Firewater Hotel

The Firewater Hotel is an 1860s building at 173 George Street in central Bathurst, these days running as a bar and restaurant with modern Australian food and a long drinks list. For dog owners the draw is a reported willingness to welcome well-behaved dogs, though the venue publishes no formal pet policy, so this is a call-first stop rather than a guaranteed one.

Dogs at the Firewater

There is no written dog policy to point you at. Reports from patrons describe management being flexible and welcoming toward dogs on a case-by-case basis, but which areas dogs can use is not spelled out anywhere public, and it can shift with functions and busy service. Ring the venue on +61 2 6331 2202 before you head in and confirm where your dog is welcome. Bring a mat or blanket so your dog has a settled spot on the floor, plus your own water bowl, because the room can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights.

Max: no published policy means one thing - phone ahead on +61 2 6331 2202 and ask exactly where the dog can sit before you plan a meal around it.

The place itself

The room keeps its period character: high ceilings, exposed brick and a menu that runs from barramundi and beef tenderloin to Korean fried chicken, with the sticky date pudding a regular mention. Vegetarian, gluten-free and halal options are on the menu, and there is live music on some nights. Note that despite the stay listing, the Firewater operates as a pub and dining room rather than a conventional hotel with bookable rooms, so treat it as a meal or drinks stop and line up overnight accommodation separately.

Getting there

The hotel sits mid-block on George Street in the Bathurst CBD. Street parking is usually findable nearby, though the centre of town tightens up around peak dinner hours. The building is wheelchair accessible.

Close by with the dogs

For an overnight stay with a published dog policy, Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst runs dedicated dog-friendly rooms, and Bathurst Explorers Motel is a budget option close to the centre. Kefford St Off-Leash Dog Park gives your dog a proper run, and Gunthers Lane Cafe covers the morning coffee stop.

More options are on the New South Wales pet friendly stays guide and the Bathurst destination page.