Kokomo

Kokomo is a two-storey townhouse at 5 Salmon Row, Smiths Beach, on Phillip Island's south coast, sitting a two-minute walk from the sand and a one-minute walk from the general store. It sleeps up to seven across three bedrooms, with a garage sized for surfboards as well as cars.

Dogs at the Kokomo

Dogs are allowed with owner approval, which you need to request before your stay, and a $200 dog bond typically applies. The property is surrounded by secure fencing, and the walk-to-everything location means the beach run happens without loading the car. Pack your own lead and bags; the local rules make them non-negotiable.

Smiths Beach has seasonal restrictions: from 1 December to 30 April, dogs are allowed on-lead only between 7am and 10am and 5pm and 8pm, and are banned from the sand outside those windows. From 1 May to 30 November, dogs are permitted on-lead at all times. Bass Coast Shire signage at the access points governs the exact zoning.

Max: study the beach restriction times before you unpack the car. Getting the on-leash windows right means you actually walk the sand with your dog instead of watching the clock from the car park.

The place

Inside there is a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave, a large dining table, and a downstairs TV room that works as a second living area. Two decks include an upstairs balcony with ocean views, plus outdoor seating and a BBQ for the evenings. A front-loading washing machine earns its keep with sandy towels, but note that linen and towels are not provided.

Getting there

It is roughly 90 minutes from Melbourne via the M1 and the South Gippsland Highway. There is no direct public transport, so a car is the practical option, with local taxis operating on the island. The Smiths Beach General Store next door covers morning coffee, and Cowes, about a 10-minute drive away, has dog-friendly cafes with outdoor seating along its main street.

While you're out there

The beach at the end of the street is a mellow, beginner-friendly break with rocky pools to explore at low tide. For dog walks further afield, the Ventnor dog beach and the San Remo dog beach both welcome dogs, and Ripples n Tonic Farm at Ventnor is the nearby pet-friendly alternative if the group ever needs more room. The Phillip Island Winery is a relaxed afternoon stop on the same side of the island.

More options are on the Victoria dog-friendly stays guide and the Smiths Beach destination page.