Dogs are a human's best friend, so we understand that you want to take your pup out and about with you. Good news, Novocastrians – Newcastle is a city full of dog-loving venues. Check out our comprehensive guide to dog-friendly cafes, bars, pubs, and parks across Newcastle and beyond.

Cafes

Akuna Cafe

Tucked into suburban Merewether, Akuna Cafe is all about dishing up nourishing food and drinks that’ll make you feel good. Bring your pup along to chill out the front and watch the world go by.
Where: 40 Patrick St, Merewether

Autumn Rooms Darby St | Autumn Rooms Stockton

You’re always certain to find at least one dog lounging around out the front of either Autumn Rooms location, so your pup will have plenty of social time!
Where: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill | 42 Mitchell St, Stockton

Baked Uprising

The sweet smell of baked goodies wafts in the air at this lovely Maryville bakery. The front yard offers plenty of seating for you and your doggo.
Where: 21/25 Downie St, Maryville 

Blue Door Kiosk Merewether Beach

If you’re after a leisurely brunch or just need a quick caffeine fix, the team at Blue Door Kiosk Merewether Beach are happy to have you and your four-legged friend.
Where: Cnr Watkins St & John Pde, Merewether

Bolton Street Pantry

This inner city cafe is a favourite for reliable yet creative cafe classics, and good coffee. Sit with your dog on the outside tables while you enjoy your coffee and feed.
Where: 45 Bolton St, Newcastle

Cafe Inu

If you’re wondering where the name Cafe Inu comes from, well, the word inu means dog in Japanese! Your furry friends are most welcome to accompany you at the outside tables any time of the day.
Where: 43 Denison St, Carrington

Cafe Napoleon

Known as the friendliest dog cafe in Warners Bay, Cafe Napoleon is actually named after the owner's late dog ‘Napoleon’. They also have a dog wall of fame featuring snaps of its doggo regulars.
Where: 5/87 King St, Warners Bay 

Cakeboi

Snag a table out the front of this Hamilton favourite and enjoy a coffee, cake, and puppy pats.
Where: 48 Lindsay St, Hamilton

East End Hub

These guys love dog visits! With plenty of outdoor seating, a coastal breeze, and water bowls, it’s one of East End’s best dog-friendly venues.
Where: 3/3 King St, Newcastle

ELMAs on Clyde

This hidden gem is the perfect cafe spot for both kids and dogs! With a huge outdoor space, and some of the best food in Hamilton North, it’s a must-visit.
Where: 40/54 Clyde St, Hamilton North

Equium Social

Equium Social not only boasts a wholesome, ethically-sourced and seasonally-influenced menu, but it's dog-friendly too, so bring your pup and people watch outside while you sip coffee and devour your breakfast.
Where: 1/5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East

Estabar

This local favourite is perched in a prime position in Newcastle East, overlooking Newcastle Beach. Estabar continually impresses with its unwavering passion for coffee and simple food done well. Get your pup in on the action and soak up the salty air outside.
Where: 61 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

Good Brother Espresso

Featuring recycled retro furniture and exposed brick walls, this Newcastle coffee shop exudes a warm and homey vibe. With a reputation for excellent coffee, Good Brother Espresso will not only delight your furry friend, but you too.
Where: 40 King St, Newcastle

Goodfriends Eatery

Good food, good times and good coffee abound at Goodfriends Eatery. Just add dogs, and you've got the perfect cafe date.
Where: 144 Union St, The Junction

Ground Up Espresso

Cosy, quirky and colourful, Ground Up is the perfect place to chill out with your doggo. Soak up the sunshine with your pooch in the dog-friendly outdoor area.
Where: 120 Young St, Carrington

Ka-fey Cafe

The cafe on Hunter Street is big on fermented foods and big on you bringing your pooches in for a visit. Stroll along Hunter Street for some window shopping and stop in at Ka-fey Cafe for your human caffeine hit as well as doggo puppachinos and even dog beer.
Where: 148 Hunter St, Newcastle

Jimmy's at The Esplanade

This cute caravan on The Esplanade at Warners Bay loves visits from your four-legged friends! Why not go for a stroll along the Warners Bay circuit and pop into Jimmy's for a coffee hit afterwards?
Where: 568 The Esplanade, Warners Bay

