Encounter Bay, located on the South Australian coastline, is one of the four historic bays located in this part of Australia. Encounter Bay is about 86 kilometres (about 53 miles) south of Adelaide, and it consists of popular tourist destinations that include Victor Harbor, Goolwa, Port Elliot and Middleton. Locals living in the city like to flock to Encounter Bay’s scenic towns to cool off from the summer heat. Every year, from May to October, Southern right whales can be spotted from the shore. South Australian Whale Centre, located in Victor Harbor, is a good place to view some historic items connected to the area’s history as a whaling station. While visiting this area’s many gems, stay in great accommodation. Check out our list of the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Encounter Bay, Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Gorgeous retreat for two
Escape to a tropical-styled paradise in this one-bedroom holiday home. This gorgeous retreat comes with a spacious open-concept interior, a generous bathroom, a tranquil bedroom and a lovely outdoor deck. There is also a two-person hot rock sauna, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings.
This vacation rental is pet-friendly, and your dog will definitely love running around the huge fenced yard. The beach is a short walk away.
Encounter Bay, South Australia, Australia
2.42 km (1.6 mi) from Victor Harbor Horse Drawn TramwaySuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
thanks for the coffee machine and all the modern appliances in the kitchenwe appreciated the newly installed wifialso have to mention the bed which was so comfortableCleanliness:
very clean and tidyvery clean and the kitchen is well equippedvery clean and has everything you needa very comfortable and clean place to stayit is very clean decorated with beautiful detailsHost:
host is a great communicatorRead more reviewsLocation:
close to everything but still far enough away for peace and quietit's a wonderful location with the bay only a few minutes walk awaythe sauna is a great feature also the location is amazing so close to the beachsuch a lovely place in a great locationa beautiful little house minutes from the beach in a wonderful location
2. Awesome ocean-view home (from USD 201)
This amazing vacation home offers unobstructed ocean views from an elevated position. Enjoy the open-concept kitchen, dining area and lounge on the first level, which also comes with a balcony for taking in the awesome views. There are three bedrooms that can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. If you love grilling, there is a barbecue for guests’ use. Linen and towels are not included in this rental, however, guests can arrange to rent these with the rental agent.
Victor Harbor’s many attractions, shops and restaurants are a quick drive away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great views well furnished and fully equipped kitchen and laundrythe apartment is well appointed and has great sea viewsa modern apartment in a quiet location with great sunrise viewsthe beds were extremely comfortablethe apartment is probably better suited for adults as there is no yard for kids to playCleanliness:
very clean with everything you need for a great holidayeverything was clean and we had plenty of room between the 4 of usbeds are comfy place is very nice clean and tidylovely clean and inviting space with beautiful viewsclean and comfortable place with great hostsHost:
definitely recommend hosts are easy to deal withthe hosts were very helpful with everything we neededkarin and ulli are very great hosts and are quick to respond and consideratekarin + ulli are great hosts excellent communication and very willing to accommodate special requests egRead more reviewsLocation:
great location however for the price being paid per night the property needs some tlcother than this the place is perfect get away and would definitely recommend to my friends and familythe place meets up to the expectations and promises as per the descriptions
3. Wonderful retreat by the lake (from USD 103)
This pet-friendly retreat by the lake is an airy and beautifully appointed vacation rental. The home comes with an open-concept lounge, kitchen and dining area that opens up to an amazing outdoor deck, furnished with an outdoor dining set and complemented by a wonderful view of the lake. There are three bedrooms that can accommodate up to six guests and their furry pets. The entire backyard is fenced, so your four legged pets can run around in a secured area. The property is surrounded by a nature reserve and promises a tranquil escape from the masses.
Victor Harbor is located a short distance away. The beach and walking trails are within walking distance.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds were comfy location was spectacular overlooking a lake/creek and was perfect for our dogCleanliness:
the house was clean and comfortableclean house and comfortable beds for adults and kidsthe house was really nice very clean and comfortablelovely clean and modern houseloved the thoughtful touches and cleanlinessHost:
in a gorgeous spot and the host has tried to think of everything for the stayowners responded to phone calls and inquiries very quickly in a friendly and caring manneran excellent host with excellent communicationthis is the most pet friendly stay we have ever stayed inwould definitely stay again love that this place is pet friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
sylish place in a good locationgreat location to unwind and some pleasant walks nearbya great house in a quiet yet convenient locationnot close enough to walk to/from the beach as the roads are steep but a beautiful locationbeautiful stay and great location we loved it here
4. Quaint heritage cottage with ocean view (from USD 161)
This historic stone cottage offers views of Wright Island and The Bluff, as well as the beautiful blue ocean beyond. This property has been lovingly restored and updated, so guests can look forward to modern amenities. There is a well-equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom and two cosy bedrooms to accommodate up to a total of four guests. The backyard is beautifully maintained and perfect for enjoying the warm sunshine. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided, and free on-site parking is available.
