Oyster Cove Inn

The Oyster Cove Inn is an 1890s waterfront hotel on Ferry Road in Kettering, sitting right beside the Bruny Island ferry terminal with the marina at its doorstep. For dog owners the deal is specific: the deck and beer garden are open to leashed dogs, the bistro and indoor dining are not, and the accommodation rooms do not take pets. It is a brilliant meal-and-ferry stop, not an overnight dog base.

Dogs at the Oyster Cove Inn

Dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck, in the beer garden and on the surrounding lawn, which is where most of the inn's appeal lives anyway, especially in warm weather. Leads stay on in the outdoor seating and parking areas, and dogs stay out of the bistro and indoor dining room. No pet fee applies because pets are not accepted in the guest rooms. If you are travelling with a self-contained motorhome or caravan, the property offers free 24-hour overnight parking where the dog stays with the rig rather than the room.

If you were hoping for a room with the dog, phone ahead on +61 3 6267 4446 to confirm the current policy before writing it off entirely, but plan on the deck being the dog-friendly part.

Max: Don't assume the deck rules extend to the rooms. Call first; the deck is lovely, but a night in the car is not a plan.

The place

The inn trades on fresh Tasmanian seafood, flathead above all, served from a classic pub kitchen. The deck looks across Kettering Marina to the ferry terminal, boats drift past, and a fireplace handles the interior through winter. Check-in runs from 1pm with 10am check-out, rooms are straightforward pub style, some with marina views, and the kitchen closes early by mainland standards. Service gets steady marks for patience, even at peak ferry times.

While you're out there

The location is the point: park, eat, walk the dog along the water, and roll onto the Bruny ferry. If you have a spare hour, Margate ten minutes north covers the dog agenda well: Clarks Beach for a swim, Dru Point Fenced Dog Park for a proper run, and Appelflap Cafe for coffee.

If you need a room that genuinely takes the dog, Waterview Gardens B&B in Margate is a pet-accepting option nearby. See more pet friendly stays in Tasmania or browse dog friendly Kettering.