Phillip Island accommodation for Christmas period already booking out

If you picture yourself spending a few lazy weeks on Phillip Island over the summer break, you’d better bust out the credit card quick with holidays rentals fast running out.

You’d better get if you want a summer on Phillip Island with rentals fast being booked.

Time is running out for holiday makers to secure their spots on Phillip Island for the Christmas and summer period, with accommodation providers saying they will be booked up in weeks.

Phillip Island and Gippsland have been ranked in the top 10 most popular holiday destinations around the country, in data released by Stayz, sitting alongside major cities in each state including the Gold Coast and Sydney.

Stayz also revealed people were in early with their holiday planning with rentals on Phillip Island set to be booked out by July 16 for Christmas and July 23 for the entire summer period.

Managing director of expedia brand Daniel Finch said in recent years people have started booking their holidays earlier and earlier.

“While we used to see Christmas bookings peak around September, in recent years this trend has crept up to as early as July, as Aussies get in early to make the most of the Christmas break and ensure they find the best holiday home for themselves and their loved ones,” he said.

This rush for accommodation sets a good tone for the tourist season ahead after there were fears earlier in the year cost of living pressures could have detrimental effects on the regional tourism sector in Victoria.

Other accommodation booking sites said they were also seeing very high numbers for bookings over Christmas and summer for Phillip Island.

“Australians love to travel and planning for the end of year holidays has already started so it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment,” Susan Wheeldon, country manager for Airbnb, Australia and New Zealand said.

She said affordability was a major factor when booking holidays to top destinations like Phillip Island.

“We know that affordability is top of mind for many people due to the rising cost of living,” she said.

General manager of Destination Phillip Island Kim Storey said the tourism scene was looking forward to a busy summer period, even amid cost of living pressures.

“Recent data has shared positive results for the Phillip Island/Bass Coast region, showing extended nights stay and expenditure growth,” she said.

“We expect this to continue throughout the year with strong booking interest for summer. Economic pressures will certainly influence travel decisions and spend.”

“For large groups or families, booking earlier also means having a wider selection of homes to choose from with amenities that cater to everyone, like an al fresco dining area for the parents and an outdoor pool for the kids.”