Hi, we’re Hometime. Passionate hosts since 2015, we are proud to welcome guests to our unique collection of homes across Australia and New Zealand, which we care for on behalf of their owners. Each of our properties is equipped with everything you need for a five-star experience, and our team of local hosts is committed to making sure your stay is exceptional. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our homes, or if we can help in any way. We look forward to hosting you! The Hometime Team

With direct access to Merricks Beach, this cosy cottage offers an unbeatable location to enjoy a day at the beach with the family and then come home for dinner on the BBQ and laughs around the picnic table together. What you see is what you get, and Merricks Surf Cottage is the original beach cottage and remains deliberately so. Relaxing and tranquil without all the fuss, a functional open floor plan invites you to lounge, dine and cook inside. Cane furniture and old world charm enrich the space while a wood-burning fireplace, split-system cooling to living and ceiling fans keep the cottage cosy in winter and breezy come summer. Enjoy the great range of books and board games to keep the whole group entertained. The kitchen is basic, but comes with all the necessities for easy meal prep, including an Aldi coffee machine and plenty of cooking gear. The pantry is even stocked with some basic cooking ingredients such as seasonings and oil. Dine inside at the timber table and slide open the full-width timber doors to let the sea breezes roll in. The timber deck is a peaceful haven for balmy summer nights, offering ample seating, a BBQ and plenty of space for the kids to run around and kick the footy. Three bedrooms sleep eight guests, with the first offering a queen bed and a relaxing, leafy outlook. Bedroom two offers a single set of bunk beds and sofa to lounge on while reading the kids to sleep. A further two sets of bunk beds can be found in bedroom three. The compact bathroom offers a shower and floating vanity, plus separate toilet. There is also an outdoor shower with hot and cold water, perfect for de-sanding kids. Parking is provided in the driveway, with one spot under the carport and additional street parking available. 110AUD charge applies for guests bringing pets.

Situated on Western Port Bay overlooking Phillip Island, Merricks Beach is a calm coastal town about an hour south of Melbourne's CBD. Ideally located less than a 10-minute drive from famed wineries such as Merrifield Vineyard, Stonier Wines and Merricks Estate—you'd be silly not to organise a tour of these remarkable cellar doors. Explore the sprawling coastline, stretching from Western Park Beach up to Portsea, or drive to one of the many breweries nearby—one of our favourites is Red Hill.