Guest guide: Skyes Beach House

Welcome to Skyes Beach House

Welcome to Skyes Beach House in Malua Bay. We're so glad you chose to stay with us, and we hope you settle in and feel right at home. This guide has everything you need to know about the house, plus our favourite local places to eat, drink and explore.

Scott always dreamed of having a beach house: a place to escape, relax and make great memories. During the renovations his loyal dog, Skye, kept him company, lounging on the balcony, soaking up the ocean view and watching everyone go by. Malua Bay is now Skye's favourite place, and that is how Skyes Beach House came to be.

If you need anything during your stay, just drop us a message. If you're thinking of coming back, booking directly with us can save you up to 15% by skipping the platform fees.

Scott and Skye

Getting here

Skyes Beach House is on a service road beside George Bass Drive in Malua Bay, directly opposite Malua Bay Beach. It is opposite Foodworks, the butcher and the bottle shop. We send you the full address before you arrive.

• From Sydney: about 4 hours (about 295 km) via the M1 and the Princes Highway to Batemans Bay, then Beach Road and George Bass Drive to Malua Bay.
• From Canberra: about 2 hours 15 minutes via the Kings Highway to Batemans Bay, then Beach Road and George Bass Drive.

Parking

Park in the driveway or in front of the property. Nobody may park in front of the neighbours' properties, across their driveways or on their lawns.

• Full house, whole upstairs and whole downstairs bookings: park in the driveway or in front of the property.
• Shared bookings: upstairs guests park in the driveway, downstairs guests in front of the property.
• Extra cars: park on George Bass Drive, never in front of a neighbouring property.
• EV charging: a 7 kW solar EV charger is at the property. It's switched off unless we activate it, so please ask us in advance (see the EV charger tile).
• Please be mindful of our neighbours at all times, especially in the evenings. Neighbour complaints can end a stay without a refund. Never enter neighbouring properties, including their front or back yards.

Check-out

Check-out is by 10:00 AM. Thank you for choosing Skyes Beach House. These steps help us get the house ready for the next guests.

Kitchen and dishes

Put all plates, glasses, cutlery, utensils and trays in the dishwasher and turn it on. Return everything to its original cupboard and level once clean.

• Upstairs: plates, bowls and mugs dark blue; glasses dark; kids' yellow, white and blue.
• Downstairs: plates, bowls and mugs light blue; glasses clear; kids' green, pink and grey.

Rubbish and recycling

• Take out all rubbish and use the recycling bins where you can. If the outside bins are full, tell us straight away. Excess rubbish must go with you, and unreasonable rubbish left on site may be charged.

House and belongings

• Return furniture, decor, plants and items to where they were, including between floors.
• Pack kids' games away in their original places.
• Make sure the TVs, sound systems and devices are plugged in and working.
• Put bedside tables, cables and USB chargers back where they were.

Pets

• If you brought a pet, clean up all pet mess thoroughly.
• Return the dog bed to the balcony before you leave.

Linen and robots

• Leave used towels on the bathroom floors. There is no need to strip the beds.
• Before you leave, turn on the cleaning robots, refill the top compartment on the right side with water and empty the top compartment on the left. If a robot isn't working, tell us straight away.

Spas: water condition (very important)

• If the spa water is not clear at check-out, tell us before you leave.
• You may empty and refill the spa before you go to avoid charges (call us for instructions).
• Spa left dirty and reported: a $250 servicing fee may apply. Left dirty and not reported: a $500 servicing and replacement fee applies, and it is treated as unreported damage.

Damage and maintenance

Tell us straight away about any damage or maintenance issue so we can organise repairs. We are not in the area and rely on guest communication. Damage that is not reported remains the guest's responsibility.

Final check

Close all windows and blinds, lock the doors, set the alarm and return the keys to the lockbox for your booking.

Late check-out

• Late check-out must be requested in advance and approved by us in writing.
• Without approval, $200 is charged for the first hour, and staying more than an hour past check-out is charged as an extra night.

