Drift Bar

Drift Bar sits on the headland above Kings Beach, Caloundra, with an undercover deck that looks straight out over the ocean. It is open from breakfast through to late, seven days, and dogs are welcome on the deck and the footpath, so this is one of the easier spots in town to settle in with a coffee or a sunset drink and the dog at your feet.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome on the covered, verandah-style deck and along the footpath out front, not in the indoor bar. The deck is sheltered and shaded, which makes it a comfortable choice on a hot afternoon or when the sea breeze is up. Staff are used to dogs and will usually bring a water bowl, but pack a collapsible one for busy days.

Good to know. The kitchen runs all day, from brunch through burgers and tapas to evening drinks, and there is live music on many weekends, so the deck gets loud and lively after lunch. The Kings Beach views are the draw, so an outdoor table fills fast around sunset.

Getting there. You will find it on the corner of Levuka Avenue and Edmund Street, overlooking Kings Beach. Free street parking runs along the surrounding streets but turns over slowly on summer weekends. It is an easy flat walk from Kings Beach Parklands if you would rather leave the car.

Nearby with the dogs. The Kings Beach boardwalk and the shaded lawns at Kings Beach Parklands are right next door for a pre- or post-meal stroll on lead. For an off-leash run, the Pumicestone Passage end of Golden Beach is a short drive south.

When to go. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are calm and easy with a dog. Come for sunset if you want the view at its best, but expect a crowd and music once the weekend sessions kick off.

Sources

• Drift Bar Caloundra · driftbar.com.au
• A Guide to Dog-Friendly Caloundra, Queensland · trustedhousesitters.com

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