Why one house beats three rooms
Getting two families or a group of friends down to Torquay is the easy bit. Keeping everyone together once you're here is harder. Book separate units and the trip quietly splits up. One lot eats here, another lot eats there, and the big catch-up turns into a group chat about where to meet.
A whole house sorts that out. Holyday House sleeps up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms, with 3 bathrooms, two separate living rooms, a full kitchen plus a second kitchenette, and a dining table for eight. Everyone's together for the good bits, like the long lunch and the evening in the hot tub. And there's still somewhere to disappear to when someone wants an early night.
It's on Holyhead Drive, a quiet residential street on the north side of Torquay, about 400m from Torquay Whites Beach. Close enough that the morning walk doesn't need organising.
Who sleeps where
Four bedrooms, and two of them have their own ensuite. Here's how they're set up:
Master Bedroom 1
1 queen bed, ensuite
Master Bedroom 2
1 queen bed, 1 floor mattress, 1 cot, ensuite
Bedroom 3
1 queen bed
Bedroom 4
2 single beds, 1 floor mattress
The house takes 8 guests in total, max. The floor mattresses give you some wiggle room for kids, but they don't raise the guest limit. Tell us who's coming when you enquire and we can help you work out the best layout.
Splitting the rooms fairly
Nothing sours a group trip faster than a fight over who got the good room. This layout makes it easier than most, because the two best rooms are genuinely equal.
Two families
Each set of parents takes a master bedroom with its own ensuite. The kids share Bedroom 3 and Bedroom 4. The singles and the floor mattress in Bedroom 4 suit younger kids. Master Bedroom 2 also has a cot, for a baby who needs to be near a parent.
Three or four couples
The three queen rooms cover three couples nicely. If there's a fourth couple, someone gets the twin singles in Bedroom 4. The usual deal is that whoever lands that room gets first pick next time, or chips in a bit less for the shared costs.
Grandparents, parents and kids
The house is single-level with no stairs on the main floor, so grandparents can have an ensuite master without dealing with steps. Parents take the other master and the kids get the rest.
Sort it out before you arrive
Agree on the room plan, how the costs get split and who's bringing what in the group chat, before anyone gets in the car. Bed linen and towels aren't included as standard, so put them on the list too, or ask us to provide them for a fee. It takes ten minutes and the first night stays relaxed.
Room to be together, and room to get away
Two living rooms
Each living room has its own wood fire, and there's a third in the covered outdoor lounge. The second living room doubles as the media room, with a 65" TV, streaming services and a games console. The kids or the sport-watchers take that one. Everyone else keeps talking in the other.
Kitchen plus kitchenette
There's a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, dishwasher, microwave and coffee maker, plus a separate kitchenette. Two people can cook dinner while someone else does the kids' toast, and nobody trips over anybody.
Dining for eight
The dining table seats eight, so everyone eats together. When it's warm, the outdoor dining area and the BBQ take over.
Private hot tub
It's in the fully fenced backyard, and you can use it 24 hours a day, all year. It's usually where everyone ends up after dinner.
Things to do at home
Board games, arcade games, a piano, a basketball ring out the back and a kids' playroom. Rainy arvos are covered.
Laundry and Wi-Fi
A washing machine, dryer and drying rack for longer stays and wet beach gear. Fibre internet, and a dedicated workspace with ethernet if someone has to check in with the office.
Parking for a group
Groups hardly ever turn up in one car. The house has off-street parking for multiple vehicles, so nobody's driving round the block looking for a spot. If someone's towing a boat or trailer, that can usually be fitted in too. Just mention it when you enquire so we can confirm it works for your dates.
Check-in is from 3pm with a smart lock, so if the cars arrive at different times, nobody has to wait around for a key. Check-out is 11am.
Things to do as a group
There's plenty in Torquay that works for a mixed bunch. A few things for the energetic ones, and a few for everybody else.
A group surf lesson
The local surf schools run beginner group lessons of around two hours, with boards and wetsuits supplied. Go Ride A Wave works out of Bell Street in town. It's a good way to get the whole group laughing on day one. Our surfing guide covers the options.
Walk the Surf Coast Walk to Bells
It's roughly 6.5km one way along the clifftops from Point Danger in Torquay to Bells Beach, via Jan Juc. Send the walkers off and have the drivers meet them at Bells, which is about 10 minutes by car. See our Bells Beach guide.
Breweries and wineries
There are craft breweries in town and cellar doors a short drive inland. Book ahead if you're a bigger group, especially on weekends, and work out who's driving. Start with our breweries and wineries guides.
A round of golf
A foursome or two is easy to organise, and there are several courses a short drive away. See our golf guide.
A day on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay. Lorne's about 45 minutes away and the Twelve Apostles about three hours along the coast (two to two and a half hours via the inland route). Head off in two cars and stop wherever looks good. See our Great Ocean Road guide.
House rules for groups
Holyday House is a family home on a quiet residential street, and the rules follow from that. It's for groups who want a relaxed stay together. It's not for events.
No parties or events
Dinner and drinks with the people staying in the house is exactly what it's for. Parties, events and extra guests who aren't staying aren't allowed.
Quiet hours
Quiet hours apply in the evening, out of respect for the neighbours. Take the late-night chats inside, and keep the hot tub noise down at night.
Maximum 8 guests
The guest limit covers everyone staying. If there are more than 8 of you, Holyday House isn't the right fit for this trip.
Dogs are welcome
Bring the family dog, within reason. The backyard's fully fenced. Get in touch with us first, and any damage needs to be paid for. See our pet friendly guide.
Group accommodation FAQ
How many people can stay at Holyday House?
Up to 8 guests, in 4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms.
Is it suitable for two families?
Yes. That's the setup the house suits best. Each family gets a master bedroom with ensuite, the kids share the other two bedrooms, and with two living rooms both families get their own space.
Can we bring more than one car?
Yes, there's off-street parking for multiple vehicles. There's room for a boat or trailer too. Just mention it when you enquire.
Can we have a party or celebration?
A birthday dinner with the people staying is fine. Parties and events with extra guests aren't allowed, and quiet hours apply in the evening.
Is the house suitable for a group of friends without kids?
Yes. Three queen bedrooms suit three couples, and the fourth room has twin singles. The hot tub, the wood fires and the walk to the beach work just as well for a bunch of adults as for families.
How do we book for a group?
Send an enquiry with your dates, how many adults and kids, any pets, vehicles or trailers, and whether you'd like us to provide linen and towels (there's a fee). Steve and Karen reply within 24 hours. Enquire here.
Coming with little ones? Have a look at our family holiday guide. For more ideas, see things to do in Torquay.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 13 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Surf Coast Walk — Visit Great Ocean Road
- Bells Beach Brewing — Visit Great Ocean Road
- RACV Torquay Golf Course — RACV