Forktree Brewing

Forktree Brewing is a brewery and restaurant set in a restored shearing shed at 935 Forktree Road, Carrickalinga, on the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide. In-house craft beers and ciders pour against views over the hills to the coast, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden, which makes it the natural lunch stop after a beach session at Carrickalinga or Normanville.

The dog setup

Dogs are allowed in the downstairs beer garden and outdoor area only; indoors is a no. The garden is uncovered, so check the forecast before you book, because it is the only dog-friendly space on the property. Note on your reservation that you are bringing a dog, since weekend tables fill fast, and confirm the water bowl situation on arrival rather than assuming.

Worth knowing

The kitchen does pub staples built around pizza, burgers, steak sandwiches, ribs and vegetarian options, with local wines alongside the house beers and ciders. Hours run 11am to 9pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm Sunday, closed the first three days of the week. Bookings are recommended on weekends, especially through summer.

Getting there and parking

Forktree Road climbs inland from the coast road between Normanville and Carrickalinga; the drive from Normanville is only a few minutes and on-site parking is available at the shed.

Close by with the dogs

Beach time pairs well here. Under District Council of Yankalilla rules, dogs run off-lead on Normanville Beach from 200 metres north of the jetty south to the Carrickalinga River estuary, with on-lead zones around the jetty and summer time restrictions on Carrickalinga itself, so check signage. Hooded plover nesting areas can also close sections seasonally. For another stop on the loop, Port Willy Kiosk at Port Willunga and Ressies Cafe at Myponga are both within a short drive.

More options are on the SA dog friendly restaurants guide and the Carrickalinga destination page.

Max: the dog-friendly beer garden is uncovered, so if rain is forecast pack a coat for both of you or book another day.