Island Living: Good to Know 

Part of the charm of Phillip Island is that it feels a world away from the city, even though it’s only a short drive from Melbourne. Island life does come with a few differences, so here’s what to expect and how to make the most of your stay. 

Getting here 

Everyone arrives on the island via the bridge at San Remo, so traffic can build on Friday afternoons, long weekends, school holidays and major event weekends. Allow extra travel time, and keep an eye out for wildlife on the roads after dusk. Refer to the Access Code chapter of your Guidebook for access instructions, so you can let yourself in when you arrive. 

Shops, food and transport 

Shops and restaurants generally close earlier than in Melbourne, and restaurants book out quickly in peak periods, so book ahead. Food delivery and rideshare services are limited or unavailable in many areas, and taxis can be scarce at night, so it’s best to plan your transport in advance. 

Weather and the coast 

Island weather changes quickly and can be very windy, so pack layers whatever the season. Please rinse off sand before coming inside. If you’re swimming, choose a patrolled beach in season and swim between the red and yellow flags, as some surf beaches have strong rips. Refer to the Local Area section of your Guidebook for beaches near you. 

WiFi and mobile coverage 

Internet speeds can slow during peak periods when many people are online at once, and some parts of the island have patchy mobile coverage. If you need a reliable connection for work, it’s worth downloading files and streaming content before you arrive. For troubleshooting tips, refer to the WiFi section of your Guidebook. 

Hot water 

Our homes have household-sized hot water systems. If your group takes several showers back-to-back, the hot water may run out and need some time to reheat. Spreading showers across the morning and evening helps everyone get their turn. 

If you have no hot water at all, please refer to the Hot Water section of your Guidebook for simple troubleshooting tips for your home’s system. If that doesn’t solve it, let us know and we’ll help. 

Water pressure 

The island’s water, power and internet run on regional networks rather than city infrastructure. During busy periods, the large number of visitors across the island can cause a temporary drop in water pressure. 

Tip: stagger showers, and avoid running the washing machine or dishwasher while someone is showering. If you have no water at all, or the low pressure is only at one tap, please let us know. 

Power 

Coastal storms and strong winds can occasionally cause power outages. If the power goes out, first check the safety switch / fuse box (its location is in this Guidebook). If your neighbours are also without power, it’s likely a network outage, and you can check restoration times at https://www.outagetracker.com.au/   

Repairs and maintenance 

If something isn’t working, refer to your Guidebook first, as it has simple troubleshooting tips for many appliances. If that doesn’t solve it, please let us know straight away. We work with fantastic local trades, but on the island they can take a little longer to attend than in the city, particularly on weekends and in peak season. We’ll always keep you updated. 

Health and medical 

For any emergency, call 000. Phillip Island Community Hospital has a 24/7 Urgent Care Centre for minor, non-emergency medical issues, with pathology and radiology services available, including CT scans, ultrasound and general x-ray. The nearest hospital emergency department is in Wonthaggi, so please bring any medications you need and plan ahead if anyone in your group has medical needs. Refer to the Local Area section of your Guidebook for nearby medical centres, pharmacies and hospital details. 

Wildlife 

Phillip Island is home to little penguins, wallabies, koalas and plenty of other native wildlife. Possums are often active on roofs at night, and snakes can be about in warmer months, so watch your step in long grass and never approach a snake. Dogs aren’t permitted in some areas of the island, including penguin habitat, so check local signage before heading out with your pet. 

Living alongside nature also means it’s common to see bird, possum or wallaby droppings around the outside of the home, and spiders can build cobwebs quickly in corners, eaves and gaps, even soon after a clean. Our cleaners remove these at every clean, but they can return within days and are not something we can fully control.  

Fire safety 

On Total Fire Ban days, fire pits, wood-fired BBQs and open fires are not permitted. Download the VicEmergency app to check fire danger ratings and warnings during your stay, and refer to your Guidebook for how to use any fire pit or fireplace at this home. 

