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The Boat House - Barwon Heads

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A modern kitchen with two hanging wicker light fixtures, a central island with a glass vase of green plants, and a view of the outdoors through a window.
A modern house with a wooden exterior, a small deck, and potted plants.
A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a central island with bar stools, a stainless steel range hood, and a window with a view of greenery.
A modern house with a deck, a covered outdoor seating area, and a visible bedroom with a bed and a window.
A living room with a sofa, a small table with books, a TV, and a bookshelf with decorative items.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
This vacation home offers space for 8 guests with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It features a patio, deck, and yard for outdoor enjoyment. Families can enjoy games indoors while being close to fishing, surfing, and bodyboarding activities. The property is pet-friendly and located near Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve and Frank Ellis Reserve Beach.

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Your gateway to the great outdoors
    Guests love the location for its easy national park access.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Toys

Explore the area

View in a map
Barwon Heads, VIC
  • Place, Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Frank Ellis Reserve Beach
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Barwon Heads Golf Club
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Boat House - Barwon Heads

The Boat House is a relaxed, light-filled family beach house in the heart of Barwon Heads — a real home made for long beach days, slow mornings and easy evenings on the deck.

Tucked away in a quiet court, we're an easy five-minute walk from the village, with its cafés, restaurants and shops, and close to the beach. For families, the skate park and Pirate Park playground are at the end of the street — close enough for older kids to come and go independently.

The space

At the heart of the house is a bright, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area where everyone can come together. The kitchen is well equipped for people who genuinely enjoy cooking, with plenty of space to settle in for a longer stay.

On warm days, the house opens onto a large sunny deck with a BBQ, outdoor dining and comfortable lounge area. Come home sandy from the beach, rinse off under the outdoor shower and settle in for the evening.

One of our favourite spots is the deep claw-foot bath outside, with hot and cold water — particularly lovely at the end of a beach day or for a soak under the evening sky.

The house has three bedrooms:

Main bedroom with queen bed and ensuite
Second bedroom with queen bed
Third bedroom with two single beds

There's also a separate bungalow that has become the kids' domain, with its own TV, lots of beanbags and a bed that can be used as a single or opened out to a queen. It's a great place for kids and teenagers to disappear to while the adults enjoy the main house.

The family bathroom has a bath and shower, with a separate toilet.

A proper family beach house

The Boat House is our home, rather than a purpose-built holiday rental, and we think that's part of what makes staying here special.

There are books to curl up with, toys for younger kids and a big old school DVD collection for movie nights, as well as Wi-Fi and streaming services. There's a portacot for little ones and a fully equipped laundry with washer and dryer.

You'll also find the practical things that make a family holiday easier — a second fridge/freezer, outdoor clothesline, plenty of kitchen equipment and room for everyone to spread out.

It's a house where you can arrive, unpack and actually live for a while.

Location

We're in a friendly, peaceful pocket of Barwon Heads, while still being able to leave the car behind.

The village is around a five-minute walk away for coffee, breakfast, shopping or dinner, with the beach also within easy reach. The skate park and Pirate Park playground are at the end of our street.

Guest access

You'll have the entire house, bungalow and outdoor spaces to yourselves. Nothing is shared.

We won't be on site during your stay, but we'll be easily contactable if you need anything.

Good to know

The Boat House is our principal residence, so availability is limited to times when we're away.

There is a minimum seven-night stay during peak periods and three nights at other times. If there's a period you're interested in that isn't showing as available, feel free to ask — sometimes we can make it work.

