Hidden Treasure at Pirates Bay

Hidden Treasure at Pirates Bay is a pair of nautically themed self-contained cottages on Knox Road in Blairgowrie, on the ocean side of the Mornington Peninsula. The national park's cliff-top walking tracks are around 500 metres away, so the appeal for dog owners is simple: step out the door and you are on a coastal track, with the dog secure in a private cottage rather than a motel corridor.

Dogs at Hidden Treasure at Pirates Bay

Pets are welcomed at the property, but prior approval from management is required, so make contact before you book rather than assuming. Dogs are generally kept to outdoor, sheltered areas rather than the indoor living space, and public listings do not spell out size limits or fees. Confirm exactly which parts of the cottage your dog can use, whether a pet fee applies, and any limits on number or size before you commit. As a self-contained stay, bring your own dog bedding, bowls and towels, though the owners may be able to help if you ask in advance.

The cottages

There are two quite different options. The Crew's Cottage is a four-star, nautical-themed cottage that sleeps up to five, well equipped as a family or small-group base. The Captain's Cabin is purpose-built as a private hideaway for two, aimed at couples. Both sit on the property with on-site parking, and guests consistently describe the stay as quiet, clean and private rather than a full-service resort experience.

Getting there and parking

The address is 15 Knox Road, Blairgowrie, on the bay side of the peninsula's tip. It is a short drive from the Blairgowrie shops and cafe strip, and roughly ninety minutes from Melbourne via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. Park on site at the cottage.

Close by with the dogs

The coast is the main event. Dogs Head Rock is the local off-leash beach option, and the Sorrento Beach off-leash area is a short drive up the bay. The ocean back beaches are reached through the national park tracks, but bay and back-beach leash rules differ by season, so check signage before unclipping. The Blairgowrie cafe strip is close by, though individual cafe pet policies vary.

More stays and beaches in the area are on the Blairgowrie destination page, and the full list is in the VIC stays index.