Settlers Tavern

Settlers Tavern is the bustling pub in the centre of Margaret River, at 114 Bussell Highway, and it keeps two outdoor zones open to well-behaved dogs on leads. Established in 1977 and known locally as The Tav, it is the town's long-running home of live music, so you can catch a band over dinner without leaving the dog in the car.

The dog setup

Dogs on leads are welcome on the front verandah and in the large back courtyard, the beer garden. They are not allowed inside the indoor bar and dining rooms, so pick a verandah or courtyard table when you book. The back courtyard is reached through the tavern during bistro hours. Staff are used to four-legged regulars and often put a water bowl out, but carry a portable one because supply is not guaranteed.

The vibe and the food

The bistro goes well beyond standard pub grub: the steak sandwiches have won awards, there is a proper BBQ smokehouse for slow-smoked ribs, plus parmigiana, burgers, local seafood and vegan options, all backed by a wine list heavy on Margaret River labels and a broad craft beer tap line-up. Live music runs most weeks, including Sunday sessions. The courtyard gets loud and busy on band nights, which suits a social dog but not a nervous one.

Getting there and parking

The tavern sits right in the town centre on Bussell Highway. There is on-site parking, plus street parking along Bussell Highway and the nearby residential streets. Hours are 11am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Nearby with the dogs

The Rotary South Bank River Trail runs close to town for a walk before or after, and the Wadandi Track is a short drive north for a longer stretch of legs. Most Main Street shopfronts allow leashed dogs along the footpath. For more in town, start at the Margaret River destination page or the WA restaurants index.

Max: Grab a verandah table on a quiet weekday if your dog is unsettled by crowds. The courtyard on a live-music night is a lot of noise and movement for a worried dog.

Go midweek or for an early dinner if you want a calmer courtyard. Weekend nights with bands are best for confident, sociable dogs only.