If any of these steps are not completed, extra cleaning, maintenance or servicing charges may apply, as set out in the house rules.

Early check-in, late check-out and extra nights

• Late check-out: ($200)

Hydrotherapy spas

Skyes Beach House has two hydrotherapy spas on the spas and sauna deck: the right spa (dark blue) seats up to 6 people and the left spa (blue) seats up to 5. On the upstairs and downstairs shared stays the deck is shared with the other level's guest group.

Temperature

• The right spa is kept at 38°C and the left spa at 30°C, to save energy.
• If you would like a different temperature, message us before your stay. It takes time to adjust.

Spa rules

• Shower with soap before you get in. Fake tans, oils, lotions and sunscreen cloud and dirty the water.
• No glass and no food in or around the spa. Drinks are fine in non-glass containers: please don't spill them in the water.
• Put the cover back on after every use, or the spa cools down and takes hours to reheat. The covers are key-locked for safety, and your arrival message tells you where the key is.
• Two people should lift the covers. Carry them, don't drag them, and rest them against the sauna. If you use only one spa, put its cover on the other spa.
• Never switch off the power at the electrical isolation switch or protection devices. Use the touchpad only.
• Do not go over the seat limits. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times: the spa is not a play area.
• If debris gets into the water, a spa cleaning robot is under the outdoor TV.

Spa recovery charge

If a spa is left dirty, murky, uncovered, or needs draining and refilling because of misuse, a $500 spa recovery charge applies (rental agreement clause 19.4). If the water is not clear when you leave, tell us before you go: that reduces the charge to $250 and lets us clean it before the next guests arrive.

Games room and arcade machines

The games room has two Daytona driving simulators (150 games), an arcade shooter machine (4,500+ games), a digital pinball machine (1,300 games) and digital darts. It is in the garage, reached through the back of the garage from the bottom deck.

House rules for the machines

• Adults must read the instructions and teach anyone under 18 how to use the machines safely. Supervise children, especially on the arcade and driving machines.
• Always turn the machines off when you finish.
• Cameras cover the games room. Please do not touch the camera.
• Misuse or damage is charged as repair costs. Tell us straight away if something breaks.
• Message us to confirm you have read the instructions before you play.

Digital pinball (1,300 games)

• Press the on/off button under the machine, wait a few seconds for it to start, then press the button next to it to power it up fully. Press the same on/off button to turn it off.
• Use the left and right buttons by the levers to scroll through games. The start button begins a game, and the coin button acts as inserting a coin. Press exit to leave a game.

Arcade shooter (4,500+ games)

• The on/off button is on the back of the machine, bottom right when you face it.
• Player 1 controls everything, from the second control from the left. The A button (top left on Player 1) selects a game, and the B button (top middle) switches menus and categories. Hold the Player 1 symbol to exit a game.
• The coin button is at the top middle of the machine, between the player buttons.

Daytona driving simulators (150 games)

• Use the power points between the two machines to turn them on and off.
• The mode switch picks between arcade-style games and platform games (such as PlayStation and Nintendo). Turn the steering wheel gently to move between games. Only some games, like Daytona, are two-player.

Digital darts

• The power cable and darts are in the drawer underneath. You can download the app and link your phone to keep score.

BBQ, smoker and pizza oven

The backyard entertainment area has a Char-Griller 4-burner gas BBQ, a Pit Boss 850G pellet smoker and a COZZE 13-inch gas pizza oven. The area is shared when the house is not fully booked, so please clean everything after you use it.

Gas

• Turn the gas bottle off after each use.
• We keep two bottles on site. If one runs out, tell us and replace it at FoodWorks across the road. We refund the bottle if you keep the receipt. Leave the new bottle on site.