Little Lane Espresso

Nestled in the super family-friendly suburb of New Lambton, Little Lane Espresso is the neighbourhood coffee shop. Sip your coffee out the front in the company of your furry friend.
Where: 52 Orchardtown Rd, New Lambton

Little Millards

With its own resident golden retriever named Coco, Little Millards is as dog-friendly as cafes come. Pop by for a quality coffee and hang out on the grassed area with your dog.
Where: 15 Gertrude St, Cardiff South

Lulu and Benson

A first for not only Newcastle but Australia (as far as we know), Lulu and Benson is the very first milk bar for dogs AND humans. Bringing back those old school milk bar vibes, Lulu and Benson is home to dairy goodness for us humans, as well as a dedicated dog treat cabinet including dog PUPcakes and customisable dog cakes as well as doggy-friendly ice cream.
Where: 71 Beaumont St, Hamilton

MOA & Co

MOA & Co is a conscious marketplace over in Carrington, offering a coffee van, baked goods, farm-gate produce, and local goods by makers like Grounded by Designs. Dogs are very welcome in the spacious warehouse venue, so bring them along when you head in next for a coffee and treat.
Where: 16 Gipps St, Carrington

Moor

Moor has some divine coffee on offer and great seating in the front patio which is often taken up by furry friends.
Where: 33 Hunter St, Newcastle

Newcastle Food & Flower Markets

So, these guys do puppacinos… need I say more? While you're at it, grab a bunch of flowers to take home and some human treats too.
Where: 1 Rural Dr, Sandgate

One Picket Fence

One Picket Fence is 100% puppy friendly with heaters cranking out the front to ensure you and your furry friends stay warm and cosy in the cooler months.
Where: 5/335 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Onyx Espresso

Pull up out the front or head out to the huge courtyard at Onyx Espresso with your dog in tow. With plenty of water bowls, tie-up points, and of course, puppacinos, your pup will be loving life at Onyx Espresso.
Where: 191 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Outdo Espresso

Outdo Espresso is the home of Flamingo Coffee, locally-roasted in Newcastle, delicious toasties, and puppacinos. Time to get slurping!
Where: 464 King St, Newcastle West

Papa's Bagel Bar

The only dedicated bagel store, Papa's Bagel Bar is a delight for humans and dogs alike. Slinging out fresh, house-made bagels daily, it's an excellent spot for a feed with your furry friend.
Where: 569 Hunter St, Newcastle West

Paper Run Espresso

Taking up residence in the old newsagency on Ridge Street, Paper Run Espresso is a laidback neighbourhood espresso bar. Kick back with your pup out the front for puppacinos and pats.
Where: 59 Ridge St, Merewether

Pegs

Pegs is a staple Whitebridge cafe, serving up tasty food for breakfast and lunch every day of the week, and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Bring your pup when you next head in to hang out, sip coffee, and enjoy a meal!
Where: 157 Dudley Rd, Whitebridge

Perry the Feeder

As well as serving their killer toasties, Perry The Feeder also makes for the perfect place to take your pups, with their lush courtyard area being open to everyone.
Where: 53 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East

Praise Joe Urban Pantry

This Melbourne-esque corner cafe serves up delicious coffee, mouth-watering snacks and cool street-art. Rest assured your doggos are bound to feel the love, as Praise Joe greets them with pats and biscuits!
Where: 8/20 Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill

Red Parrot Coffee

This little coffee roastery is set back in the residential streets of Islington and welcomes both keen coffee and dog lovers to set up both inside and out.
Where: 23 Hubbard St, Islington

Slingtown Espresso

With speciality coffee and wonderful food, Slingtown Espresso is a great place to lounge with your pooch. Get in through the back entrance to bring your dog into the cafe's outdoor courtyard.
Where: 3 Beaumont St, Islington

Son of a Gun

Son of a Gun is open from 5.30am right through until midnight every day, so you've got the whole day to make it down to this Beaumont Street diner with your furry friend by your side.
Where: 66 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Sunnyboy Kiosk

Taking your dog for a walk along the Bather's Way? Make sure you stop in and grab that crucial morning coffee and treat with your pup. Who knows, they might even make it to the cafe's 'Dogs of Sunnyboy' series on Instagram!
Where: 15 Ocean St, Merewether

Swell Kiosk

With two locations along Newcastle's coastline, Swell Kiosk is a no brainer for a coffee stop along your beach walk with your pooch.
Where: 1 Memorial Dr, Bar Beach | 35 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East