Rubbish and bins 

Bins are collected on a fixed council schedule and have limited space, so please flatten boxes and sort recycling carefully. Refer to your Guidebook for your home’s bin details. 

Please don’t leave rubbish bags outside or next to the bins. Seagulls, foxes and other animals will tear them open and spread rubbish around the property. If the bins are full, keep any excess rubbish bagged and inside the home, and keep bin lids closed. 

Septic systems (selected homes only) 

This home might be on a septic system. Please only flush toilet paper, and never flush wipes, sanitary products or anything else. If you notice slow drains or unusual smells, let us know. Refer to your Guidebook for more details about this home’s system. 

A quick note: water pressure, internet speeds and network power outages are island-wide and outside our control, so we’re unable to offer refunds or discounts for these. We appreciate your understanding, and we’re always here to help if something isn’t right. 

A holiday home gives you the space, privacy and freedom of your own home away from home, with room for the whole group and a full kitchen. It works a little differently from a hotel, so here’s what to expect during your stay. 

Self check-in 

There’s no reception desk, so you can arrive whenever suits you. Refer to the Check-in section of your Guidebook for your access instructions and check-in time. One set of keys is provided, so we recommend leaving them in the key safe when you head out, so everyone in your group can get back in. 

Cleaning and servicing 

Your home is professionally cleaned and prepared before you arrive and again after you leave. There’s no daily servicing or linen change during your stay. Most homes have a washing machine you’re welcome to use, and your Guidebook has the details. 

Linen 

In most of our homes, linen is optional: you can hire it with your stay or bring your own. Some homes and stays include linen, so check your booking confirmation to see what applies to you. If you’re thinking of using the porta cot, please pack your own cot linen. 

Starter essentials 

We provide a starter supply of essentials such as toilet paper, dishwashing tablets, hand soap and bin liners. For longer stays, you can top up at the local supermarkets. Refer to the Local Area section of your Guidebook for nearby shops. 

Before you leave 

We don’t charge a separate cleaning fee, so we ask you to leave the home in a reasonable condition. Refer to the departure checklist in your Guidebook for what to do before you go, such as washing the dishes and taking out the rubbish. 

Getting help 

Our team is available during business hours, and we’re here for urgent issues after hours. Many common questions are answered in your Guidebook, so it’s a great first place to look. For any emergency, call 000. 

Every home is unique 

Each of our holiday homes is privately owned, so appliances, layouts and little quirks vary from home to home, and each is cleaned to a holiday home standard rather than a hotel standard. Your Guidebook has the details for this one, and we’re always happy to help. 

Check-in is usually 2pm, but during busy periods like school holidays and Easter, check-in moves to 3pm.

Please contact us to check availability; additional fees may apply.

All properties provide doonas and pillows however most do not include linen and towels.

OPTIONAL LINEN means you will need to bring sheets (top sheet and bottom (fitted) sheet), pillowcases, towels, as these are not provided as part of the booking. 

Doonas with Doona covers and pillows, bathmats, hand towels and tea towels will be supplied. If you have prearranged the linen package to be included then this will be available at the home. 

We do have listings that include all linen. Please look for the “linen included” in the listing description. Please contact us within 7 days of your arrival should you require linen - charges apply.

Handwash is supplied however shampoo, conditioner and soap is not. Please bring your favourite items.

Most properties prohibit parties.

We want you to have an amazing and fun stay, and we're not here to be the fun police. However, we do need to mention a few important house rules to ensure everyone, including our neighbours, have a great experience.

The Bass Coast Council has a regulation for short-term rentals that states if two separate neighbours make a complaint about a single group, they can issue a fine of up to $1,600. We obviously don't want to have that conversation with you, or for you to have to pay that fine. So please, be mindful of noise, especially after 10 p.m. If we receive a complaint from a neighbour, we will have to evict the group immediately.

Also, please remember to treat the home with respect. Our cleaning team will do a full inspection after your stay. If they find any damages or if the home is left in a state that requires significant extra cleaning, you will be charged for the repair, replacement, and for the additional time our cleaners spend.

