You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly
Summary: Experience the timeless charm of Sunset Cottage, a lovingly restored 1890s Miners Cottage in the heart of Portarlington. This historic gem blends historical character and period features with modern comforts, offering two beautifully presented bedrooms, cosy fireside living, and a sunlit lounge. Just a short stroll from the beach and pier, and a quick drive to local cafés, Sunset Cottage is your perfect pet-friendly retreat for a relaxing seaside getaway, where history meets the modern day.
The Space: MOST LOVED BY GUESTS FOR… the perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Guests adore the cosy, welcoming atmosphere, with many falling in love with the original features. The peaceful location, just a short stroll from the beach and town, adds to the cottage's allure. One guest perfectly summed it up: "It’s a step back in time with all the comforts, making it the ideal spot for a relaxing getaway." Guests also rave about the secure yard, perfect for pets, and the thoughtful touches throughout that make every stay feel special.
YOUR HISTORIC RETREAT:
• Front Veranda Charm: As you step onto the full-length front veranda, you'll immediately sense the peaceful charm that defines Sunset Cottage. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee or watch the sunset, as one guest remarked, "We loved watching the sunset from the front veranda, with a drink in hand." • Charming Restoration: Experience the unique blend of history and comfort in this beautifully restored 1890s Miners Cottage. The cottage retains its period features like original sash windows, Baltic pine floors, a beautiful brick chimney, and elevated ceilings, creating a nostalgic ambience that transport you back to a bygone era. Guests have described it as “a charming house with lots of character,” making it a perfect retreat for those who appreciate the beauty of historical homes. • Warm Atmosphere: The cottage offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with guests often mentioning how it feels like “coming home” the moment they walk through the door.
LIVING SPACES:
• Cosy Lounge by the Fire: The main living room features a comfy lounge perfect for sinking into after a day of exploring. The open fireplace adds to the ambience, especially on cooler evenings. Guests rave about the fireplace, with one saying, "The fire was lovely and kept us warm during our stay." • Morning Sun Room: The second living room, known as the Morning Sun Room, is a bright and inviting space that captures the morning light. This bright and cheerful space is ideal for morning coffee or a quiet read. "The sun room was a great place to relax in the morning with a cup of tea." • Modern Conveniences: While the cottage retains its historical charm, it is equipped with modern conveniences like split system heating and cooling, ensuring your comfort year-round. Guests have appreciated the “excellent heating options and cosy atmosphere,” especially during the colder months. One review noted, "It’s like stepping back in time, but with all the modern comforts you need."
KITCHEN DELIGHTS:
• Sunny Mornings: The kitchen and dining area are bathed in natural light throughout the day, creating a warm and inviting space. Guests have loved the “sunshine streaming in from sunrise to sunset,” adding to the cottage’s overall snug and welcoming feel. • Charming and Functional: While retaining its rustic charm, the kitchen is updated with contemporary brass tap ware, combining old-world style with modern convenience. It’s fully equipped with everything you need to prepare meals, including quality appliances like a gas cooktop, electric oven, and a Breville coffee machine. Guests have noted the kitchen’s “well-stocked essentials,” making it easy to enjoy home-cooked meals during your stay. • Rustic Dining Area: The informal dining space features a vintage 1950s Formica table, adding to the cottage’s nostalgic charm, and overlooks the lovely garden and olive trees—a detail guests found "charming and quaint." One guest described it as “a wonderful setting to enjoy meals with the family.”
BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS:
• Comfortable Bedrooms: Both bedrooms feature antique wrought-iron Queen beds with plush linens that add to the cottage's historical charm. "The beds were so comfortable, and the electric blankets were a nice touch," noted one guest. The master bedroom, with its view across the veranda, is particularly special, offering a serene spot to watch the sunset. Guests have consistently praised the beds for their comfort, with another mentioning, "The beds were so comfortable, we slept better than we have in ages." • Modern Bathroom with Vintage Touches: The refurbished bathroom, with its brass tap ware and rain shower head, combines modern luxury with vintage elegance. The shower-over-bath setup maximises the space while maintaining the cottage’s historical aesthetic. Guests have noted the “excellent hot shower” and appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of modern amenities. • Cosy and Warm: With electric heaters in the bedrooms and a split system in the living areas, the cottage ensures you stay warm and comfortable, no matter the season. As one guest put it, “The electric blankets and room heaters made our stay wonderfully cosy, even during the cooler months.”
Bedroom Configuration Summary: Bedroom 1: Queen Bed Bedroom 2: Queen Bed
OUTDOOR DELIGHTS:
• Peaceful Outdoor Dining: Step out from the sunroom to a patio with an outdoor dining setting, perfect for alfresco meals in the garden. Guests often mentioned enjoying "the peaceful garden" and the "perfect spot for a BBQ." • Historic Veranda: The front veranda, with its period charm, is an ideal spot to relax and watch the world go by - the perfect place to soak in the peaceful surroundings. As one guest described, "Cocktails on the veranda at sunset were the highlight of our stay."
