We always know when Shearwater lands — it's usually the first evening, when an upbeat message arrives out of nowhere. The fire, the upper deck, the sun dropping behind the Prom. It does that to people. And after all these years, it still makes us smile.
Perched in the Promontory Views Estate in Walkerville, South Gippsland, this spacious four-bedroom home looks out across Waratah Bay to Bass Strait and the wild, beautiful silhouette of Wilson's Promontory. It's the kind of view you don't get tired of.
The home is designed around its views — the main living areas, kitchen, dining table and fireplace all sit on the upper level, where the outlook across Waratah Bay to Wilson's Promontory is at its most spectacular. It's the kind of layout where you find yourself lingering over breakfast far longer than planned.
Light-filled and generously proportioned, Shearwater is designed for people who want room to breathe — two separate living areas, quiet nooks to disappear into, and enough space for everyone to gather or spread out as the mood takes them. It works beautifully for two families sharing a holiday, a large group of adults, or a single family who simply want space to exhale.
The fireplace is the heart of winter stays, and on rainy days there are games, books and toys to keep everyone happy — the kind of details that guests come back for. And many of them do.
We've thought carefully about what makes a large house feel like a genuine retreat rather than just a big rental — beds made up on arrival with fresh linen, a well-stocked kitchen ready to go, the BBQ primed, and the kind of practical touches that mean you arrive and immediately relax.
Shearwater sits within a small residential estate — there are neighbouring homes on either side. It's a quiet, respectful community and the property feels very private, but it's worth knowing you're not in complete isolation. Guests who appreciate that context tend to be the happiest here.
SLEEPING
The master bedroom sits on level one with a king bed, ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and a balcony with Prom views that will make it hard to get up in the morning. Bedroom 2 offers a king bed (which can be split into two king singles) with a nearby toilet. Downstairs, bedroom 3 has a queen bed with shared ensuite, and bedroom 4 has two singles that zip together to a king, also with shared ensuite. Linen and towels included — just bring your beach towels.
THE KITCHEN
The kitchen is the heart of Shearwater and it earns that title. Four-burner stove, oven, microwave, and enough coffee equipment to satisfy even the most serious morning ritual — DeLonghi espresso machine, grinder, stovetop pot and an 8-cup plunger. Basic pantry staples, condiments, and all the household essentials are stocked for you. The Weber BBQ with hood is out on the deck, ready to go.
EXPLORING THE REGION
Walkerville South is famously "Magic Beach" from Alison Lester's beloved children's book — and it lives up to the name. It's a two-minute drive from the house.
Beyond that, this corner of Victoria is genuinely extraordinary. Wilson's Promontory National Park entrance is 25 minutes away. Waratah Bay and Sandy Point are 15 minutes. The surf here is forgiving and ideal for introducing kids to the water. Cape Liptrap is harsh and beautiful and worth every step. Fish Creek has galleries, local produce and a great pub. The South Gippsland rail trails are perfect for riding or walking. And the whole Prom Country region — wineries, eateries, national parks — is right on your doorstep.
The birdlife and wildlife in this pocket of Victoria are extraordinary — an unexpected highlight that guests mention again and again.
Shearwater is two hours from Melbourne, with travel time meaningfully reduced by recent road improvements. It's an ideal base for a special occasion, a family Christmas, a milestone birthday, or simply a week of doing exactly as you please.
A GENUINE BUSH AND COASTAL ESCAPE
Part of what makes Shearwater special is exactly what makes it feel remote — it sits within a working coastal landscape. Like all our rural properties it runs on tank water and solar hot water, and is surrounded by beautiful old trees. Power outages are rare but possible in this part of the world — and we have an outage kit ready to go just in case. Guests who embrace the rural setting love it — it's part of what makes this feel genuinely away.
HOSTING STYLE
We're Fleur, Mike and the team behind Dufflebird Getaways — we've been hosting across Regional Victoria for over 20 years and we genuinely love helping guests get the most out of places like this.
Before you arrive you'll receive our local guide, and we're always happy to tailor recommendations to exactly what your group is looking for. We're always responsive, and we have a trusted local team on the ground if you ever need anything in person — but we'll leave you completely to your stay.
Many of our Shearwater guests come back — and we love that.
GUEST ACCESS
The entire house and grounds are yours, other than a locked garage and cleaner's cupboard. Two car spaces in the driveway.
Well-behaved dogs welcome by prior arrangement — just ask us before booking. We ask that all dogs stay off furniture and beds and leave the house trace-free, so that every guest — including those with allergies — arrives to a fresh, clean space.
A NOTE ON PRICING
Shearwater is a large home and we want it accessible for everyone. Rather than a flat higher rate, our base rate covers up to 4 guests — making it just as suited to a couple as a full house of eight — with an additional $50 per night per guest above that. If you need to add guests after booking just message us and we'll send an amendment through.