Rocky Gardens Cafe

Rocky Gardens Cafe sits on Shearwater Blvd in the heart of Shearwater, TAS, serving up Toby's Estate coffee and home-made fudge from 6 AM on weekdays. The drawcard for dog owners: dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area on lead, and the kitchen will sort your dog out with a doggiecino.

The dog setup. Dogs are permitted at the outdoor tables only, and must remain on a lead at all times. Staff are known to be welcoming to dogs and have offered pup cups on request. Some outdoor tables have umbrella holes, so you may be able to grab a shaded spot depending on availability.

Good to know. The menu leans towards breakfast and lunch favourites: scones, avocado toast, and bacon croissants, with home-made jams, sauces, and fudge made on-site. Open Mon-Fri 6 AM to 3 PM, and 8 AM to 3 PM on weekends.

Getting there and parking. Free street parking is readily available directly in front of the cafe on Shearwater Blvd, with easy, flat access to the outdoor seating area.

Nearby with the dogs. Hawley Beach and Port Sorell Beach are minutes away for off-lead exercise, but check local signage for times. The coastal pathways along the Shearwater Esplanade are right there too. If you are staying in the area, Hawley House and Banksia are both dog-friendly options, or you can stretch the legs at the Panatana Rivulet Footbridge.

Aim for an early weekday visit if you want a quieter table with a better shot at umbrella shade.

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.