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
• Thoughtful Touches: The house is filled with thoughtful touches that enhance your stay. Guests frequently mention these details, with one remarking, "The little extras like the well-stocked kitchen and cosy blankets made all the difference." • Modern Amenities: Sunset Cottage is equipped with modern amenities including Wifi, Chromecast TV, and a split system heating/cooling. Guests have appreciated the seamless blend of old and new, with one guest stating, "The cottage was cosy and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay." • Pet-Friendly Stay: Sunset Cottage is a welcoming retreat for your furry friends, with a secure yard that provides plenty of space. (Subject to House Rules. Note the picket fence height may not be suitable for all dogs). Guests have loved bringing their pets along, with one noting, "Our dog had the time of his life in the big backyard."
NEIGHBOURHOOD HIGHLIGHTS:
• Close to the Beach: "We loved the easy walk to the beach," said one guest. Located just 300m from the foreshore, and 1.4km to the Portarlington Pier, the cottage is ideally situated for beach lovers. Everyone enjoys the proximity to the water, with one stating, "A quick walk to the beach made for perfect morning and evening strolls." • Walk to Town: The cottage is within easy 1km walking distance of Portarlington’s main street, where you’ll find shops, cafés, and the pier. Guests have praised the location, saying it’s "close to town but far enough for peace and quiet,” and “We loved being able to walk into town for coffee and then stroll along the Esplanade." • Explore the Bellarine Peninsula: Sunset Cottage is a great base for exploring the Bellarine Peninsula, with wineries offering tastings and stunning views—perfect for a day of exploration. Guests love the convenience, with one sharing, "It was the perfect spot for exploring the area, with so much to see and do within a short drive."
SUMMARY:
"We had a great time at Sunset Cottage and can’t wait to come back!" Step back in time without sacrificing comfort at Sunset Cottage, a beautifully restored 1890s Miners Cottage in Portarlington. With its period features, modern amenities, and a location just steps from the beach and town, this pet-friendly retreat is perfect for couples, friends, and small families. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire, enjoying the spacious garden, or exploring the local area, Sunset Cottage offers a truly unique and memorable stay.
Guest Access: Guests have access to the whole property.
The Neighborhood: A few minutes’ walk to the foreshore, pier and safe swimming beach, while only a short drive to the main street shopping precinct in beautiful Portarlington. 300m to the Foreshore (safe swimming beach and pier) 1km walk to main street shops & supermarket 5-10min drive to wineries etc 1.4km to Portarlington Ferry - daily ferry service to Melbourne
Getting Around: 2 cars off-street parking, plus plenty of on-street parking.
Other Things to Note: *You must agree to our terms and conditions to book this property. *All bookings are subject to approval from host. *Strictly no parties or smoking. *Electric blankets supplied. *Smart TV - log in with your own Netflix/streaming account details to resume your own viewing history. *Pet friendly. Note the picket fence height may not be suitable for all dogs.
Interaction with Guests: We are always nearby and can be contacted by phone on multiple numbers. Please contact us directly with any issues so that we can rectify promptly. We would appreciate the opportunity to make improvements based on your feedback and we want you to have an enjoyable stay.
Property manager
Ocean Edge Holiday Rentals
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Fully-fenced
Furnished patio
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a village
Near the sea
Things to do
Optional golf privileges
Water park
Cycling nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Unit size: 5,027 square feet
Similar properties
Beach 650m, town center 450m. Pet & child friendly backyard with undercover deck
Beach 650m, town center 450m. Pet & child friendly backyard with undercover deck
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: Charge may apply
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property is also known as
Sunset By The – Pet Friendly
Sunset Cottage By The Bay Pet Friendly
Sunset Cottage By The Bay – Pet Friendly Portarlington
Sunset Cottage By The Bay – Pet Friendly Private vacation home
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About the neighborhood
VIC, Portarlington
What's nearby
Steely Rocks Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Portarlington Golf Club - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Portarlington Waterfront - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
Portarlington Recreation Reserve - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
St Leonards Beach - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
Getting around
Drysdale Station - 15 min drive
Avalon Airport (AVV) - 65 min drive
Restaurants
Grand Hotel - 14 min walk
Two Daughters Cafe and Bar - 9 min drive
The Fig Tree Store - 9 min drive
The Portarlington Bakehouse - 14 min walk
St Leonards Fish & Chips - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly?
As of Jul 12, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly on Jul 27, 2025 start from ¥31,429, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly located?
Situated by the sea, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Steely Rocks Beach, Portarlington Waterfront, and Portarlington Golf Club. Portarlington Ferry Dock and Portarlington Recreation Reserve are also within 2 mi (3 km).
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Sunset Cottage by the Bay, With Fire, Pet Friendly Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 27 reviews
10 - Excellent
19
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 27 reviews
8 - Good
7
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 27 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10
A beautiful cottage that was very clean and comfortable.
