The Handlebar

The Handlebar is the cafe and bar at the heart of Stromlo Forest Park on Dave McInnes Road, serving riders, runners and dog walkers who come off the trails looking for solid food and a seat with a view over the Molonglo Valley. It is licensed, casual, and the outdoor area is where dogs go.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the large outdoor seating area, which mixes paved and grassy spaces around the tables, and they stay on lead while you are there. The indoor cafe is humans only. Water bowls are often put out, but bring water anyway if you are planning a long session on the trails. Pick up after your dog and tuck them clear of the bike traffic that flows through the precinct.

Worth knowing about the trails

Stromlo Forest Park rules keep dogs on leash across the whole site, including the fire trails, and dogs are not allowed on the dedicated mountain bike trails at all. Stick to the walking tracks and shared paths with your dog, then let them settle at your table while you eat. The cafe runs a cashless setup, so have your card ready.

The menu

This is proper post-ride food: loaded bacon and egg rolls, gourmet burgers, toasted jaffles and quick snacks, with specialty coffee for mornings and Bentspoke craft beer on tap, canned beer and wine later in the day. Hours shift with the seasons and park events: closed Monday and Tuesday, dinner only Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 8.30pm, Friday from 11am, and long breakfast-to-dinner days on weekends from 8am to 7pm. Check the venue before a public holiday, as hours flex around events at the park.

Getting there and parking

There is abundant free parking in the main lots beside the event pavilion, and you can reach the cafe on foot via the park's walking trails if you are already out there. On-site facilities include restrooms, free Wi-Fi and wheelchair access.

Close by with the dogs

If your dog wants a proper run, the fully fenced Weston Creek Dog Park in Duffy has a double-gate entry and agility gear, a short drive from the forest. EightyTwenty in Coombs is the other dog-friendly cafe stop in this pocket of Weston Creek. More of the area's dog-friendly venues are on the Stromlo destination page, with the full list in the ACT cafes index.