The beach is a stone’s throw away. Walking trails and Beach House Cafe are nearby.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
excellent bedding extra blankets and lovely open fire which was much appreciated on a cold winter weekendwe enjoyed the well-equipped kitchen modern bathroom and comfy bed with quality linenCleanliness:
the place is exceptionally clean and the fire place really keeps you warm on the winters nightssuper clean and divine communications and special touchesdecor was tasteful and appropriate very clean and comfortable with everything you needed and moreclean with all the comforts of home (and more)Host:
the hosts sue & john were lovelysue & john are warm welcoming hosts and we will certainly return to this lovely spotsusanne is a very welcoming hostthey are welcoming hosts whose extra 'little touches of hospitality' make yelki a special relaxing and memorable destinationsusanne and john were great hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location right on the seafrontthe location is great and on a walking/cycling path to the bluff and victor harborwe loved its location in a very picturesque and calm part of victorthe beach is a stone's throw away and a five minute walk to cool eateriessummer or winter it's the perfect place for a relaxing getaway
5. Private apartment with amazing ocean view (from USD 78)
This private two-bedroom apartment sits on the ground level of a quiet neighbourhood. Guests can look forward to sweeping views of the ocean, two well-appointed bedrooms with double beds, a well-equipped kitchenette and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower. Continental breakfast is included in the booking. The beach is a 10-minute walk away. Free on-site parking is available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a great view of the sea from the apartmentgreat view of the sea and comfy bedsstyle of rooms etc was gorgeous and the view was lovely from all front of apartmentthe apartment was perfect for the 2 of us and the view was magnificentwatching sunrise on bed was amazing can really feel the sunshineCleanliness:
a very pleasant clean placethe apartment was super clean with nice personal touchesvery comfortable clean and peacefultheir house was cosy and cleana nice and neat 2 bedroom clean apartment very welcomingHost:
marg and ray were lovely hostshosts were most welcomingfriendly welcoming a d helpful hostsmarg and ray are the perfect hosts toomarg & ray were lovely hosts highly recommendedRead more reviewsLocation:
top location with great view close to town but away from the hubbubperfect location for the perfect weekend definitely be backtouch of paradise is in an amazing location - close to beaches and restaurants and with an incredible viewlocation is perfect far enough from traffic noise but close enough to town and ocean sounds are lovelyamazing place great location and views
6. Castaway Lodge (from USD 149)
Ideal for a large group, this beautiful vacation rental can sleep up to 10 guests comfortably in 4 bedrooms. There are two lounge areas, one on the ground level and another one upstairs. Look forward to cosy interiors, a large, well-equipped kitchen, a sun-drenched balcony with a dining area and a separate indoor dining area. The entire house is air conditioned, and it offers unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi and Netflix. It is pet-friendly too, as long as your furry friend stays out of the bedrooms.
The beach is just a two-minute walk away. The Bluff boat ramp is about a minute’s drive away. The mall in Victor Harbor is a quick five-minute drive away. Secured parking on site is available.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very happy nice and clean place and great communicationbeautifully clean house with everything you needclean modern and kitchen had everything we neededif you are looking for somewhere modern clean and spacious this is the placeHost:
the hosts were also very helpful arranging balloons for our arrival for a surprise birthday tripawesome propery great location amd great host’s highly recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
good location very close to the beachgreat location and easy check inbeautiful location and just near the seagreat house in a convenient locationgreat house at a great location
7. Elegantly restored Maryville
Maryville is a heritage-listed cottage that has undergone a recent renovation. It has been beautifully restored and features an elegant interior, complemented by stunning pieces of original furniture. Guests can look forward to awesome high ceilings, three large, airy bedrooms, a beautifully renovated bathroom and a spacious private backyard, perfect for enjoying the sun. For cooler months, there is a fireplace for warming up in the lounge.
Linens (sheets, towels, pillowcases, bathmat and tea towels) are not provided with this listing. Linen can be arranged with the local linen service. This vacation rental is pet-friendly. However, furry friends are not allowed on the furniture or in the bedrooms.
