When Caro and I traveled through Victoria, we did so living out of a campervan. We drove the iconic Great Ocean Road, navigated the laneways of Melbourne, and found hidden gems along the coast. It was an incredible trip, but looking back, there was one thing missing: the comfort of a home.
As much as we love van life, there is something special about slowing down and living like a local. We saw the attractions, but we didn’t get to live there. That is exactly why we are dying to go back. Specifically, our dream is to land a house sit near Wilsons Promontory to explore that incredible nature and those sleepy small towns at a slower pace.
If you are looking to explore this corner of Australia without burning through your savings on hotels, house sitting in Australia is the ultimate travel hack. Whether you want a high-rise apartment in Melbourne or a farm stay in the Grampians, Victoria has a massive community of pet owners looking for help.
Here is everything we have learned about the platforms, the locations, and the unique quirks of house sitting in Victoria.
Why Choose Victoria for House Sitting?
Victoria might be the second-smallest state on the mainland, but it packs a punch. It is compact, which is a huge plus for house sitters. You can be sipping world-class coffee in a Melbourne laneway in the morning and watching penguins on Phillip Island by sunset.
For us, the appeal lies in the variety. You aren’t stuck with just one type of landscape. In the winter, you have alpine regions that rival house sitting in Canada, and in the summer, the coastline is unbeatable. Plus, because Melbourne is a major cultural hub, there is a constant demand for sitters as locals head off on their own holidays.
Top 3 House-Sitting Websites for Victoria
If you are serious about finding a sit here, you need to be on the right platforms. While global giants exist, Australia has a very strong ecosystem of local sites.
1. Aussie House Sitters
This is generally considered the heavyweight champion for domestic sits.
The Cost: The annual membership hovers around AU$89/year.
The Vibe: It is a massive, Australia-focused platform. Because it is so large, you get a huge volume of listings across Victoria, from the city center to rural farms.
Pros: The sheer number of listings means you have the best chance of finding a match here. It is packed with repeat homeowners who prefer using a local site over international ones.
Cons: It is strictly for Australia. If you are planning a world tour and want to find house sitting jobs in Europe later, this membership won't help you there.
If you are focusing purely on Down Under, this is our top recommendation.
Check out Aussie House Sitters here.
2. Mindahome
This is another strong contender that we often see mentioned by fellow travelers.
The Cost: Approximately AU$69–70/year.
The Vibe: It feels a bit more intimate than the giant platforms, but it is very effective.
Pros: They have a great map-based search feature. If you are like us and specifically want to be near Wilsons Prom or a specific surf beach, this makes filtering much easier. The sits often move fast here, which is great for flexible travelers who can move quickly.
Cons: The community is smaller. In regional areas, you might find fewer options compared to the larger sites.
3. Happy House Sitters
One of the "OG" platforms in the Aussie market.
The Cost: roughly AU$60–79/year, depending on your membership tier.
The Vibe: It has a great reputation for reliability.
Pros: The homeowners here are often long-time users, meaning they know the drill. It feels very secure with verified users.
Cons: It doesn't have the sheer volume of listings that Aussie House Sitters has, so you might need to apply to more sits to get a "yes."
What About the Global Giants?
We personally use Trusted House Sitters for our international travels. While they do have listings in Victoria (especially in Melbourne), the local Aussie sites often have more inventory for regional and rural areas. However, if you want one membership that works in Melbourne, London, and New York, the global platforms are better value.
The Best Time of Year to Visit
Victoria has four distinct seasons, and your experience will change drastically depending on when you book your sit.
Summer (Dec–Feb):
This is peak season. The days are long and sunny, making it perfect for coastal sits along the Great Ocean Road. However, it gets hot. We are talking heatwaves where temperatures exceed 40°C. If you are looking after dogs, you need to be very careful about walking times and keeping them cool.
Autumn (Mar–May):
Many locals will tell you this is the best time to visit. The weather is stable and mild. It’s perfect for exploring wine regions like the Yarra Valley without melting in the heat.
Winter (Jun–Aug):
It gets cold, especially inland. If you love snow, look for sits in the Alpine National Park region near Falls Creek or Mt Hotham. It’s a great way to have a ski holiday without paying for expensive resort accommodation.
Spring (Sept–Nov):
The wildflowers are blooming, and the national parks look incredible. It’s a "shoulder season," meaning there are usually fewer crowds but plenty of house sitting opportunities as homeowners take off for spring breaks.
Where Should You Look?
