Tonic by the Bay: Menu, Reviews, Happy Hour & Dog Policy

There’s something about a beachside restaurant that feels like a small reward at the end of a long week, and Tonic by the Bay, opened in late 2021 on the Broadwater strip, has quickly become that spot for Busselton locals and visitors alike — a place where the coffee flows from 8am and the evening crowd stretches late into the night. This guide walks through the menu, reviews, location details, happy hour, and dog policy so you can decide if it’s worth your next outing.

Established: Late 2021 ·
Location: Broadwater, Busselton WA ·
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 / 5 ·
Opening Hours: 8am – late, 7 days ·
Cuisine: Contemporary Australian ·
Dog Friendly: Yes (outdoor seating)

Six key facts about Tonic by the Bay, one pattern: the restaurant blends a relaxed beach vibe with a surprisingly ambitious menu.

What is on the Tonic by the Bay menu?

Breakfast and brunch offerings

• Breakfast served from 8am; includes classic eggs, bacon, and specialty items like breakfast crab eggs (Australian Good Food Guide)
• House-made pastries and fresh coffee from an on-site barista (Margaret River Region)

Lunch and dinner options

• Best known for fish and chips, market fish, pizzas, and Sunday roast (Australian Good Food Guide)
• Seasonal dishes such as ramen in winter and Thursday curry night (Australian Good Food Guide)
• Family-friendly menu with options for all ages (Australian Good Food Guide)

Drinks and cocktail menu

• Wide range of beers, wines, and signature espresso martinis (Tonic By The Bay official menu)
• Good beer on tap, including local craft options (Australian Good Food Guide)

Happy hour specials

• While official happy hour times are not listed, promotional posts suggest drink specials during after-work hours (Facebook)
• Espresso martinis are often featured as a discounted item (official menu)

The trade-off: the menu is broad enough to please most parties, but the lack of visible pricing means you’ll need to ask or check the board for daily specials.

What are the reviews of Tonic by the Bay?

Positive highlights from customers

• “Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. A must visit in Busselton.” — Tripadvisor reviewer, March 2024 (Tripadvisor)
• “Consistently great food, cheerful staff, best beer garden in the South West.” — Tripadvisor reviewer (Tripadvisor Hong Kong)
• Steak night receives particular praise for quality and portion size (Australian Good Food Guide)

Common criticisms

• Some diners report average food quality on certain visits despite the lovely location (Tripadvisor)
• Occasional wait times during peak hours have been noted (Tripadvisor Hong Kong)

Tripadvisor rating and breakdown

• Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 based on multiple reviews (Tripadvisor)
• High marks for service, atmosphere, and coffee; mixed feedback on food consistency

The pattern: Tonic’s location and service consistently win praise, but the food experience can vary. For a casual night out the trade-off is acceptable; for a special dinner you may want to check recent reviews first.

Where is Tonic by the Bay located?

Address and directions from Busselton

• Address: 11 Holgate Rd, Busselton WA 6280, near Geographe Bay (Australian Good Food Guide)
• 10 minutes by car from Busselton town centre (Margaret River Region)
• 15 minutes from Dunsborough (Margaret River Region)

Parking availability

• Ample on-site parking available (Australian Good Food Guide)
• Additional street parking nearby

Proximity to other landmarks

• Beachside location just steps from the white sands of Geographe Bay (Margaret River Region)
• Short drive to Busselton Jetty and the CBD

Why this matters: the location is a clear draw for post-beach drinks and meals, especially during the warmer months when the outdoor seating fills up.

What are the Happy Hour times at Tonic by the Bay?

Days and hours of happy hour

• Official happy hour times are not published on the website or major listings (Australian Good Food Guide confirms lack of times)
• Specials are often announced on the day via Facebook (Facebook page)

Discounted drinks and specials

• Espresso martinis are a featured drink during promotional hours (official menu)
• Beer and wine specials may apply but are not confirmed

Extended hours during long weekends

• “Rise and shine! Tonic by the Bay is open from 8am all long weekend” — Facebook post (Facebook)
• Suggest extended opening or specials on public holidays

The catch: if happy hour is your priority, follow their Facebook page — the information there is more timely than the official site.

Is Tonic by the Bay dog friendly?

Policy on dogs

• No official policy stated on the website (official site is silent)
• Multiple social media posts and customer reviews confirm dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio (Facebook)

Outdoor seating for pet owners

• Outdoor beer garden and patio areas accommodate dogs (Tripadvisor Hong Kong)
• Water bowls provided according to customer reviews (Tripadvisor)

Amenities provided

• Water bowls and space for dogs to sit near tables (Tripadvisor)
• No dedicated dog menu but staff are reportedly accommodating

The pattern: Tonic is effectively dog friendly even without an explicit policy. The outdoor setting makes it a practical choice for pet owners, but indoor dining with a dog is unlikely.

Tonic by the Bay has carved out a loyal following by delivering a reliable beachside experience with a broad menu and a genuinely warm welcome for dogs. For Busselton locals looking for a consistent weekend brunch spot, the choice is clear: head to the Broadwater, grab an outdoor table, and let the coastal breeze do the rest.

Related reading: Peppermint Grove Beach: Swimming, Activities & Property Guide · WA Public Holidays 2025: Full List, Dates and Calendar

Frequently asked questions