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Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!!

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Exterior
Exterior
Living area
Living area
Room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Cowes, VIC
  • Place, Phillip Island Coastal Reserve
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Cowes Beach
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Silverleaves Beach
    ‪15 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!!

Cowes Retreat is a beautifully furnished, light-filled house only a 5 minute walk to beach and Main Street Cowes. Your furry family members are most welcome to come and enjoy your holidays with you at Cowes Retreat.

We also offer an early check in of 10am and a late check out of 4pm wherever possible (subject to availability)!
Our house is fully fenced and has high gates so it is very safe and private for your children and pets.

Secure parking behind high, private gates for cars, motorcycles and boats.

Cowes Retreat is the perfect place for your weekend getaway - ideal for family, friends and couples.
Our house is only a 5 minutes walk to the beautiful Westernport Bay beach where the sunsets and sunrises are incredible to watch! Its also only a 5 min walk to the lively town centre of Cowes with restaurants, cafes, shopping and supermarkets.
Wake up in the morning and enjoy your beach walk before breakfast, or have a BBQ in the evening with your friends. Modern furnishings and fixtures guarantees you will be back again.

The places to visit and things to do on the island are endless but the one everyone comes to the Island for is the Penguin Parade - this is not to be missed!! There is something for everyone. You could hire a bike or enjoy a stroll along the beach. Kids can enjoy Amaze N Things, mini golf, bowling, Go Karts at the GP track and visit Seal Rocks where up to 6000 fur seals hang out. Adults can enjoy a round of golf, tennis, bowling or take a cruise around the island. There are Art & Craft shops and Souvenir shops to visit. While you are there why not visit the Pyramid Rocks, Conservation Hill & Rhyll Inlet, Churchill Island, Sawn Lake or Forest Caves.

****** SORRY, NO SCHOOLIES OR YOUNG GROUPS******

SLEEPING CONFIGURATION

Bedroom 1 - 1 Queen bed
Bedroom 2 - 1 Queen bed
Bedroom 3 - 2 x Single beds

We also have a porta cot available.

We provide doonas with covers, pillows and a tea towel, so you'll only need to bring your own top and bottom sheets, pillowcases, bath towels and bath mat. Linen can be provided for $25/bed. For our Australian Moto GP booking, we provide full linen for all beds.
*Block out dates apply

Add dates for prices

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (38 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Our property is fully fenced & super safe for kids

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed

Our pet fee is $15/night

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Please feel free to smoke outside our house.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9119360
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Cowes

Located in Cowes, this holiday home is in the city centre and by the sea. 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. A Maze'N Things and Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit are also worth visiting. Kayaking, windsurfing and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Holiday homes in CowesOpens in a new window
Map
Cowes, VIC

What's nearby

  • Phillip Island Coastal Reserve - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cowes Beach - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Silverleaves Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Phillip Island Leisure Centre - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Phillip Island Wildlife Park - 3 min drive - 2.7 km

Getting around

  • Baxter Station - 73 min drive
  • Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 142 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Hotel Phillip Island - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Chapel Lane - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Isola di Capri - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Nat’s Fish And Chips - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Pino's Trattoria - ‬12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!!?

As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!! on 14 September 2026 start from NZ$406, 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.

How much is parking at Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cowes Retreat - *Pet Friendly* Holiday House!!! located?

Located in the heart of Cowes, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Phillip Island Coastal Reserve and Cowes Beach. Phillip Island Ferry Dock and Silverleaves Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cj'sAerialPhotography U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice clean house great spot and our cat was comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 December 2025
Thanks so much for your lovely review. Please come and stay at Cowes Retreat soon!!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sam J.

Great property!!

Everything we wanted for a very nice few days away!
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Wow! Thanks Sam. So very happy to hear you've enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perfect for our family weekend getaway. Close to everything, quite neighborhood, very comfortable.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Solmaz T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Kids friendly and good location

We enjoyed our stay with two kids. The host was very helpful with good communication and smoth/easy check in-out.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 February 2021
Thanks for your lovely review Solmaz!! And thanks so much for looking after our house so beautifully. We hope to see you and your family again very soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Great property, location and host
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 November 2022
Thanks so much Roy!!! We really appreciate that. Please come and stay at Cowes Retreat again soon. You were just lovely guests
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good location, perfect for the family and pooch!

The house was great, great location, good yard for the dog, quiet area (also good for the dog), walking distance to the beach and main street. Communication with the host was great, really responsive. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 October 2023
Thanks so much for your amazing review Amy! We loved having you and would love you to come and stay again soon. 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great weekend away

A very enjoyable weekend with the house ticking a lot of boxes- comfortable, good position (short walking distance to Cowes shops & beach) and safe for our pups. Also, very easy & friendly communication & checking in process.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 March 2021
Thanks for your lovely review Cathy!! It was our pleasure to accommodate you and your family. Please come and stay again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday weekend celebrations

Location is great everything you need in walking distance.The house is super clean has a great vibe Big shout out to Sharon and the cleaning teamThank you
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 March 2025
Thanks for looking after our house so well! Please come and stay again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cherie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and value

This property was great value and had everything we needed. It was in a great location, dog friendly, and family friendly. We stayed with some family friends and had a great time. My daughter keeps asking if way can go back to 'the Phillip Island house'. The manager was great - friendly, clear, and helpful.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2024
Thank you so very much Cherie!! We loved having you guys stay. Your daughter is right - you should definitely come and stay again soon!! Thanks for looking after our house so well. Brilliant!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dieter

