The 23 best pet-friendly cafes in Australia

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Slurp up a morning brew alongside your furry companion with a pet-friendly cafe in your nearest capital city.

Coffee and contemplation – an AM prerequisite for almost every Aussie. If you’re a fur parent, devoted to sharing life’s sweetest moments with your buddy, caffeine pit stops are also a great opportunity to get your pet out of the house. Presenting the ultimate list of pet-friendly cafes to help you and your beloved unwind in comfort right around Australia.

Featuring sprawling grounds (with plenty of sniffs), pet-friendly treats (a puppaccino, perhaps?) and silky-smooth human-only brews, these must-visits are made for you and your boo.

Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Canberra | Adelaide | Perth | Hobart | Darwin

Pet-friendly cafes in Sydney, NSW

Naked Brew

Treat your pooch to their very own ‘Doggie Menu’ at Naked Brew  in Sydney’s inner west.

Puppy at Naked Brew in Sydney
Naked Brew has al fresco tables to dine with your pooch.

Home to the city’s cult doggie donut, made with unsalted peanut butter and chicken stock plus yoghurt frosting, ice cream, waffle and smoothie, each exclusively finessed for pups, it’s a pet-friendly cafe with all the bells and whistles.

cookies and doggie donut treats in jars at Naked Brew, Sydney
Spy the jar of doggie donut treats at Naked Brew.

Address: 110 Swanson Street, Erskineville, NSW

Centennial Homestead

Grab a table on Centennial Homestead ’s massive deck, or a comfy couch on the lush grass, for serene views of Centennial Park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

people dining at Centennial Homestead with plenty of seats outside
Centennial Homestead is spacious enough to accommodate guests with their fur babies.

It’s also located across the road from the park’s off-leash area, so you can get their exercise in during a single visit.

Water bowls within the pet-friendly cafe’s ‘puppy parking’ lot out front are also super convenient.

dogs eating from bowl at Centennial Homestead in Sydney, NSW
Centennial Homestead has puppy parking out front.

Address: 1 Grand Drive, Centennial Park, NSW

Lost and Found

Sucker for high tea? Give your pampered pal the ultimate day out at Lost and Found . The team put on a ‘Doggy High Tea’, priced at $45 per pet, every Sunday when you order their human version.

a spread of food on the table at Lost and Found cafe, North Sydney
Dine on excellent fare at Lost and Found.

While yours includes typical tiny sandwiches and pastries, theirs arrives in equally extravagant fashion, decked out with pet-friendly garnishes and whipped with safe ingredients to satisfy delicate bellies.

two dogs enjoying the doggy high tea at Lost and Found cafe, North Sydney
Bring your pup to elevate your high tea experience.

Address: 223 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW

Pet-friendly cafes in Melbourne, Vic

Bellboy Cafe

Munch on New York-inspired bagels while your furry friend laps up puppaccinos and dehydrated treats at Bellboy Cafe .

people dining inside Bellboy Cafe in Melbourne, Vic
Bellboy Cafe is light and airy with floor-to-ceiling glass. (Image: Julian Lallo)

Melbourne’s top inner-city pet-friendly cafe is fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass so it’s plenty light and airy inside, but while you’re seated outside with your pal, you’re in good proximity to the Instagram-friendly dog kennel to help make memories of your visit.

brunch dishes on the table at Bellboy Cafe in Melbourne, Vic
Enjoy brunch all day at Bellboy Cafe.

Address: 131 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, Vic

Fourth Chapter

Treat your bestie to peanut butter on toast or freshly baked doggie biscuits at Fourth Chapter  on High Street (recently named the coolest street in the world) in trendy Prahran.

people dining al fresco at Fourth Chapter cafe, Prahran
Pull up a chair in the cosy courtyard at Fourth Chapter.

An awesome human menu spans healthy breakfast and lunch bowls, American-style comfort food and generously prepared cafe classics including the big brekkie, smashed avo and bacon and egg roll. Keep your pet on a leash and grab a seat on the sidewalk or in the cosy courtyard.

burger and fries at Fourth Chapter cafe, Prahran
Dine on generous serves.

