Home›FAQ
Practicalities
The things people actually ask before they book.
If you have a question that isn't covered here, email us — we usually reply within a few hours, the same day at the latest.
Stay & access
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 3 pm, check-out by 10 am — that gives the cleaners their window. Earlier check-in or a later checkout is sometimes possible if there’s no booking either side; just ask the day before.
How do I get in?
Keyless entry. We email the door code, Wi-Fi password and bin-night routine the morning of check-in. No keys, no lockboxes.
Is there parking?
Yes — off-street on the front lawn. There’s no driveway, so just pull onto the grass; room for several cars, plus a boat or trailer. No permits or inspectors.
Is the Wi-Fi good enough to work from?
Yes. NBN on 5 GHz dual-band. Guests run video calls from the upstairs nook while the rest of the house streams. Unlimited, no throttling.
Who can stay
Are children welcome?
Very. Travel cot (on request), stair gates and beach toys. The bunk room (two sets of bunks — four singles) tucks off the downstairs lounge, and the rear yard is fully fenced with a swing set — great for toddlers.
Can we bring our dog?
No, you can’t — sorry. Rocks Beach House isn’t pet-friendly, so we’re unable to allow dogs or other animals at the property.
Can we book for schoolies?
If you’re looking at a schoolies stay, please contact us first with the details of your group — group size, ages and the dates you’re after — and we’ll let you know whether we can accommodate it. We consider schoolies groups case by case. We do get quite a few applications each year. Parties and events are not permitted.
Can we have visitors over for the day?
Day visitors are fine. Maximum overnight occupancy is 10. For a larger lunch or dinner, tell us in advance so we can flag parking with the neighbours.
Money & bookings
How do I pay?
Direct bookings: 50% deposit at booking via Stripe, balance 30 days before arrival. Platform bookings follow their own schedule. We don’t take bank transfers from first-time guests — too much scam risk about.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Inside 30 days of arrival there are no refunds, unless we’re able to re-let your dates. Cancellations made earlier than 30 days may be refunded, and the deposit is non-refundable. Our full refund and cancellation policy is set out on our Terms & Conditions page. Travel insurance is wise for peak season.
Is there a bond?
A $300 refundable security bond applies — pre-authorised against your card (not charged) or paid with the balance — and released after check-out, unless there’s damage beyond fair wear and tear. We’ve held it back twice in ten years. Full details are on the Terms & Conditions page.
Why is direct booking cheaper?
The platforms add 12–18% in fees to your total. Booking direct removes that — same house, same dates, lower bill.
House rules
What are the house rules?
10 guests max overnight, no parties or events, no smoking inside, quiet from 10 pm, and leave the house roughly as you found it. Full rules are in the welcome book, on the kitchen bench, and emailed with your confirmation.
What happens with rubbish & bins?
Three bins — yellow (recycling), green (garden & food), blue (general). Collection is Wednesday morning. We put the bins out if your stay covers that night, or you can on Tuesday evening. Photos are in the welcome book.
Do we need to clean before we leave?
We ask that you leave the house neat and tidy. The cleaner will come in and clean the house, and change the bedding and towels over.
We ask that you put the rubbish out in the correct bins, and have the dishes washed and unloaded from the dishwasher.
Something broke — what do we do?
Text Paul (number’s in the welcome email). Honest accidents are covered by fair wear and tear — we’d much rather know on the day than discover it at change-over.
Local logistics
Where do we shop?
Aldi, Coles and Foodland in Victor Harbor (8 min) for a full shop, Port Elliot Friendly Grocer(5 minutes) for quick grabs. Wine from The Joinery, beer and spirits from Sip N Save Port Elliot, or Liquorland in Victor Harbor.
Is there reception / mobile coverage?
Full bars on Telstra and Optus inside. Vodafone is patchier — fine on the deck, weaker downstairs.
What’s the closest medical?
South Coast District Hospital (Victor Harbor) is 8 min away with an emergency department. GPs in Port Elliot and Victor Harbor; pharmacy on the Strand, Port Elliot.
Still wondering something?
Send us a quick email. We’re usually back within a few hours.