Step into one of South Australia’s most unique stays. Yelki by the Sea is a beautifully restored 1830s beachfront cottage in Encounter Bay, near Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
With uninterrupted ocean views and direct access to the coastal walking trail, this heritage stone cottage offers a rare blend of history, character, and modern comfort — perfect for a romantic getaway or peaceful escape.
Wake to the sound of the ocean and watch the light change across the bay from your doorstep.
Inside, cosy armchairs, wooden floors, rugs, and a fireplace create a welcoming atmosphere — perfect for relaxing with a book or simply taking in the ocean views.
Step outside to the veranda or sit beneath the pepper tree with a glass of wine, enjoying uninterrupted views across to Wright Island and the Bluff.
The cottage features a well-equipped kitchen, a light-filled breakfast room overlooking the garden, two comfortable bedrooms, and a modern bathroom. Quality linen, bathrobes, and thoughtful touches are provided to ensure a restful and memorable stay.
Just steps from the beach and coastal walking trails, you can explore the Heysen Trail, cycle into Victor Harbor, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Encounter Bay.
Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful, romantic escape by the sea.
Yelki by the Sea is not suitable for children.
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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 indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Encounter Bay
Located in Encounter Bay, this cottage is on the beach. Kent Reserve and West Island Conservation Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve and Urimbirra Wildlife Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking.
Victor Harbor Heritage Trail: Petrel Cove Trailhead - 5 min drive - 2.6 km
Getting around
Victor Harbor Station - 6 min drive
Restaurants
The Boulevard Cafe on the lake - 3 min drive
Hotel Victor - 5 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Beach House Cafe - 1 min walk
The Crown Hotel - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?
As of 1 Jun, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay on 2 Jun, 2026 start from S$234, 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 Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Historic beachfront cottage, Encounter Bay located?
Nestled on the beach, this Encounter Bay cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Encounter Bay and Kent Reserve. Victor Harbor Heritage Trail: Petrel Cove Trailhead and The Bluff are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Stunning very beautifully renovated historic cottage- fantastic kitchen with everything you need! Loved our time there! Very friendly hosts that made us feel welcome!
Silke G.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Feb, 2024
Thanks Silke. We very much enjoyed having you stay at Yelki as well. All the best, Sue
Historical cottage from whaling times sensitively updated with modern conveniences. Owners are welcoming and generous. Beautiful location and close to Victor Harbour amenities.
Julie G.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May, 2024
It was a pleasure having you and David stay with us at Yelki. All the best, Sue
A peaceful escape in a beautiful historic cottage. Sue made us feel at home within minutes of meeting. We have stayed in a number of cottages over the years and rate this as one of the best.
Mark H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar, 2020
Thank you Caroline and Mark for the kind words. I know from your visit that you appreciate the beauty and history of these wonderful old places as we do. You were the perfect guests. See you in the winter. Cheers , Sue
Forget your bland, beige hotel rooms and step back in time to the 1830s in this charming, quirky retreat. Such warm and generous hosts, who happily share the rich history of their house, along with great tips to enjoy the here and now. Perfect location to unwind. If you want something unique, you've found the right place.
A wonderful 3 day weekend in the historic whalers inn. Sue and John are most fabulous hosts. Everything you could need was thought of, cute cottage, warm inviting fire and a bottle of red .. what more do you need in winter.
While this is a beautiful property with an amazing feel and history, its fair to say that the friendly nature and genuine hospitality of Sue and John still managed to outshine the beautiful setting.
I would say it is best suited for couples, you can gaze past the open fire, through the window set into thick stone walls and look the sea.
Its a seriously charming place. Thank you for letting people sharing it.
Beautiful historic home that has been presented with much care and attention to detail. Everything you could need is provided with many lovely extra touches to enhance the stay. Sue and John gave us a warm welcome and communicated well during the booking process. Great location. Would highly recommend!
We had a lovely relaxing stay with a cafe and resturant within a short walking distance. Lovely historic cottage, I enjoyed reading the books about the history of the area. Cottage has modern conveniences and facilities. Thanks
Meredith P.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Archival
10/10 Excellent
PETER M.
15 May, 2017
Historical and relaxing
A fantastic location to soak up the history of your surroundings and relax at the lovely Encounter Bay.
It is definitely a unique experience that will suit the couple that want to get away from the day to day grind of the modern world. Great to turn back the clock and stay in a 150+ year home, yet have the necessary mod cons at your disposal.
