Bellbrae Harvest

Bellbrae Harvest is a rustic mud-brick cafe, restaurant and function estate at 45 Portreath Road, Bellbrae, about ten minutes inland from Torquay and five minutes off the Great Ocean Road. The Dragonfly Cafe at its centre serves a country-style menu of seasonal food, coffee, wine and cheese, and the outdoor courtyard and deck seating are where dogs can join you - this is a drive-out-and-settle-in kind of stop rather than a quick coffee.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor deck and courtyard tables, which look over the property's dam and gardens. There is no confirmed indoor access for dogs, so plan on outdoor seating whatever the weather, and bring your own water bowl. The grounds have resident geese and other wildlife, so keep the lead on and your dog close to the table. If you were thinking of an overnight stay too, note that pets are not accepted inside the on-site Serenity Studios rooms - the dog policy covers the cafe's outdoor areas only.

The vibe

The estate is built around a rustic mud-brick building with a fireplace, lily pond and vine-draped terraces, and it doubles as a popular boutique wedding venue. That gives it a quieter, more country pace than a beachside cafe, with ceremonies and receptions filling weekends through the warmer months.

Getting there and parking

From Torquay, head inland on fee-free country roads for about ten minutes; on-site parking is free and close to the cafe. Hours vary seasonally, so call or text 0438 662 090 before you drive out, and use the same call to confirm dog seating is open the day you visit.

Max: Weekend weddings take over this place in season. A weekday lunch with your dog at a courtyard table is the calm way to do it.

Close by with the dogs

Back in Torquay, Bayaroma Cafe keeps dogs at its outdoor tables, and 4 Pines X Boardriders pours on the surf club strip. If you are making a weekend of the Surf Coast, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Torquay accepts pets on its caravan and camping sites.

Check more of the coast via the dog-friendly restaurants in VIC listing or plan around Bellbrae itself.