Pavilion Geelong

Pavilion sits right on the Eastern Beach promenade, looking straight across the Sea Baths and Corio Bay, and the draw for dog owners is simple: the undercover deck out front is an easy on-leash stop straight off the waterfront walk. It is a busy, casual cafe where the position does the heavy lifting.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor, umbrella-covered deck seating; indoor dining is people-only, so plan to sit outside. Staff are used to dogs passing through and have been known to hand out a small treat. Bring your own water bowl on busier days rather than counting on one, and keep your dog settled given the promenade foot traffic.

Worth knowing

The pull here is the position rather than fine dining: the deck has direct, uninterrupted views of the Sea Baths, and the menu covers the cafe basics plus fish and chips and a kids' menu. The whole Geelong waterfront precinct is strictly on-leash for dogs, including the Baywalk Bollards path, so this is a walk-stop rather than an off-lead destination. Hours run 6:30am to 4pm daily.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is on the lower promenade off Western Beach Road. Metered parking runs along the waterfront and the Eastern Beach car parks are a short walk; it is easiest reached on foot along the paved boardwalk from the CBD or the carousel end.

Close by with the dogs

The Eastern Beach promenade runs right past the door for an on-lead stroll, and the Eastern Gardens climb is a short walk up the hill. Sailors' Rest and Sole Waterfront Cafe offer more dog-friendly tables along the same stretch, and the Barwon River trail is a short drive over the bridge for a longer walk.

More Geelong picks are on the Geelong destination page.