Lighthouse Pub

The Lighthouse Pub sits right on the Lake Ginninderra foreshore at 2/80 Emu Bank in Belconnen, and the sunny lakeside beer garden is the reason to bring the dog. It is a casual, busy pub whose outdoor area connects straight onto the lake walking loop, so the pre-lunch lap and the post-lunch pint work as one outing.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome across the outdoor beer garden and semi-covered patio, on lead and settled beside the table. Inside is people only, apart from assistance dogs. Staff are generally happy to bring out a water bowl, but pack a collapsible one so you are covered when the garden is busy.

The vibe

The draw is a waterfront garden table for a drink or a meal after a lap of the lake, with pub classics like schnitzel and chicken parmi and a run of midweek deals. The venue also runs trivia nights, live music and big-screen sport, so event nights get loud and full; a noise-tolerant dog has the advantage.

Pepsi: a garden table with lake views and a schnitzel on the way is the whole afternoon sorted. Just get in before the Saturday sun does.

Getting there and parking

It is on Emu Bank in the Belconnen town centre, with public parking around the precinct including two hours free nearby. That parking fills fast on sunny weekends, so arrive early enough to get a shaded spot where your dog can settle.

Pair it with

The pub joins the shared paths of the Lake Ginninderra Loop Trail, and the Lake Ginninderra Dog Park gives an off-leash session before lunch. Cafe2617 covers the morning coffee end of the lake, and Abode Belconnen is the nearby stay for travelling owners.

More choices are on the ACT dog friendly pubs guide and the Belconnen destination page.