Address: 385 High Street, Prahran, Vic

Pet-friendly cafes in Brisbane, Qld

Snag & Brown

Venture south about 15 minutes on road from Brisbane’s CBD to take advantage of Snag & Brown ’s very own, albeit small, dog park.

the cafe exterior of Snag & Brown, Brisbane
Snag & Brown is the perfect pet-friendly cafe for your furry friend.

The pet-friendly cafe dishes up puppaccinos in wide, low-rise bowls (a genius move for doggos) and invites off-leash frolicking within the park, so it’s a perfect morning out for your furry friend. We humans can choose from a menu of all-day breakfast classics and sweet treats.

a pup on leash sitting on the floor at Snag & Brown, Brisbane
Pups are welcome to explore the doggie park off-leash.

Address: 97 Ekibin Road, Annerley, Qld

St Coco Cafe

St Coco Cafe ’s contemporary fit out, complete with a pet-friendly al fresco space dotted with picnic tables and retro-print umbrellas, unleashes a very chilled morning out in suburban Brissie.

a dog barely reaches over a jar of treats at the counter of St Coco Cafe
Your doggo won’t be able to resist the treats at St Coco Cafe.

Plus, your fur baby’s forever-rumbling belly is (momentarily) sorted as doggie ice cream and puppaccinos beg to be indulged in.

a dog poses in front of St Coco Cafe
St Coco Cafe is a place for pet lovers.

Address: Shop 8B 3-5 Cupania Street, Daisy Hill, Qld

Little Black Pug Cafe

Soak up the city’s year-round sunshine with an outdoor table at Little Black Pug Cafe  in the southern suburbs of Brisbane.

an illustration of a black pug near the door of Little Black Pug Cafe
Little Black Pug Cafe is hard to miss. (Image: Toby’s Estate)

The pet-friendly cafe loads up smashing sweet and savoury favourites as well as doggie meatballs made with grain-free beef and vegetables, plus a ‘Puggy-cino’ in honour of the team’s adorable namesake muse, Bowie.

a plate of pancakes with sliced fruits at Little Black Pug Cafe
Pancakes are always a good idea. (Image: Shaelah Ariotti)

Address: 6/1297 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, Qld

Pet-friendly cafes in Canberra, ACT

Stella’s by the Lake

Wouldn’t it be nice to sink beers with your best bud? Stella’s by the Lake , located in suburban Canberra right next to Lake Ginninderra and close to one of the best skateboard-friendly walks in the city, is answering prayers.

people sitting outside Stellas by the Lake cafe with their dogs
Dog lovers huddle at Stella’s by the Lake.

Offering a healthy ‘Dog Beer’ made with turmeric and beef marrow leg bones, the pet-friendly cafe doesn’t stop there. Peanut-buttered bones, puppaccinos and donuts are also ready to be devoured in style.

an old lady petting a dog outside Stellas by the Lake cafe in Canberra
Spot adorable pets when you dine here.

Address: 1 Beissel Street, Belconnen, ACT

Two Before Ten

Keep your pal toasty when the mercury drops at Two Before Ten , located right next to a great dog-friendly walk in Aranda (so you can squeeze in their daily walk).

two people harvesting local produce at the backyard of Two Before Ten cafe
Two Before Ten takes on paddock-to-plate food philosophy.

Dog blankets, created from old coffee sacks, water bowls and a bunch of pet-friendly seating options make it a comfortable pitstop for pooches. For humans, the cafe’s paddock-to-plate food philosophy ensures effortless nourishment.

pouring honey over a dish at Two Before Ten cafe
Indulge in exquisite delights at Two Before Ten. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Address: 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda, ACT

Local Press Cafe

Stroll the Kingston Foreshore to find Local Press Cafe , a pet-friendly destination with serious views. Puppaccinos are on the menu and water bowls are filled high as a delicious menu packed with seasonal produce and excellent coffee satisfies two-legged patrons.