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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
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9197186
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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

Barwon Heads

Located in Barwon Heads, this holiday home is next to a golf course. Barwon Heads Golf Club and 13th Beach Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre and Mill Markets. Travelling with kids? Consider Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary, or check out an event or a game at GMHBA Stadium. Looking to get your feet wet? Surfing/body boarding and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Barwon Heads, VIC

What's nearby

  • Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Frank Ellis Reserve Beach - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Barwon Heads Golf Club - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Adventure Park Geelong - 12 min drive - 14.7 km
  • Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal - 35 min drive - 31.7 km

Getting around

  • Marshall Station - 19 min drive
  • Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Nicko’s - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Groove Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Town & Country - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Mex - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Boat House - Barwon Heads pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Boat House - Barwon Heads?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Boat House - Barwon Heads?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Boat House - Barwon Heads?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Boat House - Barwon Heads located?

This family-friendly Barwon Heads holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve, Frank Ellis Reserve Beach and Barwon Heads Golf Club. Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary and 13th Beach are also within 2 miles (3 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. 23 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good location and nice atmosphere
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home perfectly presented and very homely. Communication with the host was outstanding and all my questions were answered promptly.Location fabulous and we all had a fabulous time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place for families

Lovely property in a quiet location with everything you need. Different areas for everyone to have some space and a great kitchen to cook in; very well stocked. Close to the park for walks and bike riding.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful host, she left Christmas biscuits in the mailbox as a gift and is excellent with communication. She went over and above to make our Barwon Heads Christmas really special.
Great for family gatherings.
It’s all in the details.
Quirky Australian ephemera.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful home away from home.

We had a really lovely stay at the boathouse. The property was clean and had many additional items to make our stay very comfortable and fun. We even had beautiful fresh flowers placed in two spaces. Definitely recommend for a relaxing stay in Barwon Heads.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Boat House was perfect for our family holiday, with spacious and beautifully decorated interiors and a large well equipped kitchen. A wonderful, well located house with a multitude of relaxing spaces, inside and out. Even an outdoor bath!Skye was a a very communicative and helpful host and we felt lucky to stay in her beautiful home. Jenny
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Family Retreat

Our family just loved this comfortable, spacious, relaxed house perfect for a family get together. The living area was beautifully decorated and the good sized, well equipped kitchen was great for 2 or 3 of us to work in at once.During our stay we had one day where the temperatures reached 39 degrees, so the air conditioning came in very handy.There were plenty of toys and books for our young children, and an easy walk up to the playground. The nearby shopping centre was also very appealing. We would love to return here again some time.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A place too good to leave!

The Boathouse truly exceeded our expectations in every way. Great location close to the main st, cosy enough for two people but spacious enough for a family. Our grandchildren loved the new play room & we loved the different outdoor choices for lounging. Skye has an eye for detail & has thought of everything. We could not have asked for more & were sad to pack up & return home. We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review, Carolyn. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay at The Boat House and look forward to your return!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Quiet Oasis

Great house for families to stay with lots of different areas to have your own space! The house has two outdoor seating areas for meals or relaxing and also a large area inside for eating and relaxing. There is three good size bedrooms inside and then options with the caravan and play room/bedroom outside. We traveled with our dog and love the area as it is so close to the community park and a short walk through to the Main Street to grab a coffee. Walking distance to do everything but also far enough away from the hustle of all the other visitors to Barwon Heads!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Barwon home.

A beautiful house perfectly located for kids right near the skate park and tennis courts. Short walk into town and beach. The house is beautifully decorated with lots of interesting things to look at, books to read and space to relax. The garden has a number of areas to sit and we loved the outdoor bath and shower. Teenage kids enjoyed staying in the caravan and the bungalow. Had a wonderful family holiday and would highly recommended. Skye was lovely to deal with and always responded quickly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Spacious, yet cosy

A great holiday property with lots of different spaces to hang out and relax. A very quiet neighbourhood of Barwon, still within walking distance to Hitchcock Avenue.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A great stay

A wonderful house in a great town and Skye is a terrific host
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect family getaway

Beautifully presented home which was universally loved by our family. Skye was a pleasure to deal with and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The house was in a great quiet location with easy access to the town, skate park and river. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A home away from home!!

This home has everything you need plus more! The host was very accomodating and easy to communicate with! Highly recommended!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

AMAZING HOME AND LOCATION!!

