9 pet-friendly cafes on the Sunshine Coast
List
By Kim Barnard
Besides its spectacular golden beaches and lush green hinterland, the Sunshine Coast has a vibrant food scene dedicated to showcasing the region’s abundant flavours. Sun-drenched cafes boasting unique interiors and scrumptious food are scattered throughout the region, ready for you to relax and enjoy good food and the laid-back Sunshine Coast lifestyle.
Finding the best food spots while travelling can be hard enough without throwing a pet into the mix. Never fear, we’ve got the skinny on the best pet-friendly cafes on the Sunshine Coast, so you’ll know your furry friend is welcome.
New Earth Cafe, Coolum Beach
It won’t be hard to spot this eatery with its bright green walls and quirky decor.
New Earth Cafe is dedicated to making healthy food look amazing. They serve raw, organic, gluten- and dairy-free dishes that are just begging to be snapped (before they’re devoured). Every menu item, including nut milks, breads, wraps, crackers and sweet treats, are all made fresh onsite. Hang with your furry friend inside, or on the seating just outside the storefront.
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7am-4pm
Murray's Cafe, Maroochydore
Photo by @daisey_and_peaches
Another one of the best pet-friendly cafes on the Sunshine Coast pops up in Maroochydore.
Dig into one of Murray’s Cafe’s freshly baked muesli cookies and a Picasso coffee, while your four-legged friend devours a treat and drink from the dog menu. Try to snag a prime local spotin the outdoor space to enjoy the coastal breeze.
Gluten free? No problem. Murray’s Cafe has dishes to suit your dietary requirements.
Hours: Monday to Friday 6am-1pm; Saturday 6am-12pm; Sunday 7am-12pm.
The Velo Project, Mooloolaba
Make your way to this former garage for farm-fresh food and espresso.
The Velo Project, open for breakfast and brunch, dishes up high-quality local produce as part of their ethos to support local farmers and suppliers. If you’re a fan of avocado on toast, you’ll love their take on it; fresh red onion, roasted garlic, corn, lemon juice and herbs are sprinkled over the avo’, which is smashed on crunchy ciabatta. Add an egg if the mood strikes you.
Heads up! There’s a special doggy menu so your pooch isn’t left out.
Hours: Daily from 7am to 3pm (kitchen closes at 2pm).
The Attic Cafe, Alexandra Headland
Attic Cafe has an excellent range of classic meals on the menu—think bacon and egg sandwiches, caesar salads, hamburgers and chicken schnitzel. The industrial-looking cafe, featuring wooden tables and red chairs, welcomes pets, so you can dine on your favorite foods with your favourite animal.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 7:30am-4pm; Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 6:30am-4pm
Costa Noosa Espresso
Photo by @the_waglab
Keen for some specialty coffee? Take a seat at Costa Noosa Espresso.
Working directly with suppliers and farmers from all around the globe, this roaster/cafe blend sells the most delicious coffees going ‘round. Enjoy with a house-baked treat while you sip.
If you’ve got your dog in tow, they’re more than welcome; just keep them on a lead and sit on the lower deck or the Duke Street end of the top deck. Plus, keep an eye out for pet treats in store.
Hours: Daily from 6am to 1pm
Hand of Fatima, Peregian Beach
Dine at this cafe for authentic Middle Eastern food and bustling street views. Opening their doors as the sun comes up, this eatery is the perfect place to have breakfast on the Sunshine Coast.
A local favourite is the spiced lamb mince with warm hummus, poached eggs and flatbread. Or, if you’re in for lunch, the roasted beetroot salad served with puy lentils, candied walnuts and feta is a winner.
Hand of Fatima is pet-friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring your pup along.
Hours: Daily from 5am-2pm.
Poets Cafe, Montville
Photo by @visitruralandregionalaustralia
Transport yourself to Europe with a visit to Poets Cafe.
Pull up a seat outside, if you can, and soak in the lush greenery that surrounds the space. Enjoy classic scones, a fruit and spice loaf, or a pumpkin and grilled halloumi salad; just don't leave without tasting their famous coffee—it’s made with water from the natural spring below the premises and you can really taste the difference. The water is also available chilled from the water station inside.
This cafe is about as pet friendly as they come - all are welcome.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday to Sunday 9am-9pm.
FOMO, Sunshine Beach
Looking for a pet-friendly cafe on the Sunshine Coast that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner? FOMO is the place.
Tickle your tastebuds with the housemade granola topped with raspberry coconut yoghurt, nuts, grains and seasonal fruit. Or, if you’d rather something savoury, order the wrap with smoked bacon, pesto, fried egg and rocket.
Your dog will love dining outside under the trees where they can meet other furry friends.
Hours: Daily from 6am-2pm
Greenhouse Cafe, Caloundra
Photo by @ecodistributions
This Sunshine Coast eatery is a gem for vegetarians; it sells exclusively plant-based meals and you can eat alongside your pooch.
The owners are passionate about healthy living and supporting local farmers, suppliers and businesses. If you order a coffee or tea, they’re guaranteed to be made with fair trade and organically-grown beans and leaves. When you’re not sipping on your hot beverage, bite into warm crunchy waffles, a marinated tofu burger, or a savoury muffin.
Greenhouse Cafe loves having canine customers, so don’t hesitate to bring them along.
Hours: Daily from 7am-3pm (on weekends they close at 2pm).
Looking for more coffee hotspots? Click here to discover the best hidden coffee spots on the Sunshine Coast.
Feature image: The Velo Project
