Billi Bakehouse

Billi Bakehouse is a rustic bakery cafe at 2-4 Mogo Place in the centre of Billinudgel, just off the M1, and it is the sort of stop Northern Rivers road-trippers plan around. The draw is the Wardell pie range, more than ten varieties deep, and the leafy outdoor garden and deck seating that welcomes leashed dogs. Doors open from 6am most days, with a shorter Sunday, though closing times have varied, so check their socials before a special trip.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the garden and deck seating, which has rustic tables and room to settle properly rather than perch. Keep them leashed and close: local water dragons and other wildlife move through the garden, and no dog-specific amenities are confirmed, so bring your own water. It is a low-fuss, quick-stop venue that suits a calm dog.

Worth knowing

The bakery is built around its gourmet pies, stout beef, satay chicken, duck and mushroom among them, plus sausage rolls, quiches, sandwiches, fresh cakes and well-rated coffee. Free onsite and street parking sits at the door, and weekend mornings fill with locals and travellers alike, so go early for a garden table. It also works as a takeaway stop if the dog would rather keep walking.

Turn the pie stop into a proper outing: South Golden Beach Dog Beach is five to ten minutes away for an off-leash splash, New Brighton Dog Beach is the other close option, and Footbridge Cafe at Brunswick Heads covers the next coffee leg. More are in the NSW cafes index.

Max: a stout beef pie in the garden, one eye on the water dragons, then the beach. The Northern Rivers done properly.