It takes more than a simple online listing to set up a truly successful holiday rental on the Mornington Peninsula. With the region ranking as Victoria’s third most popular tourist destination, guests definitely have high expectations. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to turn your property into a profitable, five-star holiday rental.
Legal Compliance and Registration
Register your property with the Mornington Peninsula Shire under their Short Stay Rental Accommodation requirements before taking your first booking. It’s a necessary registration that ensures your property meets the standards of the Code of Conduct.
Understand the Victorian Short Stay Levy: 7.5% is applied to all bookings under 28 consecutive days. Major platforms-like Airbnb-collect this automatically, but for direct bookings, it is owners’ responsibility to collect and remit. If your property generates more than $75,000 annually, registration is required by April 30, 2025.
Install compliant safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit. These are crucial for guest safety, as well as required for regulatory compliance.
Essential Furnishings and Amenities
Peninsula guests can expect coastal luxury along with homely comforts. Invest in quality mattresses with premium bedding (two pillows per guest, one firm and one soft), and high-thread-count cotton sheets. Ensure adequate storage, including wardrobes and coat hangers.
Fully equip the kitchen for self-catering with quality cookware, dishwasher, and coffee machine. In particular, guests who visit Peninsula like good coffee facilities. Stock up on basics: salt, pepper, some cooking oil, dishwasher tablets, and bin bags.
Living areas need comfortable seating, smart TV with streaming services, and reliable Wi-Fi. Furnish outdoor spaces with quality furniture and BBQ facilities; this is precisely what Peninsula guests are after in properties to enjoy their coastal lifestyle.
Bathroom Standards and Linen
Provide hotel-quality towels: one bath towel, hand towel, and face washer per guest, plus bath mats and beach towels given the coastal location. Stock bathroom basics: toilet paper (three rolls minimum per bathroom), hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Have two full linen sets per bed for smooth turnover. Quality is everything: Egyptian cotton or bamboo sheets create the luxury experience Peninsula guests expect, for which they pay premium rates.
Peninsula-Specific Touches
Cater to the unique Mornington Peninsula experience. Provide beach equipment: portable tent, beach chairs, and cooler bag. Stock quality SPF 50+ sunscreen and leave umbrellas near entrances for unforeseen weather.
Prepare a comprehensive local guide featuring favourite beaches, nearby wineries, restaurant recommendations, and Peninsula Hot Springs information. Include practical details like parking locations and beach access points.
A welcome basket with Peninsula wine or artisan chocolates creates immediate positive impressions and showcases regional offerings.
Guest Communication and Operations
Provide 24/7 guest contact availability as mandated by the shire’s Code of Conduct. In writing, provide contact details to neighbouring properties, it’s a mandatory requirement. Prominently display the Code of Conduct and include its provisions in your rental agreements.
Install smart lock systems for smooth self-check-in. Leave comprehensive house manuals on appliance use, Wi-Fi passwords, waste management procedures, and other emergency contacts.
Professional Presentation
Invest in professional photos displaying the property’s coastal setting. Quality photos directly affect reservation rates; amateur photos cannot compete in the high-end Peninsula market. If you have water views, capture golden hour shots.
Consider professional styling if needed. The Peninsula market demands Instagram-worthy interiors. Coastal-themed decor works really well through subtle colour palettes and natural materials rather than the clichéd beach decorations.
Maximising Your Investment
Establish relationships with trusted local service providers including cleaners familiar with holiday rental standards and maintenance contractors. Homes must be immaculately clean, Peninsula guests expect the best.
Dynamic pricing: maximise revenue in peak periods (summer holidays, long weekends, major events) and keep rates competitive during shoulder seasons. Professional management ensures regulatory compliance, communicates with guests, and coordinates operation logistics, while optimising revenue through expert knowledge of the market.
A strong tourism market in Mornington Peninsula, along with proximity to Melbourne, makes for continued demand in quality holiday rentals. The proper setup positions your property to be successful long-term in one of the most desirable coastal destinations within Australia.