Couldn’t feel more lucky to be given the pleasure of staying in Skye’s beautiful boathouse home for my Wedding. Myself, my Bridesmaids and my Mum thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can’t wait to see our getting ready photos from our special day ☺️ Thank you again Skye! We appreciate it so much ❤️ Xx
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan, 2022
I’m so pleased you enjoyed your stay, Lisa, and that your wedding was all that you’d dreamed of 🥰
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Highly recommended

We really enjoyed our stay at the Boathouse. It was lovely and clean, well appointed, and the perfect layout for 2 grown families (4 in their 50's, 4 in their 20's + 2 dogs). There was plenty of room inside and out for everyone to have their own space and come together for meals, board games and drinks. The beach and town were a short drive or bike ride away, and if not too hot, walkable too. We have holidayed on the coast together for the last 12 years, and this house is in our top 2.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Beach Getaway

A wonderful place to stay in Barwon Heads. The house is clean and lovingly maintained- it has anything you might possibly need. There is lots of attention to detail and so many different nooks and crannies for us all to retire to. My kids loved the outdoor bath and my husband loved to relax in the outdoor seating area with a book and a drink. It seemed that every day we discovered something new- like the strawberry bush, the treehouse or multitude of cookbooks. Skye was a terrific communicator and promptly responded to any question I might have. All in all, a perfect getaway that was very hard to leave!
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful home with everything you could need

We had such a wonderful stay at this beautiful Beach house. The house far exceeded our expectations and had a personality and warmth that instantly made us feel at home. The house is more equipped than any other rental we have stayed in and it was meticulously cleaned for our arrival. We were a group of 4x adults and 4x young children under 5yrs and it was the perfect size and space for us all. The children were well entertained with all of the houses toys and the ample outdoor space. The location is close enough to the Main Street to walk but also nice and quiet. The owner had great communication and we felt lucky to stay in her beautiful home. We look forward to return again next summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lovely beachy house for a holiday

Loved the ambiance and location. We had a good time and any minor issues were immediately addressed. Cheers
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Outstanding House

Absolutely wonderful. This house is stunning! The styling of this house is just beautiful. You could not ask for a more perfect place to stay in Barwon Heads. Great skate park & park at the end of the road for the kids, 10 min walk to shops and beach. The house is fully functional with everything and more for cooking and entertaining. The bed linen... gorgeous! Thank you Skye for your beautiful house. Judy & Peter Jones and extended family from the UK.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr, 2020
What a lovely review - thank you. I’m so pleased you enjoyed your stay at The Boat House, Judy and Peter. Come back again soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Best beach break

My family and I had a great time here over Christmas. Fantastic amenities, great location and a beautiful house with decks on every entrance to lounge on. It Was the perfect Getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Lovely family home

We had a lovely stay at you warm inviting family home. Outside bath was fun!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic place for the family to stay

Our family had a great time staying at the Boat House - Barwon Heads. We had everything we needed - Fantastic kitchen and great living space for lounging around. Do your self a favour and stay here next time you go to Barwon Heads
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Such a special weekend in the most beautiful home!

Just wanted say a huge thankyou for sharing your beautiful home with us! I’m so glad we got to enjoy it for the weekend. We couldn’t get over how much time and effort would have gone into making this house so unique. SIMPLY AMAZING! Thanks again, it was so special. We had the best time!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Perfect beach house!

The boat house was a perfect house to have a holiday with kids and overseas family. * Great kitchen/ lounge for entertaining! * Beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy a morning coffee or evening wine! * Absolute perfection for kids! Full of toys, games and spaces to play (as well as cots , a high chair a baby bath !!) * Very comfortable and relaxing holiday with everything you need * The outside bath and shower were fantastic and so cool! * The owner was delightful to communicate with, there was even a Christmas present waiting for our baby when we arrived ! * Highly recommended , beautiful house.

About the host

Hosted by Skye Wilson

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