Smoker

• Smoking pellets and gas are supplied to start. If they run out you may need to restock at your own cost. Instructions are on the side of the smoker.
• Do not cook directly on the smoker plates: use a metal or disposable tray (aluminium trays are at FoodWorks across the road).
• Store pellets in a sealed container, off the ground, to keep them dry.
• An extension lead is next to the smoker. Wrap it up after use and hang it high.
• Videos: how to use the smoker, what the smoker can do.

BBQ

• Clean the BBQ well after use. A scraper is in both apartments and BBQ wipes are next to the BBQ.

Pizza oven

• Pizza trays are in both the upstairs and downstairs apartments. Baking paper makes cleaning easier. A large spatula is in each apartment: please return the tools to where you found them.
• Make your own dough in the Thermomix (see the Thermomix tile). A good plan is to smoke meat one night and use the leftovers on pizzas the next night.
• Video: how to use the pizza oven.

Cleaning

Please clean the BBQ, smoker and pizza oven after use. If they are left uncleaned a $100 cleaning fee applies. If you would rather not clean, tell us before you leave and a $60 cleaning fee applies instead.

Fitness equipment

Skyes Beach House has a rowing machine and a ski machine.

Infrared sauna

Skyes Beach House has a 5-person infrared sauna on the spas and sauna deck. It takes about 20 minutes to reach 40°C, which is when the infrared heat starts to work.

How to use it

1. Turn the sauna on with the power button on the control panel.
2. Set the timer to about 60 minutes to warm it up. When you get in, change the timer to the time you want to stay.
3. Set the temperature you like. The sauna reaches 40°C after about 20 minutes.
4. For music, press the Bluetooth button and connect your phone. There are lights for ambience too.
5. Sit on a towel. Stay for 10 to 15 minutes a session, and start shorter if you are new to infrared saunas.
6. When you finish, turn the sauna off, take your towel and wipe any sweat off the seating.

Safety

• Do not use the sauna if you are pregnant or have a medical condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure or a respiratory problem, unless your doctor says it is fine.
• Skip alcohol and heavy meals beforehand. Bring water in plastic or metal bottles: no glass.
• If you feel dizzy, sick or overheated, get out and cool down straight away.
• Children under 18 must have an adult with them. Drink plenty of water afterwards and let your body cool before you shower.

If the sauna is left in an unreasonable state, or damaged, the cost of extra cleaning, a technician, repair or replacement is charged to the guest.

Fire pits

There are two fire pits: a bioethanol fire pit on the front bottom deck and a wood fire pit in the backyard. Firewood is supplied free of charge. Bioethanol fuel is $60 per 5-litre bottle, so please ask at least 7 days before your stay if you want it arranged.

Wood fire pit (backyard)

• Firewood is supplied, but availability is not guaranteed. Tell us if it runs low.
• Bring your own kindling and firestarters, and don't burn the fruit trees.
• Never leave the fire burning while you sleep or are away. Put it out with the hose before bed or before you leave the property.
• Do not throw cigarettes, bottle caps or other non-fire items in the pit. Please put the pebbles back if children move them.
• Never light a fire on a total fire ban day. Check the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the NSW RFS website.

Bioethanol fire pit (front deck)

• On stays that are not the full house, this fire pit is shared with the other guests.
• Use only e-NRG bioethanol fuel: $60 per 5-litre bottle, or $240 for a 20-litre carton (4 x 5 L). Never use petrol, wood or other fuel.
• It takes 8 litres to fill. A full pit with the energy ring lasts about 11 to 13 hours, and about 9 hours without it.
• Never refill while it is burning: wait at least an hour for it to cool. Never throw matches or other objects in.
• Turn it off before you leave it unattended or go to bed: the area is bushfire-prone. Keep the lid on when it is not in use.
• Supervise children at all times. The glass rocks can be sharp.
• The cushions and lighting equipment are kept in a tub. Ask us to arrange access, and confirm you have watched the videos below. Don't leave cushions or equipment outside overnight: we are close to a main road and things go missing.
• Videos: how to refill, how to light it and put it out safely, how to use the efficiency ring.