Michelle M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10
A delightful cottage, well resourced, great character.
Shirley V.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10
Lovely cottage, was perfect, exactly as picture, had all the comforts of home. Close to beach, perfect spot for a relaxing holiday with my pooch
Marie G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10
This quaint little property was absolutely lovely to stay in, well appointed, lovely personal touches, comfortable and beautifully positioned.
Kathy W.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
10/10
Get little cottage close to town and beach to walk to. Would be wonderful for longer stays, we only stayed 2 nights. The amenities had recently been updated and the shower was wonderful.
Kathrine O.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
8/10
A beautiful little cottage, very clean and comfortable in a peaceful location.
Michelle M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10
Very quaint cottage in a great location. Walking distance to everything and especially good grounds for the fur babies. All in all a great space and location for a laid back holiday.
Emma A.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
10/10
See above
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
10/10
This little cottage is gorgeous and so close to the beach and a short walk to the main street with shops and restaurants. It is probably best suited to couples or adults who want to enjoy a short stay rather than families on an extended stay. Its gorgeous and has everything you need, and my kids loved running around in the yard.
Eleni A.
Stayed 12 nights in Apr 2023
10/10
My dog and I had a delightful stay in peaceful Portarlington. The large yard was a real joy for Daisy, my dog. The bath and open fireplace were for me to enjoy!
Brad J.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022
10/10
The property is quiet and quaint. Has all the amenities you need for a 2 bedder. The fireplace was perfect for a winter getaway. Enclosed yard for the dog, and a 10minute stroll into town. The proximity to the beach is fantastic.
Really enjoyed our stay.
George A.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
6/10
We stayed at this property exactly 12 months ago. Time has not been positive for Sunset Cottage. It is now looking tired and needs some work. Cutlery was very poor, coffee machine was broken, kitchen cupboards needed repair and the grounds are a comparative dust bowl. A bit sad really it it is in a good location
Richard R.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
8/10
Nice place to stay in terms of coziness. Location is reasonably quiet despite being amongst other houses, but not really central to shops, good views or walks. Nice tapware in kitchen and bathroom. Windows and back door flyscreen could do with a clean. The house rules could be phrased more positively.
David M.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10
A immaculately clean two bedroom cottage in a quiet location, just a short walk to the esplanade and the beach. A ten minute walk to town or a quick two minute drive. A great spot to relax on the veranda while our two dogs explored the fully fenced grassed yard who they loved! The cottage is a gem and outstanding value for money. It has everything you need for a short break.
Andrew R.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
10/10
Love the property had lots of character but disappointed when gas bottle run out half way through cooking dinner
Danni M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
8/10
We had a lovely stay during the school holidays. Portarlington was very quiet, and we were only a few minutes walk from the water.
The house was cosy, and was just the right size for two of us and the dog. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony, reading and spending time relaxing.
The yard was perfect for our old dog who was able to wander around the garden and couldn't get out.
We were a little cold at night, and would have liked some more blankets or warmer doonas available.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10
Ben D.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10
Comfortable, clean and in a great location.
Michelle M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10
A lovely cottage, spacious, well-located, with all mod-cons and a well-equipped kitchen. We took a winter break here, were grateful for the good heaters, electric blankets, and fireplace. Overall really nice for a relaxing break.
Linda S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
8/10
Lovely comfy cottage for a weekend away from the city.
Malcolm H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
8/10
The property was very quaint, well decorated and lots of attention to detail- nice teabags , lots of cutlery, lovely hand wash and soaps, fire wood cut ready to use etc.
Would have liked some extra blankets for the bed as the first night we were very cold - needed to keep a heater on.
Great that you can bring pets too. Lots of space.
We had a great time
Michelle R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10
This is a great house, really comfy, near the beach, walking distance from town centre and very dog friendly (unless you have a jumper, the fence is pretty low).
Highly recommend a stay here.
Jane W.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
10/10
Great little seaside cottage in a lovely location. We had a lovely short trip to visit family nearby. Cozy little 2-bedroom house with everything included! Lovely little touches, comfy warm beds, didn't end up bringing our fur baby but a great enclosed yard for anyone wishing to bring yours along. My only suggestion would be regarding the bath/shower - could perhaps require a secure rail to hold onto as quite difficult to get in and out of, especially for someone older. However thank you for allowing us to stay in your house :)
Lara E.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
10/10
This cottage was cosy and comfortable with every amenity required for a week long stay. It is close to the beach and the township. We enjoyed a walk with our dog into Portarlington every day along the walking track next to the beach. We will return.
Jennifer D.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022
8/10
We really enjoyed our stay at this cosy little cottage, that was nice and close to go for morning walks to the beach.
Great fire place , but did have to buy our own wood to get us through.
The bathroom needs some sort of rail in the shower over the bath as hubby slipped, so be careful.
Overall we enjoyed our stay .