“Shallow Water Retreat” is a delightful single-storey family home in Cowes just a comfortable walk from the beach and short drive from the supermarkets, restaurants & cafés of Cowes. Some of the many features of this lovely home are detailed below:
Indoor Areas
This large home has three living areas, providing plenty of space and options to spread out; the Lounge Room is at the front of the home, a huge central Kitchen/Dining/Family Room (with coonara wood heater) and a rear Rumpus Room (with 75" smart TV, Netflix & Kayo). The Master bedroom is near the front of the home and has a walk in robe and ensuite (shower, toilet & double vanity). A separate hallway leads to Bedrooms 2, 3 and 4 (each with built in robes), a main bathroom (with bath & shower), a separate toilet and a laundry (with clothes dryer & washing machine).
Outdoor Areas
The home has a large double garage with roller door access to the fully enclosed rear yard, as well as internal access to the home. The delightful central covered deck (with table & chairs for 12 people, plus 2 additional chairs and a gas BBQ) can be accessed from the central Dining/Living Room as well as the 3rd Living Room. There is space for 2 cars in the garage plus another in the driveway. The large open spaces of the North Shore Estate Reserve & Playground (with swings, slides, etc) are just 50m from the front door.
Kitchen
The fully appointed kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, microwave, toaster, kettle, Nespresso compatible pod coffee machine, sandwich press, etc. plus a sink, fridge, dishwasher, electric oven and induction cook top.
Heating/Cooling Systems
There are two wall mounted reverse cycle airconditioners; one in Bedroom 1 and the other in the 3rd (rear) living room, a coonara wood heater in the main Living Room (firewood not provided), plus three stand-alone fans which can be used where required.
Bedding Configuration
This home has 9 beds, plus 1 sofa bed, accommodating up to 14 guests:
Bedroom 1: One Queen bed Bedroom 2: One Queen bed Bedroom 3: One Tri-bunk Bedroom 4: Two sets of King Single bunks and one King Single Trundle bed.
There is also a Double sofa bed in the front Living Room that is suitable for 2 adults or children.
Please note: The Tri-bunk has a double bed base with a single bed above it. The King Single trundle bed is best suited for a child.
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, irrespective of whether school-leavers are part of the official Schoolies Program. 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 # 9790008
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, or check out an event or a game at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale watching and wildlife walks.
Phillip Island Coastal Reserve - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Cowes Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Phillip Island Wildlife Park - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit - 10 min drive - 10.6 km
Penguin Parade - 10 min drive - 10.6 km
Getting around
Baxter Station - 75 min drive
Restaurants
Chapel Lane - 3 min drive
Isola di Capri - 4 min drive
Nat’s Fish And Chips - 3 min drive
Pino's Trattoria - 4 min drive
Fisherman's Wharf - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Shallow Water Retreat in Cowes pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Shallow Water Retreat in Cowes?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shallow Water Retreat in Cowes on 21 June 2026 start from NZ$404, 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 Shallow Water Retreat in Cowes?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Shallow Water Retreat in Cowes?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Shallow Water Retreat in Cowes?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Shallow Water Retreat in Cowes located?
This family-friendly Cowes holiday home is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Phillip Island Coastal Reserve and Cowes Beach. Phillip Island Wildlife Park and Silverleaves Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We really enjoyed our stay at shallow waters retreat. The house was nice and clean, the beds were super comfy, and the location was great! Only a short drive into town, and close to other beaches we enjoy! Overall it was a great stay!
Nadia N.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May 2026
Thank you, Nadia, for your wonderful feedback and for staying with us at Shallow Water Retreat.
We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay, and that you found the house clean, the beds super comfortable, and the location so convenient for both town and nearby beaches.
We’re very thankful for your great feedback and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back again in the future.
Regards,
The team at Phillip Island Holiday Homes
Verified
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
5 April 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Our stay in Phillip Island
It was nice and spacious for all of us to fit comfortably. Mostly it was an enjoyable stay, apart frpm a few issues.
The outdoor BBQ was completely dirty and did not work correctly.
The oven was also dirty in the kitchen, there was a tray left inside it that was full of oil.
The air conditioning unit in the back loungeroom was not working at all. It had no power to it
Great house for all of us. Loved the 3 different relaxing areas. Slept us all with no problems
Only problem we had was heating. Place was cold and 1 of the air conditioners (only 2) was not working. Luckily we were able to get in touch with property manager who assisted in sorting out the electrical fault problem. Also didnt realise that we would have to buy wood and get the fire going. Soon sorted and the place warmed up quickly
Would consider staying there again - easy to clean and look after too. Kids loved the big screen TV on wet days
Rhonda C.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
About the host
Hosted by Hosted by Phillip Island Holiday Homes
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests