THE HOLIDAY SHACKS TEAM

Holiday Shacks® Luxury Accommodation traces its origins to the visionary mind of our Managing Director, Andrea Wilson. In 2007, she embarked on a remarkable journey by welcoming guests into her own luxurious holiday home in Mount Martha. This venture was born out of a keen awareness of a gap in the short-term rental market – a lack of personalized services and a dearth of core businesses managing boutique property portfolios.

From these humble beginnings, Andrea’s dedication to revolutionizing the industry became apparent. She envisioned offering a luxury brand that introduced properties never before seen in the short stay market, providing guests with unparalleled experiences. Andrea’s commitment to fostering the local sharing economy on the Mornington Peninsula has also been noteworthy, providing employment opportunities to over 100 staff and contractors since the business’s inception.

In the face of long days and tireless efforts, Andrea’s determination paid off as Holiday Shacks® rapidly expanded. Starting with just six properties, the business quickly grew to manage 120 properties in its very first year. Over the past 16 years, Holiday Shacks® Luxury Accommodation has maintained a strong team of up to 30 staff and contractors annually, complemented by a network of trusted supplier experts, always ready to tackle any task, no matter the size.

Andrea’s advocacy for the short stay industry in Australia is unwavering. Her extensive industry knowledge spans local, state, and national levels. She has contributed significantly to the industry through her roles as a current Accommodation Policy Member for the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), committee member of the national industry body ASTRA’s advocacy Steering Committee, Vice President of the Victorian Accommodation Industry Association (VicAIA), and past Board Director and President of the national body, previously known as the Holiday Rental Industry Association (HRIA). Andrea has also played a vital role in shaping the regulatory landscape by assisting the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in developing local short stay laws.

The name “Holiday Shacks” was chosen to honor the cherished Australian holiday homes that have been a source of comfort and togetherness for families and friends for over a century. These rustic retreats, often referred to simply as “Shacks,” are emblematic of the quintessential Australian holiday experience. Holiday Shacks® began its journey by providing beachfront and country retreats for relaxation and rejuvenation, catering to the needs of busy professionals and families alike. Today, we are privileged to carry this name forward, having received a trademark for the use of the term Holiday Shacks®.

In Victoria, the trend for luxury holiday houses was pioneered on the Mornington Peninsula, particularly in Sorrento, the site of Victoria’s first European settlement in 1803. Sorrento and Portsea have evolved into havens for the affluent, characterized by the grand holiday mansions that grace the coastline. These historical echoes resonate with the ethos of Holiday Shacks®, as we continue to offer our guests unparalleled luxury in the most exclusive destinations across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.