The Watermark Townsville

The Watermark runs along The Strand in North Ward with the ocean right in front of it, and it serves nearly everything from 6am to 11pm every day of the week. Seafood is the draw: platters, barramundi, garlic prawns and a seafood mornay that regulars keep coming back for, with lamb shank and steak for anyone who has had enough fish. Dog friendly tables are reported just outside the restaurant on The Strand, a couple of spots set aside rather than a free for all on the footpath.

The dog setup

The venue itself is quiet on dogs, and the local dog friendly guide is the source here: a small number of tables outside the restaurant, off the footpath, where dogs are welcome with their owners. Treat it as reported practice rather than a written policy. Call ahead or ask a staff member to confirm a dog table is free, keep your dog on lead and out of the walkway between tables, and pick a cooler time of day since the Strand sun is unforgiving at midday. Water is worth bringing along in summer because outdoor seating here is open to the weather.

Worth knowing

The menu leans seafood platter territory, so this is a sit down meal rather than a quick coffee, and prices match the view. Live music runs on select nights, which is great for people and worth thinking about for dogs that startle at noise. Parking along The Strand is free but busy on weekend evenings, so arrive early or use the side streets off the foreshore. The Rockwater Marina end of the strip gives you a good on lead walk before or after the meal.

For a leg stretch nearby, National Park Fenced Dog Park in Railway Estate is a short drive away and fully fenced, and the parks in QLD page maps out more off lead options for the trip home. If you want another meal option with a dog, the dog friendly cafes in QLD list is the place to look.