Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers

22nd January 2021 | Eativity editors

For those of you who’ve planned ahead right, you’ve taken next Monday off work so you can enjoy an extra-long Australia Day weekend. Smart move. If you’re hitting the highway for a spot of road-tripping, you’re probably already planning where to stop for lunch. However, if you’re one of the 5 million+ Aussies who own a dog, you might also be feeling a tad guilty about having to leave your pooch behind. But who says they can’t come with you? Shake off that pet-related penitence and check out this list of dog-friendly cafes and restaurants around Australia that welcome both two-legged and four-legged guests, which has been compiled by the hound-loving heroes at Toyota Australia. Now you can take Rover along for the ride, and share a reviving puppacino when you take a break.

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
“I’ll have the smashed avocado and a copy of the Financial Review, thanks.”

VICTORIA

The Boardwalk Bendigo

Dogs are welcome in this cafe in Bendigo. The team at Boardwalk love dogs and you can hang out with your furry friend in the large outdoor, dog-friendly deck that overlooks Lake Weeroona. The surrounding parkland is also a popular spot for walkies.

28 Nolan Street, Bendigo

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
The face that launched a thousand pats.

Wombat Hill House

A beautiful dog-friendly cafe located within Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in spa town Daylesford has a fully covered and light outdoor area that lets you bring the pooch. They’re also allowed in the surrounding botanic gardens if they’re in need of a bit of exercise.

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
“Nice floral notes, but it needs more bacon bits.”

QUEENSLAND

Burrow

Burrow is a cosy and dog-friendly nook in the heart of Toowoomba that serves all-day breakfast, coffee and free cuddles for your four-legged friends. They have a comfy grassed backyard if your pup would like to stretch out in the sun or play with other pooches.

117a Bridge Street, East Toowoomba

Murrays Cafe
“Is this treat gluten free?”

Murrays Cafe

In the coastal town of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast you’ll find pet-friendly cafe Murray. They have the best freshly baked muesli cookies and Picasso coffee, and they even have a dog menu so you can brunch with your two-legged bestie.

1/78 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore

Cafe Inu
Who’s a good boy? Bear is.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Café Inu

Dogs are welcome at Café Inu in Carrington, just outside of Newcastle, if you’re planning a road trip up the coast. They have ample outdoor seating areas for your dog to stretch out. “Inu” means “dog” in Japanese, and the cafe even has its own in-house pooch called Bear, who is adorable. There are doggy treats such as kangaroo jerky available to buy, and dogs can wander around any part of the cafe – inside or out.

43 Denison St, Carrington

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
“And then I said, ‘Chase your own damn ball’.”

The Winery

A romantic getaway awaits in this tranquil, leafy winery in Surry Hills. You can wine, dine and not leave your pet behind. Just stick to a responsible amount of vino if you’re driving.

285a Crown St, Surry Hills

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
“I thought you said there’d be food.”

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Propeller

Propeller is a hip cafe in North Fremantle where you can get away for the day with your fur buddy. They have a large, grassy outdoor area where dogs can frolic while you sip coffee.

222 Queen Victoria Street, North Fremantle

Slate Cafe
May your coffee be strong, and your weekend long.

Slate Cafe

One of the most popular dog-friendly locations in Bennett Springs. They have both indoor and outdoor playground for kids and furry friends, as well as large grassed picnic area.

4 Dulwich Street, Bennett Springs

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
Winston approves of your milk foaming techniques.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Drummer Boy Cafe

Drummer Boy uses free-range eggs and biodynamic dairy and composts all its food waste. Order a puppaccino for Fido and cappuccino for you, then take some of the cafe’s coffee grounds with you to use in your worm farm when you get home. Win-win-win.

132 St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
So many dogs, so little time. Better make it a long lunch.

The Local Wine Co.

Friendly dogs are warmly welcome in The Local Wine Co wine garden. And yes, they do serve water to your fur babies in case they don’t feel like shiraz.

165A King William Road, Hyde Park

Two Before Ten
“Of course, you know I was on the cover of Dogue last month.”

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Two Before Ten

This beautiful dog-friendly cafe with the best coffee in town welcomes you and your four-legged family member. They provide water bowls, coffee sack dog blankets and two pet-friendly outdoor seating options.

68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda

The Pedlar
“Excuse me, sir, we’re going to have to see some ID.”

The Pedlar

The Pedlar describes itself as a dog-friendly pub that provides breakfast, lunch and drinks and dinner. Plus, they’re open from 7am, in case you want to get a caffeine hit in early.

65 Constitution Ave, Campbell

Room For A Pony
Have you seen this dog? Because he’s adorable.

TASMANIA

Room For A Pony

If they’ve got enough room for a pony, then they’ll definitely have room for your dog, even if it’s a Great Dane wearing stilettos. Try the woodfired pizza, along with a nice drop of Tassie wine in the generous alfresco space.  

338 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

The cat will mew, and the dog will have his day.

Hamlet Café + Community

Hamlet is a social establishment that employs disadvantaged workers. They’re tackling unemployment the tasty way! It’s located just outside the Hobart Rivulet Linear Corridor Park, which makes it a great place for dogs. Take a walk before popping in for a meal.

40 Molle Street, Hobart

Have a great weekend, everyone. Woof!

Dog-friendly dining for road-trippers
All food must go to the lab for testing.