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great house, we’ll equipped & close to all shops in Cowes. Recommend it highly
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice location

The house is ideal for people who bring their dog. Secured gates etc. Location is excellent. 5 mins walk to Cowes. Proprietor is very helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 November 2022
Thanks so much to Geoffrey and Florence for your kind review!! And thanks for looking after Cowes Retreat so beautifully too!! We really appreciate it. Highly recommend Geoffrey and Florence to other hosts too. Fantastic guests. 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Stay

The property was clean, light and bright. Spacious enough 2 people for a weekend away. It had everything we needed. Would definately stay there again. Host was very flexible with check in and out times and available for contact.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Penny M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long weekend at Cowes Retreat

A great holiday house in a perfect location- minutes to the dog beach & to the Main Street. Sharon was an excellent host, making us feel very welcome, including our 2 pooches! Clean, cosy, great fenced off garden- safe for children & dogs.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sok U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

Host was very responsive and proactive in her communications with us. The property was clean and had all things we need, good location and enjoyable as a short or long stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2022
Thanks so much for your kind words Sok! It was our absolute pleasure to host you both. 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Terrific property, Spick and span with all the comforts you require…..except wifi, wifi would make the property perfect😊 fantastic and helpful communication as well!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Asha R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

This place was absolutely perfect for what we needed. Great, tidy house with a very secure yard for our 2 two year olds to run around in. Sharon is such a pleasure to deal with, very helpful and prompt. Will definitely book our next stay in Cowes here. Thanks for a wonderful stay
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 December 2021
Thanks so much for your amazing review!! It was our absolute pleasure to accommodate you and your family. Come and stay again really soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place and host

Wonderful host, Sharon was extremely kind and helpful. The property is in a great location, minutes walk to the beach and town. Clean and comfortable. Great holiday place.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 November 2021
Thanks so much Jenny!! That’s so thoughtful of you to say that. Thanks so much for looking after our house so beautifully! We’d love to welcome you back again anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ali W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful house with everything we needed. Close to town and beach.

Thank you Sharon for being a wonderful host. We loved our stay at your beautiful house. Close to everything, sparkling clean and comfy. Walker family
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2021
Thanks Ali! It was our absolute pleasure to host you and your family! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for looking after it so beautifully!! 😊 Please come and stay again soon. Thanks. Sharon
Verified

8/10 Good

Kate W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great pet friendly accommodation in Cowes.

Great location with an easy walk to shops and beach. Easy driving access to everything on Phillip Island. Dog friendly with fully fenced garden which was awesome.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2021
Thanks so much for your lovely review!! Thanks also for looking after Cowes Retreat so well. We really appreciate it. Please come and stay again soon! Thanks, Sharon
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Great location and lovely house. Wished we had of booked it for longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2021
Thanks so much for your lovely review Julie! I’m so happy you enjoyed your stay! Sorry you couldn’t stay a bit longer. 😊 Please come and stay again soon. Thanks, Sharon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Lovely place to stay we look forward to visiting again
Response from VrboOwner on 25 February 2021
Fantastic Denise!! Looking forward to accommodating all of you again soon!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Convenient, clean and affordable

The owner was friendly. The place was clean accessible and conveniently located, 5 mins walk to the beach, restaurants and other essentials. Will go back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and perfect for dogs

Great venue with clear communication from the owner. Was a little unkept / dusty / pet hair under beds but this can be easily resolved.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Mardi K.

Well appointed and comfortable getaway

We enjoyed our stay! Lovely house with a great, secure yard for dogs. I found the whole process easy & stress free. Thanks Sharon
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Wow! Thanks for the great review Mardi!! Please come and stay again soon! Especially now that we have our Stay Two Nights Get a Third Night Free Special on offer!! Thanks again, Sharon
Verified

8/10 Good

Bronwyn J.

Great pet friendly accommodation

Great location. Yard secure for our dogs. Would recommend staying here
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thanks for the great review Bronwyn!! Come and stay again soon!

About the host

Hosted by Sharon Matthews

Host profile image

We bought this house as a holiday rental in November 2012 and it's been booking consistently (almost every weekend of the year) ever since! I believe that offering early check ins and late check outs and being available for questions/issues anytime day and night and answering booking requests as promptly as I can has been a huge reason why our guests keep coming back and staying in our house year after year! Oh and we allow pets both outside and inside our house - I believe that guests who want to take their pets with them on holiday, love them (like I love our little dog!) and are also very respectful - not letting them sleep on the beds and picking up their droppings too! And what furry family member wouldn't want to come along and enjoy our house, but even better, running along the beach every day!

Why they chose this property

Cowes is a fabulous place to enjoy with so much on offer not the least of which is the world-renowned Penguin Parade! It's got beautiful, clean beaches and so many bars, restaurants and cafes now, there's something for everyone. I think I start to relax as soon as I go over the bridge in San Remo and start to really smell that fresh beach air. Cowes Retreat is a bright, open, airy house! We've got modern furniture that we've only just (2020) just updated. There is a tv in two of the bedrooms too.

What makes this property unique

Once you get to Cowes Retreat, you can park your car and walk everywhere! Best location ever - lovely quiet street, but walking distance to the beach and Main Street, Cowes

Languages:

English

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