
Holiday houses in Encounter Bay
Find and book unique accommodation on Airbnb
Top-rated holiday rentals in Encounter Bay
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.
Holiday rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Encounter Bay holiday rentals
Other great holiday rentals in Encounter Bay

RURAL GETAWAY. Currency Hills Retreat

Great Beach Holiday Location

La Farm - cosy farmhouse sanctuary.

Ronda

BeachVine - Cosy Home at Pt Willunga

Waves & Whispers. Beach side home.

The Anchorage - Close to Beach - Great for Groups

Middleton Beach Front-'Willows' Fleurieu SA
Quick stats about holiday rentals in Encounter Bay
Total rentals
130 properties
Nightly prices starting at
$109 AUD before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
4.3K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
120 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
40 properties allow pets
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
30 properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Encounter Bay
All About Encounter Bay
Perched between the Coorong and Fleurieu Peninsulas, about 75 minutes south of Adelaide, Encounter Bay is a seaside suburb that features a beautiful beach and spectacular views out to Wright Island. The region surrounding the town is also known as Encounter Bay and includes the towns of Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot, and the ever-popular Victor Harbor, which is just six kilometres from Encounter Bay beach. The greater bay area is known for its stunning coastline, rocky cliffs, granite boulders, rivers, and islands.
The bay is famous for being one the best whale watching sites in South Australia between May and October, when southern right whales visit Encounter Bay. And with its wealth of surf break beaches like Waitpinga, Parsons, and Chiton Rocks, it’s also a favourite with wave riders from near and far. Encounter Bay tends to be quieter than some of the other towns in the region, and its inviting beach, local shops, and cafes make this a great destination or base for a holiday in the greater area.
The best time to stay in a holiday rental in Encounter Bay
If you’re here for the surf and sand, summer brings long warm days and nights that are perfect for enjoying all the beach activities on offer. In terms of weather, the most pleasant time to visit is in the spring and autumn months, when the days are sunny and the nights are mild. In October, the popular SA Viking Festival is held over a weekend in Victor Harbor, where you’ll find food, stallholders, historical reenactment groups, and fun for the whole family. If you are more of a winter person, expect chilly temperatures and the opportunity to curl up in front of an open fire indoors while watching choppy seas from the windows of your Encounter Bay accommodation.
Top things to do in Encounter Bay
Granite Island
Ride the tram from Victor Harbour across the causeway to Granite Island to experience one of Encounter Bay’s most striking natural attractions. With unusual granite formations and huge waves that crash against its shores, Granite Island is best experienced via the 2.9 kilometre Kaiki Walk. Try to spot the flora and fauna while taking in the panoramic coastal views. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities here, with the most activity between the months of June and October.
Encounter Bikeway
Cycle, run, or walk on the more than 30 kilometres of path along the coast between Victor Harbor and Goolwa. You can complete the entire Encounter Bikeway while exploring the coastal towns of Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, Middleton, and Goolwa, or choose a shorter excursion. Either way, you will be treated to spectacular views of the coastline. You can hire bikes in many places in Encounter Bay, and the Bikeway is also suitable for rollerblading and wheelchairs.
The Victor Harbor Farmers Market
Take a slow wander around the Victor Harbour Farmers Market which operates every Saturday morning in Grosvenor Gardens. Local farmers and foodies come and fill stalls with organic vegetables, seasonal fruits, gourmet pies, chutneys, honey, breads, local wines, and more. There are also activities for kids including face painting and live music from local musicians.
Destinations to explore
- Adelaide Holiday rentals
- Kangaroo Island Holiday rentals
- Glenelg Holiday rentals
- North Adelaide Holiday rentals
- McLaren Vale Holiday rentals
- Victor Harbor Holiday rentals
- Barossa Valley Holiday rentals
- Port Elliot Holiday rentals
- Aldinga Beach Holiday rentals
- Henley Beach Holiday rentals
- Normanville Holiday rentals
- Hahndorf Holiday rentals
- Beach house rentals Encounter Bay
- Rentals with outdoor seating Encounter Bay
- Rentals with a fireplace Encounter Bay
- Rentals with a washing machine and dryer Encounter Bay
- Kid-friendly rentals Encounter Bay
- Pet-friendly rentals Encounter Bay
- Family-friendly rentals Encounter Bay
- Beachfront rentals Encounter Bay
- Waterfront rentals Encounter Bay
- House rentals Encounter Bay
- Rentals with beach access Encounter Bay
- Rentals with a patio Encounter Bay
- Yurt Rentals United States
- Yurt Rentals United Kingdom
- Castle Rentals United States
- Houseboats United States
- Holiday Caravans United Kingdom
- Private Island Rentals United States
- Farm Houses United States
- Farm Cottages United Kingdom
- Cabin Rentals Australia
- Luxury Cabins United Kingdom
- Luxury Cabins United States
- Holiday Chalets United Kingdom
- Cottage Rentals United States
- Holiday Cottages United Kingdom
- Mansion Rentals United States
- Villa Rentals United Kingdom
- Holiday Bungalows United Kingdom
- Bungalow Rentals United States
- Condo Rentals United States
- Holiday Apartments Australia
- Holiday Houses United States
- Holiday Houses United Kingdom
- Private Holiday Rentals United Kingdom
- Big House Rentals United States
- Big Cottages Australia
- Large Villas United Kingdom
- House Rentals with a Pool United States
- Cabin Rentals with a Pool United States
- Villas with a Pool United Kingdom
- Apartments with a Hot Tub United States
- Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub United Kingdom
- Beach Cabins United States
- Beach Condos United States
- Beachfront Rentals United States
- Beach Houses United Kingdom
- Beach Villas United Kingdom
- Coastal Cottages United Kingdom
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals United States
- Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Brighton Beach - Adelaide
- Adelaide Oval
- Glenalg Beach
- Port Willunga Beach
- Moana Beach
- Adelaide Botanic Garden
- Woodhouse Activity Centre
- Art Gallery of South Australia
- Mount Lofty Summit
- Silver Sands Beach
- Seaford Beach
- Fishery Beach
- Kooyonga Golf Club
- The Big Wedgie, Adelaide
- The Trough Stairs
- Cleland Wildlife Park
- The Beachouse
- Grange Golf Club
- Royal Adelaide Golf Club
- Mid Coast Surfing Reserve
- Dodd Beach
- Murray Bridge Golf Club