The Stage Door Waterfront Restaurant

The Stage Door Waterfront Restaurant sits on the boardwalk beside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, looking straight out over the Peel-Harvey estuary. It is a cosier, more grown-up waterfront room than the casual strip nearby, and leashed dogs are welcome at the outdoor boardwalk tables that wrap the venue.

The dog setup

Dogs join you in the outdoor boardwalk seating, on a short lead, with the indoor dining rooms off limits. Pick a table on the outer edge so your dog has room to lie down clear of the foot traffic that flows along the foreshore path, and keep it comfortable with passing crowds. Pack a collapsible water bowl to be sure, and check the dog policy when booking a busy sitting.

Max: the boardwalk path runs right past the tables, so a dog that stays put while prams and kids go by will have a much better time.

The vibe

The kitchen covers seafood and modern Australian mains; slow-cooked beef cheeks, calamari, barramundi and pork belly have all featured, with a solid wine and cocktail list and a run of vegetarian and vegan dishes. It trades Wednesday to Saturday from late morning into dinner, with Sunday closing in the afternoon and no Monday or Tuesday service, so check current hours and show times before you go.

Getting there and parking

Public parking runs along Mandurah Terrace and in the car park behind the nearby shops; parking on the eastern side and walking across the boardwalk is often the easiest option with a dog in tow.

Close by with the dogs

The Eastern Foreshore's grassed park a short walk south gives a pre or post-dinner leg-stretch, the estuary boardwalk runs the length of the strip, and Dolphin Quay is a short stroll north. Further options include Oysterbedz out at the marina and Murphy's Irish Pub in town, plus Halls Head Dog Beach for a swim.

More ideas are on the Western Australia dog friendly restaurants guide and the Mandurah destination page.

An early dinner before the evening rush is the calmest window, especially for a dog that would rather not share the boardwalk with a crowd.