In response to the increasing demand for it, The Hawkesbury has an increasing number of cafes, restaurants and pubs that welcome customers accompanied by their polite pooches.

That’s right, no more of those sad puppy eyes as you leave your best mate at home!

You can check out the full list of eateries (by type) - just look out for the paw print icon to indicate venues that allow leashed hounds. Puppuccino playdate anyone?

Some places even have menu items specially designed for your fido! That’s right, a doggo menu! Some examples include:

The Butlers Pantry is one of our newer eateries at Redbank in North Richmond. The venue takes inspiration from the old farm and country homesteads that once occupied the land, the outdoor dog friendly areas are an inviting space to enjoy a meal. While humans are always satisfied with the tasty breakfast lunch and dinner options, the Café has “pup cups” available, especially for your four-legged friend.

Tractor 828 at Ebenezer has Puppachino's on their K-9 menu, their dog friendly outdoor space has lovely rural views and a killer breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu. Just enter using the gate at the front of the venue (near the tractor) with your furry family member... you cant get much more rural than that! While the Puppachinos get good reviews, the human menu never disappoints either. The seasonal menu highlights lots of local produce and their in house baking (both sweet and savoury delights) makes the visit even more satisfying at any time of day. Make sure you check out the take home meal options and retail goodies too.

The Bank Bar & Café welcomes you to bring your furry friends along to the café garden for a paw-some time where they can indulge in delicious “puppy chinos” and treats while you investigate their human menu. The premises itself is a circa 1880's historic building (previously a bank) sets the scene, the garden offering a unique park like oasis with a heritage feel in the heart of Richmond.

While not all explicitly offering dog friendly menus, some of the other local pet friendly favourites include, but aren’t limited to…

The Royal Richmond Hotel – the outdoor section of the venue has its K9 regulars.

The Shed Bar & Eatery at Enniskillen Orchard –The balcony overlooking the family-owned orchard is a view both people and puppies love.

The Macquarie Park Boathouse Cafe is a great option to “go walkies” along the riverside parks before or after a seafood treat.

The backyards at the Settlers Arms Hotel and the Wisemans Ferry Inn make a great day trip drive for families with a pooch.

Our famous Cider sheds, both Bilpin Cider and Hillbilly Cider are also favourite pet friendly destinations.

Of course, all locations have their site-specific rules and usually set areas that our four-legged friends can accompany their human companions. Keep in mind there is some simple etiquette around the privilege of pet friendly dining.

Do’s

• Check with the location on their guidelines with pets on your arrival. This may be using a side entrance or sticking to a set area within the premises.
• Seek permission before allowing your dog to interact with other dogs or people. Not everyone is comfortable with dogs, and it’s essential to respect their space.
• Make sure your dog is leashed, under control, healthy and not over excited. Some locations may have farm animals on location or in sight, ensure you pooch wont get of leash and chase.
• Ensure your dog is not hungry and is unlikely to be tempted by passing plates.
• Bring along a small dog mat, bowl treats toys or items to make your pooch more content.
• Make sure grooming is up to scratch and your dog not prone to making periodic smells.
• Show appreciation of establishments that embrace pet-friendly policies.

Don’ts

• Don’t seat your dog on a chair at the table. Some venues may welcome you to do this, but many don’t appreciate it, so check first if it’s a must do.
• Don't use the house cutlery, crockery, or glassware to feed or water your dog unless provided specifically for pet use.
• Don’t take it amiss if diners don’t want to be near your dog.

Spend some family time with the entire family discovering the Hawkesbury, with pet friendly options you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home.

If you’d like to stay a while longer, consider staying at the pet friendly accommodation in the region.

Pet friendly accommodation providers in the Hawkesbury have a pawprint icon on their listings here.

We welcome you to call into the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre or get in contact if you require any further information to plan your visit.