Odyssey on the Strand

Odyssey on the Strand sits right on the water at 120 The Strand in North Ward, serving a Mediterranean and Greek-influenced menu with Magnetic Island across the bay. For dog owners the pitch is simple: it is on the Strand walking path, so it works as a breakfast or lunch stop in the middle of a beach-side walk with the dog.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables along the front of the venue, on lead. Indoors is people only. The catch is that dog-friendly tables are a limited part of the outdoor area, so on busy Sunday mornings they can be gone early. Book ahead and mention the dog when you do, or aim for a weekday or early sitting. Water bowls are usually around, but bring your own on hot Townsville days.

The vibe and the menu

Doors open at 6am every day, and the menu runs from loaded omelettes and big breakfasts into gyros, Mediterranean salads, seafood and sharing platters, with Greek coffee on the drinks list and a full bar for later sittings. Portions are generous and the views are the reason people keep coming back, though weekends can mean a wait. Expect a relaxed, breezy, holiday-at-home feel.

Getting there and parking

The Strand runs along the North Ward foreshore with street parking along the front and side streets, though it fills quickly on weekend mornings. Access is flat and easy straight off the Strand path, so you can arrive on foot with the dog from anywhere along the waterfront.

Other North Ward coffee stops with dogs welcome include Juliette's and Chubby Magpie Coffee Roasters, both close by.

More of the area's dog-friendly venues are on the North Ward destination page, with the full state list in the Queensland cafes index.