The Gutter Bar

The Gutter Bar is a rustic beach bar at 21 Kooringal Esplanade, on the southern tip of Moreton Island (Mulgumpin). The defining fact for dog owners: it is genuinely dog-friendly in its outdoor seating and garden areas, but reaching it requires a 4WD, boat, or jet ski - this is not a drive-up suburb pub.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating areas and garden surrounds, which are casual and spacious enough for a settled dog beside your table. Keep your dog on-leash and under control to respect other patrons. There is no confirmed on-site water bowl, so bring a portable bowl for the journey.

Known for. Fresh, locally sourced oysters and large, affordable seafood baskets are the standouts, alongside cold beer, wine, and cocktails. The venue also serves as a community hub for the island's southern end, with views out over Day's Gutter.

Getting there and parking. This is the part that decides whether the trip is viable. The only access is by 4WD, boat, or jet ski. From the MICAT barge landing at Tangalooma, expect roughly a 50-minute 4WD drive via Middle Road and the Eastern or Western Beach. The final stretch into Kooringal is tide-dependent, so check tides before travelling - details are on the venue's website. Free street parking is available on Kooringal Esplanade in front of the bar, and the area is a popular anchorage for arriving by boat.

When to go. The bar is open seven days for lunch and drinks, generally closing around 4:30pm, with later closes on weekends - confirm current times before committing to the drive. Plan to arrive for a late lunch, give your dog a short leashed walk on nearby Kooringal Beach beforehand, and time your departure with the outgoing tide so you are not racing the water back up the island.

Sources

• How to Get to The Gutter Bar Kooringal Moreton Island · thegutterbar.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.