8 Track Brewery

8 Track Brewery is a husband-and-wife-run craft brewery in the industrial pocket of Ringwood near Heatherdale Station, pouring twelve taps of single-batch and limited-release beers. It is a casual, community-minded room, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden, which makes it an easy post-walk stop on Melbourne's eastern edge.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor beer garden, not inside, and the undercover deck section means rain does not end the plan. Keep them on lead and settled at your table, and check with staff on arrival for the current policy since it can vary on event days. Water bowls are often on hand, but a backup of your own removes the doubt.

The vibe

The tap list is the draw: twelve taps running single-batch and limited-release brews, with tasting paddles for anyone who wants to try the range. Live music lands regularly, and a food-truck rotation covers the kitchen, with gluten-free and vegetarian options in the mix. It is family-friendly by day and fills out when the music starts. Hours run Thursday 4pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 9pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm, closed Monday to Wednesday, so this is a weekend-afternoon venue rather than a weeknight one.

Max: weekend afternoon slot. Paddle on the table, dog at your feet, food truck rolling in. That is the whole assignment.

Getting there and parking

The brewery sits in an industrial stretch close to Heatherdale Road, a short walk from Heatherdale Station and easy to reach via EastLink. On-street parking is usually available in the surrounding streets, and the industrial setting means the footpaths are quiet for a dog.

While you're out there

The Mullum Mullum Reserve creek trails are close by for an on-lead walk beforehand, and the Parkwood Fenced Dog Park a few minutes north gives an off-leash run first.

More options across the city are in the Victoria dog friendly pubs guide, and the suburb's other entries are on the Ringwood destination page.