Maximum occupancy is specified in the listing details.

Planning a BBQ or get-together? No worries—just keep the noise down and be considerate of the neighbours. Keep in mind Victorian law limits overnight guests to the number of beds in the property.

Pet policies vary; please check listing information to confirm.

Child safety features vary; inquire about cribs, high chairs, and childproofing.

Instructions with access codes or key collection details are sent before arrival. Access to check-in information is also available in your Guidebook.

Yes, bookings through our website need a 50% deposit upfront. If you're booking through Airbnb, Booking.com or VRBO, deposit and cancellation policies differ—so check the terms when you book, as they can vary depending on the time of year.

Departure time is 10AM.

Late departures may be available subject to availability of the home for next arriving guests. Please contact us to check.

Contact us as soon as possible; extensions depend on availability.

Instructions for disposal are provided in your digital guidebook.

Bins are collected on a fixed council schedule and have limited space, so please flatten boxes and sort recycling carefully. Refer to your Guidebook for your home’s bin details. 

Please don’t leave rubbish bags outside or next to the bins. Seagulls, foxes and other animals will tear them open and spread rubbish around the property. If the bins are full, keep any excess rubbish bagged and inside the home, and keep bin lids closed. 

Early departure typically doesn't qualify for refunds.

Most homes provide off street parking. Full instructions are available in your Guidebook.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in the majority of our homes with login details provided via your Guidebook.

WiFi and mobile coverage 

Internet speeds can slow during peak periods when many people are online at once, and some parts of the island have patchy mobile coverage. If you need a reliable connection for work, it’s worth downloading files and streaming content before you arrive. For troubleshooting tips, refer to the WiFi section of your Guidebook.

There is enough toilet paper to get you started, handwash is supplied but shampoos/conditioner soap is not. Please bring your favourite products!

Cooking utensils, cookware, and appliances are provided with many homes also including a coffee pod machine.

Most homes provide basic cooking items. Additional items are available for purchase at a number of stores on the island. Please check your digital guidebook for locations.

Local area information is provided in your digital guidebook.

Most properties with fireplaces include enough firewood to get you going. Need more? You can pick some up locally—check your digital guidebook for where to buy.

Just a heads-up: we don't supply firewood for firepits.

Smoking inside is against Victorian law, so it's strictly not allowed. Outside smoking is fine, but make sure you bin your cigarette butts properly and keep the area ash-free.

We understand accidents can happen and that things can break down. If something goes wrong during your stay, please send an email to info@pihh.com.au (preferably with photos) or give us a call straight away.

If something isn’t working, refer to your Guidebook first, as it has simple troubleshooting tips for many appliances. If that doesn’t solve it, please let us know straight away. We work with fantastic local trades, but on the island they can take a little longer to attend than in the city, particularly on weekends and in peak season. We’ll always keep you updated. 

Most properties have TVs; streaming availability varies by property.

Bass Coast Shire Council bylaws state that any loud noise whatsoever is strictly prohibited during the following times:

• Monday to Thursday – before 7 am and after 10 pm

• Friday – before 7 am and after 11 pm

• Saturday and Public Holidays – before 9 am and after 11 pm

• Sunday – before 9 am and after 10 pm

Disturbance to neighbours, including excessive noise, is prohibited and may result in termination and eviction without refund and extra charges may be made for security and other expenses.

Laundry facilities are listed in amenities; detergent may or may not be provided.

Your home is professionally cleaned and prepared before you arrive and again after you leave. There’s no daily servicing or linen change during your stay. Most homes have a washing machine you’re welcome to use, and your Guidebook has the details. 

Contact us immediately; replacement fees may apply.

We take all major credit and debit cards except Diners Club.

Surcharges apply

Early departure typically doesn't qualify for refunds.

Yes, all bookings require a 50% deposit at time of booking. Please check the deposit and payment requirements on the booking platform or our website when making a booking as different times of year may vary.

Full payment is required 28 days prior to your arrival. Please check the booking platform where you made your booking for further information.