Trampoline and play area

There is a trampoline in the backyard play area. It is best for children aged 5 and up, takes up to 250 kg in total (160 kg per person), and no more than 4 people should be on it at once. That is up to two adults and two children, as long as the combined weight stays under the limit. No shoes on the trampoline.

Safety

• An adult must supervise children at all times.
• No rough play, flips or stunts. Keep the area clear of objects.
• Do not use the trampoline if you have been drinking, and keep alcohol away from the trampoline area.
• Secure the safety net and padding properly after each use.
• Trampoline use carries inherent risks. By using it you accept responsibility for the safety of everyone who uses it, and we cannot be held liable for injuries. Check your travel insurance covers trampoline injuries.

Please don't move it

The trampoline stays where it is. If it is moved, a $250 fee applies to get the handyman to put it back.

Outdoor shower, sand and salt

There is an outdoor shower with a foot-wash tap for rinsing off salt and sand before you go inside. It is heated by the sun to up to 40°C from a 35-litre vessel, so use the water sparingly.

How to use it

• The tap is off when you arrive. Turn it on and let the water heat for 12 to 24 hours, then adjust the valve to the temperature you want.
• Turn the tap fully off after use so water is not wasted.

Why it matters

• Saltwater can corrode metal, peel paint and warp wood. Sand scratches floors, damages upholstery and blocks drains.
• Please rinse off before you come in, and don't leave towels on the balustrades, glass or wood: it can damage them.

EV charger

There is a 7 kW solar EV charger at the property. It is switched off unless we activate it, so please ask us in advance. There is also a double outdoor power point near the garage.

• The charger runs at a slow charge during solar hours.
• Charging is free between 12 am and 6 am.
• For $25 a day we can turn the charger up to full speed.

If it isn't working, message us.

Bikes, scooters and beach gear

Bikes, kids' scooters, helmets and beach toys are kept in the sheds for guests to use. We suggest you bring your own helmets from home.

Bikes

• Use the bike stands, not the ground. A pump is in the shed.
• Don't leave the bikes out of the shed overnight. Report any damage straight away: misuse is charged.

Scooters

• Kids only (maximum weight 80 kg), with an adult supervising. Return them to the shed after use and tell us about any damage.

Beach toys

• Sandcastle gear and beach games are in the small shed. Please put them back after use.

Lego play area

There is a Lego play area with Duplo (ages 1.5 to 5) under the table and Lego Classic (ages 5 and up) kept in the main bedroom for adult-supervised play. The small Classic bricks are a choking hazard for children under 5.

• Keep Lego Classic in its box. Please don't let children damage the box.
• Put all the bricks away after play, and check under lounges and furniture for stray pieces.
• If you are bringing young children and would like to add Duplo base blocks, ask us first. We are happy to reimburse what you buy.

Giant Connect 4

The giant Connect 4 set is in the room with the double bunk beds upstairs. Please keep it indoors. Spiders and other insects make it unsuitable to leave outside overnight.

• Make sure the set is full when you finish. If our cleaners have to search for missing pieces they charge an hourly rate, and a piece we can't find is charged as a replacement.

Fruit trees

Guests are welcome to pick ripe fruit from the trees on the property. Twist or cut fruit gently, don't climb the trees or break branches, and leave some for the next guests.

What fruits and when

• Plums (Mariposa and Santa Rosa): February to April
• Apples (Granny Smith and Red Gala): March to June
• Oranges (Blood and Washington Navel): June to September
• Lychee (Kwai Mai Pink): December to February
• Passionfruit (black, 2 trees): December to April
• Mango (Bowen, 2 trees): December to February
• Lemons (Eureka, 2 trees) and limes (Tahitian, 2 trees): all year, peaking in winter and summer
• Peach (Tacky Zee): October to December
• Mandarin: June to August

Avoid stepping on fallen fruit. Put damaged or overripe fruit in the compost or bins. Supervise children near the trees: the ground is uneven and some branches are low.