Close walk to eateries and cafes and on the door steps of the McLaren Vale wineries.
PETER M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Vynka G.
28 Sept, 2015
Perfect weekend getaway
Yelki by the sea ticked all my boxes plus more. It's a beautiful historic cottage. Peaceful and secluded yet walking distance to amenities. The fully stocked open fire place made this the ultimate destination come winter or summer. Highly recommend for those wanting a romantic stopover whilst exploring the South Australian coast.
Vynka G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kate O.
19 Jul, 2015
Excellent all round!
Stayed on a freezing cold weekend, Sue kept the firewood re-stocked and made sure our weekend was relaxing. The house has been restored so well, retaining it's history, but still modern and very clean. Will definitely stay again
Kate O.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Anita H.
1 Aug, 2014
Tranquil Cottage
We stayed at Yelki for a week, what a lovely property, we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. John and Sue made us very welcome.
Anita H.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lesley M.
30 Jul, 2014
Great cottage right by the beach
Yelki is a very comfortable cottage across from the beach. It was great to go for a walk along the bike path before breakfast and watch the sunrise. The cottage had everything we needed. It was cosy and is tucked away a little which was nice. Highly recommended.
Lesley M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Edwina C.
28 Jul, 2014
Delightful stay!
Three of us stayed for two nights in February 2014. Lovely stay! Comfortable, atmospheric, great location. Plenty to do. We walked along the bay and up to the glorious headland. Went for lovely drives. Lunched at the McLarenvale wineries. There are cafés and restaurants close by. We had the breakfast package which was super. Hosts were charming and friendly but unobtrusive. Definitely hope to return.
Edwina C.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
3 Feb, 2013
We had a wonderful & very relaxing stay. Great hosts lovely house and great local cafe. We would rec
We had a wonderful & very relaxing stay. Great hosts lovely house and great local cafe. We would recommend Yilki by the Sea to anyone.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
31 Jan, 2013
Lovely accommodation, atmosphere and hosts. They had thought of everything to make us comfortable an
Lovely accommodation, atmosphere and hosts. They had thought of everything to make us comfortable and enjoy our stay.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
ANNE G.
1 Sept, 2012
A lovely experience
A well equipped, very comfortable cottage, steeped in history with lots of character and atmosphere. Brilliant position looking over Encounter Bay and close to cafes, shops, restaurants, bike and walking tracks and of course beach. Hosts were very friendly and hospitable. Would definitely go again.
ANNE G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
21 Aug, 2012
The cottage was charming and full of history but with the best of modern creature comforts. The owne
The cottage was charming and full of history but with the best of modern creature comforts. The owners were very friendly and great to have a chat with.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
3 May, 2012
the property was very clean and the owner was helpful and friendly without intruding on our privacy.
the property was very clean and the owner was helpful and friendly without intruding on our privacy.
Spectacular view
Archival
8/10 Good
14 Feb, 2012
Great place to stay:) amazing view and tastefully decorated.
Great place to stay:) amazing view and tastefully decorated.
About the host
Hosted by Sue Brewster-Jones
For me, hosting is about giving people the chance to experience a place with real history and soul.
I love welcoming guests into this unique heritage property and sharing the stories, atmosphere and quiet magic that make it so special. Creating a stay where people can feel that connection — to the past, to the landscape, and to a slower way of being — is genuinely rewarding.
Why they chose this property
I chose this area because Yelki has been in the family since 1894, making us the fourth generation to care for it. After many years living in Sydney, we felt a deep pull to return to South Australia and the Fleurieu Peninsula — a place we’ve always loved for its beauty, history and sense of calm.
Yelki itself began life in the 1830s, built by Cornish whalers and sealers from Kangaroo Island, and later served as an inn for whalers and travellers.
It was one of the very first properties built south of Adelaide, and that history is still tangible in the walls. We’ve taken great care to preserve this character while adding the comforts guests appreciate today, so people can truly feel the story and spirit of the place when they stay.
What makes this property unique
What makes Yelki unique is the way history, nature and atmosphere come together in one place.
The cottage is a rare early stone building, full of character, thick walls and stories that have settled into it over nearly two centuries.
It sits right on the beachfront with uninterrupted views to Wright Island and The Bluff, surrounded by bird song, charming gardens and the ever‑changing colours of sunrise and sunset.
Guests often describe a feeling of enchantment and tranquillity here — a sense that the past is still present yet balanced with the gentle modern comforts we’ve added with great care. It’s a place that simply feels different, and people notice it the moment they arrive.