Table 1 Espresso

Table 1 Espresso is perched along the Warners Bay Esplanade, right across from the lake. With an delicious menu and top-notch coffee, and you’re encouraged to bring your pooch along!
Where: 450 The Esplanade, Warners Bay

Talulah

The corner cafe at the Junction loves hosting your furry friends in their outdoor area. People watch together while you devour a delicious breakfast.
Where: 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

The Beehive

If you're soaking up the harbour views and fresh air at Honeysuckle, stop in at The Beehive with your furry friend.
Where: Shop 3/15 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

The Kiosk at Newcastle Beach

Undoubtedly one of Newcastle’s busiest cafes with iconic views overlooking Newcastle Beach, it’s a no-brainer to pick up a coffee and a bite to eat before heading off on a walk along the beach.
Where: 42 Shortland Esp, Newcastle East

The Grumpy Baker

The Junction’s favourite bakery has a cute little outdoor area set up, perfect for downing your sweet treats and hanging with your furry friends.
Where: 53 Glebe Rd, The Junction

The Wickham Boatshed

Featuring a menu with a Mediterranean touch, the Wickham Boatshed offers delicious meals made with local produce. Both you and your doggo can enjoy its lovely waterfront views.
Where: 91 Hannell St, Wickham 

Three Monkeys Cafe

Three Monkeys Cafe has become an iconic brunch spot on Darby Street since its inception over 20 years ago. Grab a table out the front and let your dog lap up some water while you eat.
Where: 131 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Wildflower Espresso

This Wallsend favourite welcomes all doggos! What's better than sipping on a delicious coffee whilst your pup sips on their puppacino?
Where: 71 Cowper St, Wallsend NSW 2287

Bars, pubs, and restaurants

Adamstown Bowling Club

Everyone is welcome at Adamstown Bowling Club, including dogs! There's plenty of room outside to hang out all afternoon long, listen to live music, and have a few drinks.
Where: 504 Glebe Rd, Adamstown

Bar Solè

Fancy an excellent pizza with a side of BYO vino? Take a seat at Tighes Hill's Bar Solè. If you're dining with your dog, head out onto the deck so they can enjoy the evening too.
Where: 173 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill

Carrington Bowlo

Enjoy the ever-so relaxing atmosphere on Carrington Bowlo’s patio and lawn tables where dogs are welcome!
Where: 1C Cowper St N, Carrington

Clarendon Hotel

Clarendon Hotel absolutely loves dogs! Its entire courtyard is pet-friendly and there's even have a designated puppy bar, where the pups can grab themselves a cold drink with their owners. 
Where: 347 Hunter St, Newcastle

Customs House Hotel

This iconic venue welcomes dog into the beer garden area on the ground floor (as long as they’re on a leash at all times). Need a water bowl? Ask one of the staff and they’ll get it sorted for you.
Where: 1 Bond St, Newcastle

Good Folk Brewing

if you're a fan of craft beer, get down to Good Folk Brewing on Beaumont Street, accompanied by your dog.
Where: 80 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Hamilton Station Hotel

This classic art deco pub on Beaumont Street is a big lover of furry friends, and welcome you and your dog into the beer garden.
Where: 2/6 Beaumont St, Islington

Lambton Park Hotel

This family-friendly suburb is even dog-friendly with the local pub, Lambton Park Hotel, allowing dogs to come into the covered deck area.
Where: 19A Morehead St, Lambton

Maryville Tavern

The outdoor beer garden at the Maryville Tavern is sure to be a winner for you and your four-legged friend!
Where: 71 Lewis St, Maryville

Method Brewing

The Islington-based brewery is welcoming for doggos! Check out its craft beers, brewed onsite, and rotating food menu from local food trucks – all enjoyed with your furry pal.
Where: 18 Maitland Rd, Islington

Modus Merewether

Modus Merewether not only has a massive line-up of craft beer fresh from the tanks and an awesome food menu, they also welcome your pups. 
Where: 20 Merewether St, Merewether

MoneyPenny

Cocktails by the harbour with your pooch? Can it get any better? Get down to MoneyPenny for a good time.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Queens Wharf Hotel

This iconic harbourside venue can be enjoyed by all – even the pups! Queens Wharf Hotel is dog-friendly on the wharf and boardwalk as long as dogs are on the lead at all times.
Where: 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Scotties Seafood Restaurant

