Hedy's Bistro

Hedy's Bistro is the waterfront bistro at the Heads Hotel at 51 River Road, Shoalhaven Heads, with the front terrace looking straight out over the Shoalhaven River. It is a casual pub feed rather than fine dining, and the terrace is where dogs are welcome, which makes it an easy stop after a beach or river walk on the South Coast.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor terrace and seating areas overlooking the river, not inside the bistro or bar proper. The terrace is covered, so a patch of drizzle or midday sun does not end the plan, but weekend sessions fill, so grab an outside table early or book. Staff are used to dogs beside tables, water bowls are typically set out around the outdoor areas, and keep your dog leashed and under control throughout. If you want to make a night of it, the hotel also runs pet-friendly rooms, which is rare for a village pub.

Worth knowing

The menu runs to pub classics done properly: steaks from locally sourced, butchered cuts, fresh local seafood, and the salt and pepper squid and pork ribs that regulars order, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options covered. The kitchen serves lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, seven days. Sunday live music and kids' face painting on event days make it a family crowd, so a settled dog fits right in. Takeaway orders are placed in person only.

Getting there and parking

Shoalhaven Heads sits at the southern entrance to the Shoalhaven River, about 15 minutes' drive east of Nowra and a similar run north from Gerroa. The hotel fronts the main waterfront strip on River Road, with street parking directly out front and the caravan parks within walking distance.

Close by with the dogs

Before lunch, the Shoalhaven Heads off-leash dog park and the Gaffer Atlas Dog Park both give a dog a proper run, and the riverfront road is a pleasant leashed stroll. Overnight, the Shoalhaven Heads Hotel takes dogs in its rooms. Across the river mouth, The Little Snapper at Culburra Beach is the other South Coast feed worth a drive.

More of the coast: NSW restaurants and Shoalhaven Heads.