8CCC Cafe

8CCC Cafe is a small community radio cafe in the East Side Shopping Centre precinct, tied to 8CCC Community Radio and doing things its own way: locally roasted Duyu coffee, gourmet toasties and the occasional live music tie-in through the radio community. It is a quiet, low-key stop on the far side of the Todd River, well suited to a dog on a lead during an East Side morning walk.

The dog setup

The cafe is listed as pet-friendly, with dogs welcome at the outdoor seating around the shopping precinct on leash. It is a small, community-focused space, so a calm, well-behaved dog fits the vibe best. Bring your own water bowl to be safe, and give the precinct's foot traffic room to pass.

The food and hours

The draw is locally roasted Duyu coffee, gourmet toasties and fresh sweet treats, with the regulars mentioning the friendly staff and the radio personalities behind the counter. It runs Monday to Saturday mornings, closing around midday and shutting Sundays, so this is a morning coffee stop rather than a lunch destination. Confirm hours before heading over, as community-run cafes shift with volunteers.

Getting there and parking

Find it at Shop 3, 10 Lindsay Avenue, East Side, with free parking in the shopping centre carpark directly out front. From the town centre you cross the Todd River via Stott Terrace; the river paths themselves are good leashed walking either side of a visit.

Pair it with

For the off-leash session, Rotaract Park on Aldidja Street in Braitling is the town's purpose-built fenced dog park, with separate small and large dog areas, double gates and water taps, though it is across town from East Side. Flynn Drive Oval in Gillen doubles as a council-designated off-leash area in the early mornings between 5am and 8am. Under Alice Springs Town Council by-laws, dogs stay leashed everywhere else, including the Todd River paths and scrubland. Page 27 Cafe is the other Alice Springs dog-friendly cafe for your list.

More options in the Red Centre are on the Alice Springs destination page, and the full list is in the NT cafes index.