Blackman's Brewery Bar and Restaurant

Blackman's Brewery Bar and Restaurant is an independent brewery on Bell Street in central Torquay, about 500 metres from the beach, and the beer garden is genuinely set up for dogs. For a surf-coast day with the dog along, it covers the serious end of the outing: proper craft beer brewed on site, wood-fired pizza, and room for a leashed dog to settle while you work through a paddle.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden and exterior seating, reached via the side entries rather than through the indoor restaurant, which stays pet-free under Victorian health rules. Water bowls are usually around, and the crowd is largely local dog owners anyway, so a well-behaved leashed dog fits right in. The garden fills on sunny weekends, so a weekday visit or an edge table makes life easier for a dog that dislikes foot traffic.

The vibe

The core range covers crisp XPA styles alongside seasonal rotations, and the kitchen turns out hand-stretched wood-fired pizzas from margherita to spicy chorizo, plus burgers and fish tacos. Live music runs regularly and the atmosphere is casual and communal, family-friendly but loud enough that a relaxed dog is not out of place. Hours run Wednesday to Sunday from midday, closed Monday and Tuesday.

Getting there and parking

Find it at 26 Bell Street, Torquay, an easy walk from the central shops and a short stroll from the foreshore. Street parking runs along Bell Street and the side streets, though it tightens noticeably through summer peak.

Close by with the dogs

Whites Beach allows dogs off-lead at all times under Surf Coast Shire rules, and Fishermans Beach has time-share restrictions you should check on the signage at the beach entry. The Surf Coast Walk from Point Danger to Bird Rock makes a proper on-lead leg-stretch, and if you are stacking stops, 4 Pines x Boardriders and Gypsy Burger are other dog-tolerant eats in town. The Jan Juc dog beach is a short drive along the coast.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly restaurants guide and the Torquay destination guide.

Max: Pizza crusts, a sunny patch of garden, and the whole Surf Coast smell drifting over the fence. Book me in for summer.