Boatshed Hallett Cove

Boatshed Hallett Cove is a casual, contemporary restaurant and cafe perched on the clifftop at 1A Heron Way, directly above the beach and boardwalk at Hallett Cove. What sets it apart for dog owners is a dedicated dog menu served out on the outdoor patio, so your leashed dog gets a plate of their own while you both take in the coastline views.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables on the terrace overlooking the water, and the venue runs an actual dog menu rather than just tolerating pets: Puppaccinos with bacon crumbs, warm Puppy Porridge with oats and blueberries, and Oscar's Bolognese. Water bowls are generally provided and staff are accommodating. Keep your dog on a lead and tucked under the table, because the terrace sees a steady stream of walkers and beach-goers coming up from the boardwalk below.

Max: The terrace gets crowded with walkers stopping for a drink or a meal, so keep your dog tucked under the table and be mindful of passing foot traffic.

The vibe

The location is built for watching the sun go down over the water, and the human menu covers the day from breakfast and brunch through to pizza, burgers and seafood, with calamari and arancini among the regular picks. Hours run from 8am daily, with later closes on Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

Getting there and parking

Free parking is available in the adjacent carpark, and the venue is reachable from the top carpark without navigating stairs, which helps if you have a larger dog or a pram alongside. Street parking nearby can fill up on weekends.

Close by with the dogs

The Hallett Cove Boardwalk sits directly below the cafe, and Hallett Cove Conservation Park is close by for a longer walk. Slightly further afield you can head to Glenthorne National Park - Ityamaiitpinna Yarta for trails, or stop in at Annie's Cafe at Christies Beach on another day.

When to go

Arrive early on weekends to secure both a park and a terrace table, or time your visit for late afternoon and catch the sunset over the water with the dog settled at your feet.