Only a short distance from the water, Scotties is the perfect place to dine after a nice stroll at dog-friendly Horseshoe Beach. You and your doggo can dine in the outdoor seating area under the festoon lights. 
Where: 36 Scott St, Newcastle East

Smokin Hot n Saucy

A favourite for the meat lovers across Newcastle, Smokin Hot n Saucy only has outdoor seating which means it’s 100% dog-friendly!
Where: 115 Maitland Rd, Islington

The Happy Wombat

Feel at home with quality craft beer, tasty bites, and puppy cuddles at The Happy Wombat.
Where: 575 Hunter St, Newcastle West

The Greenroof Hotel

This Hamilton favourite has a huge outdoor dining and drinking area and they’re stoked to welcome your dogs in too!
Where: 71 Tudor St, Hamilton

The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel

The Lass O'Gowrie's huge beer garden is dog-friendly! Grab a schooner and hang with your friends (furry and otherwise) out the back. 
Where: 14 Railway St, Wickham

The Royal Crown Hotel

This Dudley local is perfect for the pooches, because guess what? They even have their own dog food menu!
Where: 94 Ocean St, Dudley

The Wickham Park Hotel

The Wicko, as the Wickham Park Hotel is affectionately known, has a huge beer garden which makes for the perfect spot to hang out after getting your dog exercised at Wickham Park.
Where: 61 Maitland Rd, Islington

The Young St Hotel

This Carrington go-to is a favourite among dog-lovers! There's plenty of outdoor space to chill with your pup.
Where: 132 Young St, Carrington

Thirsty Messiah Brewery

Since opening in 2023, Thirsty Messiah Brewery has become a favourite among Newcastle dog-lovers. The dog-friendly beer garden is a great spot to drink craft beer in the company of your pup. Your dog even has a chance to become the brewery's Dog of the Week!
Where: 140 Lambton Rd, Broadmeadow

Parks & Beaches

Off Leash Areas

Acacia Avenue, North Lambton

This one is Newcastle’s first fenced dog park where you can let your dog roam free inside their very own playground.
Where: 92 Alnwick Rd

Ballast Ground, Stockton

On the other side of the harbour is this great off-leash area for dogs. Take them for a stroll along the breakwall before letting them burn the last of their energy at Ballast Ground.
Where: 45 Fullerton St

Carrington Foreshore

Fronting Throsby Creek, Carrington Foreshore has plenty of sandy walkways and grass for your four-legged friend to explore.
Where: 1A Young St

Horseshoe Beach

Does your dog love the water? Well, you’d be mad not to take them down to the small stretch of sand on Newcastle’s harbour at Horseshoe Beach!
Where: Horseshoe Beach Rd

Islington Park

Another crowd favourite, Islington Park offers plenty of shady spots with wide grassy spaces and even a small agility area complete with holes, posts, bars, and ramps for the doggos!
Where: 151 Maitland Rd

King Edward Park

Right at the top of this historic park with sweeping views of our coastline is one of the best spots for your dog to run free!
Where: Reserve Rd

Maryland Drive Reserve

The off leash area at Maryland Drive Reserve is a great spot, with a dog bubbler, seating areas for the humans, and plenty of space for the dogs to run.
Where: 3 Ajax Ave, Maryland

Michael St Reserve, North Lambton

Live in North Lambton? This is the perfect spot to let your dog socialise and get their daily exercise in!
Where: 56 Michael St

Nesca Park

Right next to the playground at Nesca Park, you’ll find an off-leash dog area! Take the kids and the dogs and wear them both out in one hit.
Where: 3 Greenslope St

Pitt St Reserve, Stockton

Perfect spot for those four-legged friends who can’t get enough of the water.
Where: 1 Pitt St

Purdue Park, Mayfield

A nice big open grassy space for fur babies to explore and socialise right in the heart of Mayfield.
Where: Entry off Scholey St

Time Restricted Areas

Dog owners are welcome to take their pups for a walk any time of the day on the lead at the following locations, but can only take them off-leash from sunrise until 9am, and from 5pm until sunset.

Braye Park Waratah
When: 68 Clarence Rd

Dixon Park Reserve
Where: Ocean St

Elermore Vale Park
Where: 15 Cheviot Cl

West End Park, Adamstown
Where: LOT 3152 Dora Rd

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