Burnt Barrel

Burnt Barrel is a low and slow smokehouse on a 120-acre farm at 305 Nanson-Howatharra Road in the Chapman Valley, about 25 minutes from Geraldton, and it makes the most of the setting: dogs are always welcome in the outdoor beer garden and gazebo huts, with rolling hills behind the smokers. Doors open Friday and Saturday from 11am to 4pm and again 6pm to 9pm, and Sunday 11am to 4pm.

The dog setup

Dogs join you across the outdoor areas, from the lawn to the gazebo huts, and water bowls are usually on hand though it is worth confirming on arrival. The leash rule matters more than it does in town: this is a working farm property with kangaroos in the paddocks and friendly farm animals including goats on site, so even a steady dog will find something to stare at. Book ahead and ask specifically for an outside table so staff can seat you and your dog together.

The vibe

Kansas City style barbecue done properly: 16-hour smoked beef brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, pork ribs and pork belly, with feast platters built for sharing. Southern fried chicken comes with chipotle BBQ sauce, and scratch-made sides like mac and cheese and house pickles fill the table out. House brewed craft beers and ginger beer go with weekend BREWBQ sessions, and live music plays regularly, especially on Sunday afternoons.

Getting there and parking

Follow Chapman Valley Road out of Geraldton, then onto Nanson-Howatharra Road; the farm is on the valley's rural stretch. The property has a big free car park with room for cars, caravans and buses, so there is no parking stress at all, just gravel underfoot. It is a destination drive rather than a walk-in venue.

Make a day of it

The valley's scenic drives pair naturally with a long lunch, and Geraldton's beaches are a short drive south for an off-lead run on the way home. In town, Kai Lani Cafe and The Foreshore Hangout Lounge cover other dog friendly meals, and Geraldton Caravan Park is the closest pet friendly stay if you are making a weekend of it.

Max: this is the rare venue where the leash rule is about livestock, not other diners. Keep it short near the goat pens, then let your dog flop on the lawn while the brisket rests.

The Friday and Saturday dinner sessions with live music are the busiest, so the outside tables go first. More of the state is in the Western Australia restaurant listings.