Encounter Bay, South Australia, Australia
2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Victor Harbor Horse Drawn TramwayAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the charming cottage everything was well presented and very comfortablethe bathroom was a beautiful and relaxing space and the underfloor heating just added to the luxurythe house has everything you need including a wonderful bathroom and fully equiped kitchenthe bathroom is amazing and the backyard is hugeCleanliness:
extremely clean and well stockedthe house is charming immaculately clean and thoughtfully decoratedthe house was clean with a huge backyardsparkling clean neat and lovely furnishingsjerri and andrew were great hosts and the house was immaculately clean and tidyHost:
great hosts and everything was easythe hosts were great and quick to respondcomfy and stylish bedrooms well equipped and user friendly kitchen including dishwasherjerri and andrew are wonderful hosts and will definitely book their place againRead more reviewsLocation:
this location is truly magnificent and perfectly decoratedthe location couldn’t be betterbeautiful place very close to everything we needed and will definitely be booking againthis place is at perfect location for your victor harbour tripa perfect little getaway in a great location
8. Charming one-bedroom suite (from USD 79)
This charming one-bedroom suite has views overlooking Encounter Bay from its front verandah. The suite has a cosy bedroom, a seating area with a TV and a well-equipped kitchenette. The en-suite bathroom comes with a generous walk-in shower. Guests can access a beautiful garden, front deck and side patio. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided and free street parking is available. Victor Harbor, the beach and cafes are all just minutes away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
jo’s place was wonderful the amenities were great and the breakfast foods were amazing incredible home made breadwe also enjoyed the breakfast supplieswe spent most our evenings in the lounge which was comfortable and well appointedCleanliness:
very clean and tidyall places were literally spotless and we were also provided with clean bed sheet and towelthe place was really comfortable clean and spaciousjo and rodney's place is very clean and it feels cosytheir accommodation was beautifully clean comfortable and had everything we neededHost:
jo was an amazing hostthey are gracious polite and attentivejo was such a lovely hostwe were welcomed warmly by the friendly host jo and rodneya beautiful home and hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was great and the rooms were very comfortablethe guest suite is spacious and beautiful in a great locationjo and rodneys place is most definitely a home away from homei’ve been to many bnbs but definitely jo’s place was by far the best bnb for mewill recommend this place to others we will return
9. Stunning ground-level apartment with ocean view
This ground-level apartment has its own private entrance. Guests can look forward to a stunning contemporary interior and an amazing garden when staying here. There is a covered terrace, perfect for enjoying meals while taking in the ocean views. This one-bedroom unit is perfect for a couple. It is equipped with the latest amenities, and guests can also access an upstairs balcony for more panoramic views of the surroundings.
The apartment is close to the beach and a walking trail. Guests can also walk to Victor Harbor, which is about 30 minutes on foot.
Encounter Bay, South Australia, Australia
3.79 km (2.4 mi) from Victor Harbor Horse Drawn TramwayAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
still get an amazing view over the water cozy little room with all essential ammenitiesbeautiful apartment with amazing views in an excellent locationCleanliness:
the unit was very cleanthe space is modern and very cleansuper clean super easy great dvd collection would highly recommendthe rooms were extremely clean and very everything was of a high standardwonderful spot very tidy and clean everything you need in a short getaway :)Host:
the hosts made us feel so comfortablevery easy communicating with the hostslovely spot and super welcoming hosts highly recommended ideal for a short getawaycommunication with the hosts was excellentRead more reviewsLocation:
everything about this place is absolutely magnificentexcellent place close to the town centre and port elliotgreat location had a wonderful couple of daysbeautiful space in a excellent locationlovely views in a good location it had everything we needed for a short weekend away
10. Ridgeway Retreat
This double-storey vacation home is a short distance from the shores of Encounter Bay. With three bedrooms and six beds, it can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests. Kids will love the dedicated kid’s room, where a large TV and Xbox await. The other two bedrooms are cosy, with a double and a queen-sized bed each. The downstairs lounge has a large couch for everyone to relax, and the kitchen is well-equipped. There is also a beautiful garden with a fire pit and barbecue for a convivial evening. The outdoor shower is great for rinsing off after a day at the beach.
The closest restaurant, Beach House Cafe, is a quick walk away. The beach is also within walking distance.
2.8 km (1.8 mi) from Victor Harbor Horse Drawn TramwayAccommodates: 10
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good facilities and furnishingskitchen staples provided which is niceplenty of space and comfortable bedscomfortable for the price just missing a few home comfortsCleanliness:
comfortable accommodation clean and invitingthe house we stayed in was really nice and cleanwonderful stay very clean and nice and close to the beachgreat place to stay very clean and good location will book againHost:
the process of booking was easy and how nice they were and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
nice house and good locationgreat location walking distance to the bluff and eateriesgreat place and awesome locationcomfortable accommodation and perfect location near the beacha beautiful house in a great location
Explore scenic Encounter Bay
The beautiful and scenic Encounter Bay has wonderful beaches and lots of family-friendly activities to be discovered. Plan your next trip to this charming, historic bay and experience the best of Australian hospitality by staying in one of the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Encounter Bay, Australia, listed above.
History
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