WOODS Bangalow

WOODS Bangalow is a garden cafe at 10 Station Street, a short step off the main Byron Street strip in the Byron hinterland's favourite village town. The draw is the leafy outdoor area: greenery, shared benches and tables under the trees, with craft and art spaces alongside. It has a strong local following and the kitchen takes a seasonal, locally sourced approach with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor garden seating, on lead, and it is easy to sit beside your dog at the shared tables rather than tethering them out of reach. Inside is generally for service dogs only. The garden is popular and space between tables is close, so it suits a settled dog; if yours gets fussed by company, a weekday morning is the calm window.

The food

The menu runs from Turkish eggs and soba noodles to house-made banana bread and cheese scones, with specialty coffee that takes oat and almond milk in stride, matcha, house-made smoothies and local beer and wine. Reviewers single out the food presentation and the welcoming staff as much as the coffee. Everything is served 7:30am to 2pm, seven days.

Getting there and parking

The address is 10 Station Street, Bangalow NSW 2479, an easy walk from the main street shops. Parking is street-side along Station Street and the surrounding central Bangalow streets, so expect a short stroll with the dog from wherever you find a bay.

While you're out there

Piccabeen Park on Deacon Street is Byron Shire Council's designated off-leash exercise area for Bangalow, with an off-leash zone running alongside the Byron Creek walking trail, so you can give the dog a proper run before settling them at a garden table. Dogs need to stay 10 metres clear of the playground equipment, and Byron Shire sports fields are off limits entirely. If you are making a day of the region, The Farm Byron Bay at Ewingsdale welcomes dogs across its grounds, Leaf & Grain covers the Byron Bay brunch run, and Belongil Beach South is the dog exercise beach for a swim afterwards.

Max: the garden fills up fast on weekends, so if your dog gets fussed by close quarters, aim for a weekday morning.

Plan the rest of the trip in the Bangalow guide or browse more dog friendly cafes in NSW.