Family-friendly Phillip Island holiday rentals for year-round holiday adventures

These spacious, well-designed apartments cater for families of all sizes, coming in one-, two- or three-bedroom options. Each displays the touches of interior designer Debbie Taylor, such as custom artworks, thoughtful furnishings and a relaxing colour palette.

For the largest amount of space to spread out and make yourself at home in, opt for the 3-Bedroom Executive Apartment. The master bedroom comes with an ensuite and private balcony for an added touch of privacy. The full kitchen and laundry facilities mean that you’ll not only save money, but also time, avoiding trips to the laundromat, and having to eat out every meal. The large wrap-around balcony is perfect for an evening BBQ, or simply relaxing in the sun with a book during the day. Free WiFi is also an added bonus.

Phillip Island Towers are a short walk to both the shops and Cowes Beach. Pack the picnic basket and head down to the naturally protected beach, making it ideal for the whole family. There’s also a number of rock pools to explore – you never know what you might find.

If you’re after an apartment for the family that is as close to the beach as you can get on Phillip Island, look no further than 507 at the Waves. The property is a one minute walk from the beach, and just a five minute walk to the shopping district of Cowes.

The two-bedroom apartment, on the second floor of the ‘Waves’ building, features open plan living, dining and kitchen spaces. A large balcony wraps around the apartment, looking out to Westernport Bay.

The hosts of 507 at the Waves are known for going the extra mile for their guests. Things like beach towels and cooking staples come standard with the apartment. If you’re after anything else, including advice on what to do and see, they will be more than happy to help you out.

No trip to Phillip Island is complete without an obligatory visit to the Penguin Parade. Every evening at sunset, visitors gather on the boardwalks at Summerlands Beach to watch the island’s resident penguins race up the beach and into their burrows for the night.

This leafy property almost feels like it could be located in the countryside – but that’s not the case, with the large block of land located in the centre of Cowes. Holmwood Guesthouse is home to two self-contained spa cottages (ideal for couples) and a larger, three-bedroom, family-friendly studio.

Stroll down to the wharf and pick up some fresh seafood from one of the vendors, and take it back to your home away from home, where you can prepare it in the fully equipped kitchen. The living room opens up onto a paved courtyard, where a Weber BBQ makes lunches and dinner easy.

Spend a day at Churchill Island Heritage Farm, is a functioning farm located on the site of Victoria’s very first farm. The farm itself operates as it did in the 1800’s, complete with geese, highland cattle and Clydesdale horses. Visitors to the farm can take part in activities like sheep shearing, whip cracking, milking the cows and horse and buggy rides.

What looks like an average weatherboard house from the outside, is actually a well thought out, comfortable, spacious holiday home on the inside. This four-bedroom property sleeps up to ten guests comfortably – ideal for two families or just one who likes a bit of extra space.

Tranquillity in Cowes truly caters for the whole family – including pets. The living room features a flat-screen tv, DVD player and a number of board games to keep everyone entertained. Linen and towels are provided, as is free WiFi. If the weather is good, we can assure you that you’ll be enjoying all of your meals outside on the wooden deck, which backs onto the spacious backyard (note: pack the backyard cricket set).

While Cowes might be the bustling centre of Phillip Island, there are a number of smaller villages dotted around the island. Rhylls is one of these. The town is known for its boutique wine and food offerings, including Purple Hen Winery and Foreshore Bar and Restaurant.

Just two blocks back from Foreshore Bar and Restaurant, you’ll find Oak Tree Lodge – a spacious English cottage that is home to four self-contained suites. Oak Tree Lodge can be rented out as an interconnected whole, ideal for larger groups or travelling couples who would like to stay together, but need their own space. Within the cottage, there are three wood fires for the winter months, as well as multiple outside seating areas with BBQ’s, along with sea views. One notable inclusion is the fully stocked kitchen, which comes with everything you need for breakfast – free-range eggs, smoked bacon, tomatoes, fresh bread, spreads, muesli – the lot.

When we say that Franklin House is equipped for large family holidays, we mean it. This eight-bedroom house, nestled in the fishing village of Rhyll, sleeps up to 20 people. Everything about this property is big. Not one, but two lounge rooms, a kitchen big enough to prepare a family feast (plus a coffee machine) and a deck, with a dining area and BBQ. Explore downstairs, and in the garage, you’ll find table tennis and darts – game on.

Just 300 metres down the road is an outdoor activity haven – tennis courts, basketball hoops and a children’s playground. Keep walking another few minutes down the road and you’ll end up on the beach.

Bimbadeen Phillip Island ticks all the boxes. The self-contained Phillip Island accommodation is family-friendly and eco-friendly on a 340-acre family-run working farm. Sleeping between two and ten guests, the property is ideal for both a romantic escape or a family retreat, where there is always something to be done. Join a Bimbadeen Farm Experience tour to hand feed the farm animals, or join the 1500 free-range hens in their paddock.

Just because the lodgings are on a farm doesn’t mean that homely comforts have been overlooked. Free WiFi, air conditioning and smart televisions are just some of the luxuries.