Dudley's

Dudley's takes the corner on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road with a big cottage dining room and, for dog owners, the outdoor marquee and courtyard seating that visitors report as the dog friendly zones. Reports also mention blankets for outdoor diners, which tells you exactly what kind of venue this is: mountain weather proof and built for lingering. The arrangement comes from patron reports rather than a published policy, so flag the marquee when booking and confirm the dog spot on arrival.

The dog setup

The kitchen runs wood fired pizzas, chicken parma and sweet potato chips, with scones and devonshire tea in the daytime window and a vegan menu so mixed groups eat well. Doors open midday Monday through Friday and 11:30am on weekends, closing from 8pm to 8:30pm depending on the day, so a weekend lunch in the courtyard is the natural dog slot, with the fireplace pulling the crowd indoors when it turns cold. The marquee holds heat better than the open courtyard tables, which is the difference between a comfortable winter lunch and a rushed one with a dog on your feet.

Close by with the dogs

Olinda keeps the day moving. The Mathias Walking Track is the leashed forest walk before lunch, and Citrine Bistro & Bar is the alternative table if your group wants a second dinner booking. If the outing becomes a weekend, Billabong Falls keeps the dog welcome overnight.

Parking runs along Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and the side streets behind the venue, and the road narrows with the tourist traffic on weekends so arrive before midday with a dog. The Olinda village strip is a two minute drive if you want coffee before or after. The Olinda destination page gathers the suburb's dog friendly tables and walks, and the Victoria restaurants guide covers the wider state.