Address: Corner Eastlake Parade and Giles Street, Kingston Foreshore, ACT

Pet-friendly cafes in Adelaide, SA

Fare and Square

Let your little bud peruse Fare and Square ’s incredible ‘Furnu’ – a menu for fur babies. The popular Adelaide cafe’s clever pet-friendly offering includes a ‘Furchino’ sprinkled with carob, poached eggs on brown rice, the ‘Beethoven Bolognese’ of beef mince, veg and pasta, a ‘Scooby-Doo Stew’ of chicken tenderloins, veg and brown rice, and ‘Goofy Snacks’ which are 50-gram portions of dehydrated chicken. Delish.

Address: 6/8 Wellington Square, North Adelaide, SA

Peter Rabbit Cafe

Featuring a colourful garden area for pets to flex their mightiest sniffs, Peter Rabbit Cafe  on the west end of Hindley Street is a pet-friendly winner.

Dog sitting happily out the front of Peter Rabbit Cafe
Peter Rabbit Cafe is a pet-friendly winner.

Let them people and puppy watch as you seize the always-atmospheric venue’s menu of breakfast and lunch classics plus creative, globally inspired dishes.

friends dining in tables under huge yellow umbrellas at Peter Rabbit Cafe
Nab a table in the serene garden area.

Address: 234-244 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA

The Banksia Tree Cafe

Explore the charms of Port Adelaide before dropping into a well-deserved break at The Banksia Tree Cafe . The pet-friendly spot offers a fur-friendly menu of peanut butter-rimmed puppaccinos and treats, including rocky road and ice cream cones. Choose a spot on the patio where dogs are always welcome.

Address: 147 St. Vincent Street, Port Adelaide, SA

Pet-friendly cafes in Perth, WA

Two Dogs Laughing, WA

It’s a fact – puppaccinos taste better when they’re free of charge. It’s why Two Dogs Laughing , a suburban pet-friendly cafe in Perth‘s Fremantle, is a smash hit with fur parents.

a woman with her dog at standing at the entrance door of Two Dogs Laughing cafe
Two Dogs Laughing is a hit with fur parents.

An interior mural, featuring a guitar-strumming pooch sporting a sombrero, cements this spot’s canine-friendly status. Furry buds are welcome to sprawl out under the legs of al fresco tables and chairs as an all-day menu of breakfast done with a twist – think scrambled eggs with sambal and poached eggs with kimchi – roll out of the kitchen.

dogs welcome people tolerated illustration at Two Dogs Laughing cafe
Doggos are more than welcome at this suburban pet-friendly cafe in Fremantle.

Address: 199 South Street, Beaconsfield, WA

Peninsula Farm Cafe

Craving space? Let your pal soak up the enormous grounds and soothing views at Peninsula Farm Cafe  on the banks of the Swan River. It’s a stunning spot, set within a National Trust venue so expect manicured sights from every angle.

the al fresco dining at Peninsula Farm Cafe
Soak up the enormous grounds and soothing views at Peninsula Farm Cafe.

You’ll keep your fur babe happy in the outdoor area where healthy dog treats flow and families linger longer thanks to an onsite cubby house.

two dogs sitting on the grounds of Peninsula Farm Cafe
Keep your fur babe happy in the outdoor area.

Address: 2C Johnson Road, Marylands, WA

The Orange Box

Life’s a beach every day at The Orange Box  on beautiful Leighton Beach, and pets are always welcome.

a man walking with his dog to The Orange Box, North Fremantle
Walk with your pooch to The Orange Box.

Whether you’re snuggling your little mate in one of the venue’s hammocks or beach chairs or letting them stretch their legs on the oval next door, it’s a sensational pitstop in one of the city’s prettiest locales.

a dog posing for a picture at The Orange Box cafe in North Fremantle
The Orange Box is a pet-friendly pitstop for pups.