The Coast
If you are a beach lover, look for sits in Mornington Peninsula or Torquay. These areas offer that classic Aussie surf lifestyle. Just be aware that these are highly competitive spots in summer.
The Mountains
For a cozy, fireplace-vibe, check out the Dandenong Ranges or the Alpine regions. We love the idea of being snowed in with a cat and a good book, it’s the ultimate way to recharge.
The City
Melbourne is vibrant, filled with art, coffee, and sport. House sitting careers (or just serious hobbyists) thrive here because there are so many apartments requiring care. It’s much easier to get around via the tram network, so you might not even need a car.
Important Logistics for Victoria
The "Four Seasons in One Day" Rule
Melbourne is famous for its unpredictable weather. You might wake up to sunshine, get hailed on at lunch, and have a humid evening. When packing, layers are your best friend. Don't assume summer means it won't rain!
Bushfire Awareness
This is a serious topic. In summer, Victoria has a high fire risk. If you are house sitting in a rural area or near the bush (like the Grampians), you must discuss the bushfire plan with the homeowner. House sitting safety is paramount; know where the exits are and what to do with the pets in an emergency.
Transport
Melbourne has an excellent public transport system (trams, trains, buses). However, if you are sitting in regional Victoria, a car is non-negotiable. We loved having our campervan, but even a small rental car will do the trick.
Managing Expectations and Duties
When we look for sits, we usually aim for 2-4 cats or 1-2 dogs. We find this balance allows us to enjoy the location while still giving the animals the attention they deserve.
In Victoria, the expectations are generally standard:
Pet Care: Feeding, walking, and cuddles.
Garden Care: This can be intense in summer. You may need to water plants daily during a heatwave.
Security: Keeping the home lived-in and secure.
If you are new to this, you might wonder about the exchange. Is it really free? Yes. You don't pay rent, and they don't pay you. If you are looking to make money, you should look into average pay for house sitters on paid platforms like Rover, but for the platforms listed above, it is a barter economy.
How to Land Your First Sit in Victoria
Competition can be fierce, especially for those dreamy beach houses. Here is how Caro and I approach it.
1. The Profile is Key
Your house sitting profile needs to show personality. We mention our love for hiking and our experience with different animals. If you are traveling as a couple, upload photos of both of you with pets.
2. Communication
We always send a personalized message. We use the pet's name immediately. "Hi [Owner], we would love to hang out with [Pet Name]…" works much better than a generic copy-paste application. Once you get a reply, set up a house sitting video call to build trust.
3. Reviews Matter
If you have zero reviews, it’s hard to get a mansion in Toorak. Start small. Look for short weekend sits to build up your verified reviews. Once you have a few 5-star ratings, the bigger doors open.
A Note on Etiquette
We treat every house like a temple. We have high cleaning standards, honestly, we usually leave the house cleaner than we found it.
Simple things make a huge difference:
Strip the beds and wash the sheets before you leave.
Vacuum and mop the floors.
Ensure the food to leave for the house sitter (or rather, the food you ate) is replaced if you finished their staples.
It is also worth discussing visitors. Can you have a friend over for dinner? Can house sitters have visitors is a common grey area, so ask upfront to avoid awkwardness later.
Final Thoughts
Victoria is a stunning place to house sit. Whether you want the cultural hustle of Melbourne or the serenity of Wilsons Prom, there is a sit waiting for you.
We are currently planning our return to this beautiful state. We miss the campervan life there, but we are ready to trade the van mattress for a real bed and some furry companions.
If you are just starting out and feeling overwhelmed, don't worry. Check out our guide on how to get started in house sitting. It covers everything from the first application to the final handover.
Good luck, and maybe we will cross paths in a coffee shop in Melbourne one day!
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
What is the best website for house sitting in Victoria?
Aussie House Sitters is the largest platform with the most listings specifically for Victoria and Australia, though Mindahome and Happy House Sitters are also reliable local options.
Do I need a car for house sitting in Victoria?
If you are house sitting in inner-city Melbourne, public transport is excellent. However, for regional sits in places like the Mornington Peninsula or the Grampians, a car is essential.
Is house sitting in Victoria paid?
Generally, no. Most house sits on platforms like Aussie House Sitters are an exchange of services: free accommodation in return for pet and home care.
What is the weather like for house sitting in Melbourne?
Melbourne is known for "four seasons in one day." Summers can be extremely hot (40°C+), while winters are cool and wet. Always pack layers regardless of the season.
Can I house sit in Victoria with my own pet?
It is possible but difficult. Most homeowners prefer sitters without pets to avoid conflict with their own animals, but some listings are "pet-friendly."