Kitchen and coffee

Skyes Beach House has two fully equipped kitchens, one on each level, each with an electric cooktop, an electric oven, a microwave, a dishwasher and an automatic coffee machine. Pantry basics, spices and starter coffee are provided.

• Each kitchen has a kettle and a toaster. A rice cooker is provided. The upstairs kitchen has an island bench with 3 bar stools and a Thermomix. There is a highchair in each kitchen.
• Please use the rangehood fan and open a window when you cook. Fish and strongly spiced food can't be cooked inside: use the BBQ outside. A $200 odour removal fee applies if smells are left behind.
• Please don't put instant coffee in the coffee machines or take them apart. If a machine is damaged, a spare pod machine is installed in its place.
• Spare dishwasher supplies are under the sink. Our cleaners check the kitchenware, but you are welcome to rewash anything before use. Please don't put dirty items back in the cupboards.

Plates, glasses and kids' tableware

Each level has its own colours. Please keep them on their own level.

• Upstairs: plates, bowls and mugs dark blue, glasses dark, kids' yellow, white and blue.
• Downstairs: plates, bowls and mugs light blue, glasses clear, kids' green, pink and grey.

Thermomix

The upstairs kitchen has a Thermomix you are welcome to use. It is a delicate and valuable appliance: always lift it with both hands, put it down gently, and don't drag it on the bench (that damages the built-in scales).

Watch these first

1. How to lift and place the Thermomix
2. Assembling and taking apart the mixing bowl
3. Cleaning the Thermomix (the bowl is dishwasher-safe)
4. A basic usage guide, recipe ingredients and guidance and an online demonstration

Make pizza dough for the pizza oven

The Thermomix makes pizza dough and pizza sauce for the outdoor pizza oven. Watch a dough recipe and tips.

Laundry

There are two LG washer-dryers: one in the downstairs bathroom and one in the lower-level laundry by the games room, which also has a separate LG dryer on top of the washer-dryer.

• Portable clothes drying racks are provided.
• Iron and ironing board: in the downstairs bathroom cupboard and in the queen bedroom cupboard upstairs.
• Please don't wash or dry the property's linen and towels: our cleaners look after them.
• Please don't hang towels or wet swimmers on the balustrades.

Heating and cooling

Upstairs has ducted air-conditioning for cooling and heating plus ceiling fans. Downstairs has two split-system air-conditioners for cooling and heating plus portable fans.

• The upstairs front and back balconies have infrared heaters.
• For cosy evenings outside there is the bioethanol fire pit at the front and the wood fire pit in the backyard.
• Please turn the air-conditioning off when you go out, and keep doors and windows closed while it is running.

TV, streaming and music

Upstairs has a 65-inch Sony smart TV and downstairs has a 55-inch Sony smart TV, both with Chromecast. The two main bedrooms have TVs too. Netflix isn't provided.

• Sound: a JBL soundbar on the main TV, and a paid Spotify account for music.
• Streaming apps such as Disney+, Binge, Stan and Prime Video are already signed in. Please don't sign out. If you do by accident, tell us which TV and we'll reset it after your stay.
• To cast, open the app on your phone, tap the cast icon and choose the TV. The bedroom TVs aren't linked to the main sound system, so stream or cast to them directly.
• Please don't unplug or swap the TV, soundbar or streaming cables. A reconnection fee applies if cables need to be reconnected.

Robot vacuum and mop

There is a Roborock Q Revo Edge C robot vacuum and mop on each level. It vacuums and mops at the same time and returns to its dock when it finishes. It has no camera or video recording.

How to use it

1. Check the vacuum is on its dock, then press the round power button on top once.
2. Please do not switch it off at the wall or unplug it: that can damage the battery. It tells us if it is turned off.
3. For a better clean, put dining chairs upside down on the table and clear clothes and items off the floor, especially in bedrooms.