Address: 14 Leighton Beach Boulevard, North Fremantle, WA

Pet-friendly cafes in Hobart, Tas

Room for a Pony

It’s a cafe but make sure you visit in the afternoon as pet-friendly sunset sessions at Room for a Pony  in Hobart are always epic. Your furry pal will lap up the outdoor area, often littered with four-legged friends, as you indulge in the venue’s menu of creative dishes including a bacon, cheese and kimchi butty and a Chinese fried chilli omelette. When it’s wine o’clock, their selection never disappoints.

Address: 338 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Tas

Sisterhood

Home to an undercover, outdoor dog area with heaters, Sisterhood  in Sandy Bay, right next to touristy Battery Point, is fabulous.

a barista preparing drinks at the counter of Sisterhood Cafe
Wind down at Sisterhood Cafe.

Before you leave, check out the main section’s Instagram-perfection fit out and don’t miss the pet-friendly cafe’s incredible coffee art atop every style of steamed brew. Puppaccinos and doggy treats fly around the joint on high rotation.

two dogs licking out of a cup at Sisterhood Cafe
Treat your fur babies to a date at Sisterhood.

Address: 4/48 King Street, Sandy Bay, Tas

Giddy Up Food Store

Go for the human-style bottomless brunch, stay for the pet-friendly fun. Giddy Up Food Store  in Sandy Bay is a popular brunch spot that also welcomes four-legged friends. The courtyard offers your pal good space to stretch their legs as a rotating door of local canines frequent this hot spot daily.

Address: 50 Princes Street, Sandy Bay, Tas

Pet-friendly cafes in Darwin, NT

Laneway Coffee

Indulge in Darwin’s thriving cafe culture as your furry friend remains right by your side at Laneway Coffee  in Parap. The pet-friendly cafe is abuzz with crowds who can’t get enough of the menu’s wide range of healthy bowls, breakfast hits and burgers.

baristas preparing coffee at the cafe counter of Laneway Coffee, Darwin, NT
Get your caffeine fix at Laneway Coffee.

As for your little mate? There are often doggy donuts in stock and puppaccinos are an every-visit must.

handing out a doggie donut to a pup at Laneway Coffee, Darwin, NT
Give your pup a doggie donut.

Address: 4/1 Vickers Street, Parap, NT

The Boatshed Coffee House

Keep your pet on a leash during your visit to the Boatshed Coffee House  in Cullen Bay. Overlooking the sparkling water, choose from the menu’s breakfast and lunch dishes, spanning tacos, toasties, wraps, fresh salads, traditional crepes and more.

It’s a sun-drenched spot, with good coffee, for a relaxed morning together before letting them run like crazy at the nearby Kahlin Oval.

Address: 54-56 Marina Boulevard, Cullen Bay, NT

Ray’s Cafe & Patisserie

Nestled within busy Smith Street, Ray’s Cafe & Patisserie  is an understated spot with an outstanding menu and some of the best coffee in town.

people dining inside Ray’s Cafe & Patisserie
Pop into Ray’s Cafe & Patisserie for a coffee.

Your pet is welcome to sit by your side in the surprisingly large courtyard as you pick your poison from a range of quality pastries and larger breakfast and lunch dishes.

a dessert plate at Ray’s Cafe & Patisserie, Darwin City
Pair your coffee with French toast.

Address: 66 Smith Street, Darwin City, NT

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Two immersive art experiences are coming to this Vic town in spring

In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

The events

Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Ballarat International Foto Biennale, events in Ballarat
Discover powerful stories through the lens at Ballarat International Foto Biennale. (Image: Astrid Mulder)

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

Sunnyside

The colourful entrance to Sunnyside, one of the newest highlights of Events in Ballarat.
Explore 17 days of bold art at Sunnyside. (Image: Nice To Meet You Again, Morag Myerscough 2023. Photographer: Gareth Gardner)

Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

While you’re there

Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

Where to eat

Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat.
Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

Where to drink

Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat.
Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

What to see

A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park.
Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

Where to stay

An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort.
Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

Getting there

aerial of hop lane in ballarat
Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.