in Cowes have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at El Penguini in Cowes?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Penguini in Cowes on 18 September 2026 start from NZ$545, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is El Penguini in Cowes pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at El Penguini in Cowes?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at El Penguini in Cowes?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at El Penguini in Cowes?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is El Penguini in Cowes located?
This family-friendly Cowes holiday home is located by the sea, within a 5-minute walk of Phillip Island Coastal Reserve and Cowes Beach. Silverleaves Beach and Phillip Island Ferry Dock are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Lovely clean property, as described. Very comfortable. Position of property is great. Community barbecue was not clean, unfortunately. We would have made more use of the small barbecue downstairs but the outside light needs a new globe. Lock box for keys takes a bit of juggling.
Lovely stay and excellent location. Very appreciative to be able to take my dog and what was available for her. The other 2 adults were unable to come. Had difficulty with the tv in both the lounge and bedroom. Instructions on how to watch might have helped. Also difficult to get the keys out of the lockbox. Overall really enjoyed my stay.
Gayle C.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Karen D.
9 April 2026
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
We have stayed in the exact Townhouse a few years ago. We paid a substantial amount more this time and there have been no improvements. Only addition was the bunk beds. The last time we visited the courtyard was a little sanctuary, we were so disappointed to see how overgrown it was and weeds for grass and Dog Poo!! Just what you want for a easter egg hunt. Doggy door is broken and looks like tape was attempted to stop the cold air coming in. The downstairs was freezing cold!TV is not a smart TV and channel 7 does not work, so we couldn't watch the Footy or Good Friday Appeal.Furniture is dated.Picture missing from the wall.For Over 650 a night we expected better.
Karen D.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 May 2026
Hi Karen,
Thank you for your feedback and for returning to stay with us. We’re very sorry to hear the property did not meet expectations this time, especially regarding cleanliness, maintenance, and amenities. This is not the standard we aim for, and we will be addressing these issues with our team. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.