Huskisson Hotel

The Huskisson Hotel, known locally as the Husky Pub, is the coastal pub at 64-66 Owen Street with a big waterfront deck looking straight over Jervis Bay. It is an easy afternoon with a dog after a foreshore walk, and one of the better spots in the Shoalhaven to catch the sunset over the water.

The dog setup

The outdoor Pavilion Terrace and the designated alfresco areas are dog-friendly. Dogs stay on a lead at all times and stay out of the indoor restaurant and bistro. Staff often put out water bowls in the outdoor areas, but carry your own travel bowl on busy summer days when the deck is packed.

Worth knowing

The menu runs to pub classics, fresh South Coast seafood and wood-fired pizza, with the seafood platter and chicken parmigiana among the signatures. There is a separate Waterfront Bar for craft beer, cocktails and local wine, and live music through the busier season. This is a big, popular venue, so expect a crowd on weekends and school holidays and be ready to share your patch of railing view.

Max: Peak season on this deck is shoulder-to-shoulder. If your dog is unsure about crowds and noise, pick a weekday afternoon when the terrace has room to breathe.

Getting there and parking

Street parking on Owen Street is competitive in peak season. The easier option is the large free public car park directly behind the hotel, reached via Sydney Street or Bowen Street, which puts you a short walk from the door.

Close by with the dogs

Huskisson Beach is a short walk, with off-leash access outside the middle-of-day window in peak summer, so check the current council signage. For a proper walk, the Huskisson to Vincentia Shared Path starts nearby, and the village cafes such as Harleys at Husky and Portside Cafe cover the morning-coffee half of the day.

When to go

Weekday lunchtimes are the calmest window for a dog on the terrace. Summer weekends are the pub at full tilt, which is great for the atmosphere and hard work for a dog underfoot.