The Jetty

The Jetty is a distinctive lakeside venue in Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, combining a year-round café with a seasonal beer garden. Nestled on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin along Queen Elizabeth Terrace, this business offers a relaxed environment where visitors can enjoy coffee, casual meals, and drinks with panoramic water views. The venue operates with a dual concept: a café that serves daily, and a beer garden that opens from Friday to Sunday during the cooler months. This combination makes The Jetty a versatile destination for walkers, families, and groups looking for a waterfront setting in the heart of Canberra.

The café at The Jetty is open from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 7am, and serves Veneziano Roasters Coffee alongside Sonoma Pastries and other local favourites. This makes it a popular morning and early afternoon spot. The beer garden operates from 11am to 5pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering a seasonal outdoor experience where guests can order from a dedicated menu that includes craft beer, chicken wraps, and other casual fare. According to Google Maps data, the venue offers dine-in and takeaway options, but does not provide a delivery service.

Menu Highlights at The Jetty

The Jetty’s food and drink options are split between the café and the beer garden. The café menu focuses on light bites and quality coffee, featuring Veneziano Roasters blends and Sonoma pastries. This makes it an ideal stop for a quick breakfast or a casual lunch. The beer garden introduces a more substantial offering, with items such as the Fricken Chicken and chicken wraps being noted as popular choices in search results. Craft beer is a highlighted beverage, reflecting the venue’s relaxed, outdoor atmosphere. Drinks menus are available online, and the overall price range is reported by customers as moderate, falling between $20 and $40 per person based on 176 reports.

The Lakeside Dining Experience

The atmosphere at The Jetty is frequently described by visitors as fantastic, with a setting that takes full advantage of its position on Lake Burley Griffin. Google Maps reviews consistently mention the pleasant atmosphere, with 38 reviewers specifically highlighting it. One recent review from Christonia Charlandy noted that the service was perfect, food and drinks arrived promptly, and the atmosphere made their event memorable. Another reviewer, Ingo, praised the friendly staff and great beer. The venue has recently expanded its accessibility with a generous pontoon, noted by a customer review, which allows even large groups, such as a dragon boat crew, to moor and enjoy drinks by the waterside.

Reservations and Seating

The Jetty accepts table reservations through an online booking platform, nowbookit.com. This is especially recommended for weekends and special occasions, such as Mother's Day. The venue offers ample outdoor seating in the beer garden and café area, creating a flexible space for both small and large gatherings. Dine-in and takeaway services are available, but guests should note that there is no delivery option.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Jetty holds a 4.4-star rating on Google Maps based on 483 reviews. This high volume of feedback provides a reliable picture of the customer experience. Reviewers frequently praise the combination of good food, excellent beer, and the scenic location. Rod Clarke mentioned that the food was delicious with generous portions after a visit to a nearby attraction. Other feedback themes include the enjoyable live music, the great afternoon ambiance, and the overall value for a waterfront dining experience. While the majority of feedback is positive, potential visitors should be aware that the beer garden is seasonal and operates only on weekends during winter, which may limit options for weekday or evening visits.

The Jetty in the Parkes Lakeside Area

The Jetty is located at Queen Elizabeth Terrace in Parkes, ACT, right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. Its central position places it near several key Canberra attractions, including Questacon, which was mentioned in a customer review as a preceding stop before a satisfying lunch at the restaurant. The area is easily accessible by car, bicycle, and on foot, with public transport options nearby. While specific parking details are not provided, the lakefront location suggests nearby public parking areas. Wheelchair accessibility is not explicitly listed in Maps attributes, but the lakeside pathways are generally accessible.

Hours, Reservations and Contact

Operating hours vary between the café and the beer garden. The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7am, while the beer garden operates Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. The business is closed on Mondays. For bookings, customers can use the online reservation system at nowbookit.com or call the venue directly at +61 2 5121 9745. Email inquiries can be sent to hello@thejettycbr.com. Gift cards are also available for purchase online.

What Sets The Jetty Apart

The Jetty’s unique appeal lies in its dual offering: a daily café and a weekend beer garden, both set directly on Lake Burley Griffin. This is an offering the business itself describes as something you won’t find anywhere else in Canberra. The addition of a pontoon for boat access, live music, and a focus on local products like Veneziano coffee and Sonoma pastries further distinguishes it from a standard bar or café. The venue’s 4.4-star rating and 483 reviews on Google Maps underscore its popularity as a community gathering spot for casual dining and drinks with a view.

Common Questions

What are The Jetty's opening hours?

The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7am. The beer garden opens Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. The venue is closed on Mondays.

Does The Jetty take reservations?

Yes, table reservations can be made online through nowbookit.com, which is linked on The Jetty's website.

Is The Jetty located on the water?

Yes, The Jetty is situated on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Parkes, ACT, with a beer garden and a pontoon for direct water access.

Does The Jetty offer delivery?

No, The Jetty offers dine-in and takeaway services only. Delivery is not available.

What type of food does The Jetty serve?

The café serves coffee, pastries, and light bites. The beer garden menu includes casual fare like chicken wraps, craft beer, and other drinks.

Is The Jetty family-friendly?

The casual, outdoor atmosphere and lakeside location make The Jetty a suitable spot for families. The venue's spacious setting can accommodate groups of various sizes.

Can I buy a gift card for The Jetty?

Yes, gift cards are available for purchase through a dedicated link on The Jetty's website, powered by nowbookit.com.