If the red light comes on

• The left canister (top left) is the dirty-water tank: take it out, empty it, rinse it and put it back.
• The right canister (top right) is the clean-water tank: fill it with tap water and close the lid securely.

Floor plan: downstairs

The downstairs level has Bedrooms 5 and 6, the living area, the kitchen and the bathroom, with the front and back decks.

• Bedroom 5: king bed. Bedroom 6: 4 single beds (two bunks). On downstairs-only bookings these are called Bedrooms 1 and 2.

Beach, bush and local safety

Malua Bay Beach is across the road, a 2-minute walk. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.

• Volunteer surf lifesavers from Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club patrol Malua Bay on weekends and public holidays from October to April. Professional lifeguards patrol every day from mid-December to the end of January.
• Rips are common on ocean beaches. If you are caught in one, stay calm, float and raise an arm for help.
• The sun is strong here, even on cloudy days: slip, slop, slap.
• The area is bushfire-prone in the warmer months. Check the Hazards Near Me NSW app, and never light a fire on a total fire ban day.
• Kangaroos are often on the roads at dawn and dusk, so please drive carefully.
• In heavy rain the backyard can briefly fill with water (see Heavy rain).

Heavy rain

The property is near a creek and swamp area, so in heavy rain the backyard can briefly fill with water. The house sits on higher ground, the downstairs apartment has never flooded, and it is not listed as a flood risk in our insurance records.

• In extreme cases the water can approach the back step, but it drains away quickly once the rain stops. Neighbouring properties may be surrounded by water while only our backyard is affected.
• There is no need to worry, but keep an eye on the water level in heavy rain, and message us if you have any concerns.
• The toilets may gurgle now and then. Our plumber has confirmed this is normal.

Things to know before you arrive

Skyes Beach House is a traditional two-storey beach house on a service road beside George Bass Drive, so you may hear normal road noise in the daytime. We would rather you know before you arrive.

• The upstairs and downstairs are reached by outdoor stairs.
• The upstairs balcony railings are horizontal and can be climbed. Please supervise toddlers and young children.
• Security cameras cover the outside of the house at the front and back, and the games room in the garage. There are no cameras inside the home.
• Minut sensors monitor noise, occupancy and air quality inside and outside. They are not cameras and don't record conversations or sound.
• The toilets may gurgle occasionally: our plumber has confirmed this is normal.
• In heavy rain the backyard can briefly fill with water. The house sits on higher ground.

Pets

Skyes Beach House is dog-friendly: up to two dogs are welcome, with our approval before you arrive. There is a pet fee of $25 per pet, per night.

• Tell us about every pet: type, breed, size, age and how many. Approval for one pet doesn't cover another.
• No pets on beds, lounges, chairs, rugs, linen or towels. There is a dog bed on the balcony, and a pooper scooper and tray out the back.
• Pets can't be left alone inside the house, and aren't allowed in the spas.
• Pick up after your dog straight away. Pet waste left behind is charged at $250.
• Local beaches have their own dog rules (some are off-leash all day, some only at set times). Ask us for the closest dog-friendly beach.

The full pet rules are in the private guest guide you receive after you book.

House rules at a glance

Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, and there are no parties, events or smoking. The full house rules are in your private guest guide.

• Up to 20 guests. Every guest, including children and infants, must be on the booking. The primary renter must be 18 or over.
• No parties, schoolies or large events. No smoking or vaping inside, on the balconies or near the property. No illegal substances.
• No candles or open flames inside. Fire is only for the fire pits, BBQ, smoker and pizza oven.
• Up to two dogs, with our approval before you arrive.
• Park in the driveway or in front of the property, never on a neighbour's property.
• No fish or strongly spiced cooking inside: use the BBQ. A $200 odour removal fee applies if smells are left behind.
• Report any damage or cleaning issue straight away, with photos.
• A $500 security deposit is held before arrival and released after your stay.

Local recommendations

• Cafes
  TUKKA Licenced Cafe
  57 Vulcan St, Moruya NSW 2537