Kokomo

Kokomo is a two-storey townhouse at 5 Salmon Row, Smiths Beach, placing you a two-minute walk from the sand and a one-minute walk from the local general store. Dogs are allowed with owner approval, and a $200 dog bond typically applies. The property sleeps up to seven people across three bedrooms and comes with a two-car garage with room for surfboards.

The place. Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave, plus a large dining table and a downstairs TV room that gives you a second living area. Two decks, including an upstairs balcony with ocean views, and outdoor seating with a BBQ. A front-loading washing machine handles sandy gear and towels. Linen and towels are not provided, so pack your own.

With your dog. Secure fencing surrounds the property. Smiths Beach has seasonal restrictions that matter when you're staying on its doorstep. From 1 December to 30 April, dogs must be on-lead between 7am-10am and 5pm-8pm, and are banned from the sand entirely outside those windows. From 1 May to 30 November, dogs are permitted on-lead at all times. Always carry a lead and clean-up bags.

Location and nearby. Roughly 90 minutes' drive from Melbourne via the M1 and South Gippsland Highway (A440). There is no direct public transport to the property; local taxis operate on Phillip Island. Smiths Beach General Store is a one-minute walk for coffee and snacks. Cowes, about a 10-minute drive, has dog-friendly cafes with outdoor seating along its main street.

Who it suits. Families or a group of friends with a well-behaved dog who want to walk to the beach without loading the car. The mellow, beginner-friendly surf break and rocky pools at low tide make it a practical base for swimmers, surfers and explorers alike.

When to go. Summer and weekends are busiest at Smiths Beach, with lifeguards often on patrol. Early morning or evening is quieter and lines up neatly with the permitted on-leash windows during the restricted season. The cooler months are simpler for dog access, with on-lead walks allowed at all times from May through November.

Sources

• Smiths Beach Holiday Rentals · www.stayz.com.au
• Beachcomber Bliss the perfect family beach house. - Bookabach · www.bookabach.co.nz

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.