The Oarhouse

The Oarhouse is a relaxed riverside cafe at the end of Milne Street in Bayswater, right next to Riverside Gardens and looking straight out over the Swan River. It has become the natural coffee stop for Perth's off-leash crowd heading to or from the river, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating.

The dog setup

Dogs settle in the outdoor area, which faces the river, and water bowls are typically put out for visiting dogs. Keep your dog on lead while you eat: the tables sit close to open pathways and the riverbank, and the off-leash action next door is for the gardens, not the cafe. With a mix of sunny and shaded spots, there is usually a table to suit on most mornings.

Worth knowing

The menu runs to brunch staples done well, and the cinnamon scroll and the brekky bap are the things regulars order, with cold-pressed juices and acai bowls alongside. Hours are 6am starts, closing 1pm Tuesday to Thursday with Mondays shut, and 2pm close Friday to Sunday. Sunny weekend mornings are the crush, both for tables and for parking.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits at 130 Milne Street, with street parking that gets tight on good-weather mornings when the gardens are busy, and an easy walk along the riverside path from surrounding streets. Riverside Gardens Dog Beach is next door for a swim, and the Riverside Gardens Dog Exercise Area covers the fenced run. The Swan River foreshore path continues well past the gardens for a longer walk. If you want a sit-down brunch backup, The Hatter and the Hare is the other Bayswater favourite.

More of the area's dog-friendly venues are on the Bayswater destination page, with the full list in the WA cafes index.