Arte. by Crystalbrook

Arte. by Crystalbrook is the ground-floor cafe, wine bar and small-plates room at the Crystalbrook Bailey hotel on Abbott Street in central Cairns, and it fits naturally into a dog's day out because the hotel upstairs is the city's dog-friendly one. Dogs are welcome at the alfresco tables out front, with water bowls and the occasional puppucino from a team that is clearly used to four-legged guests.

The dog setup

Dogs take the outdoor seating along Abbott Street on lead; indoors stays for people. The street-side tables get foot traffic but there is room to park a dog beside you, and staff will bring water out. It suits a calm dog that settles while you linger, rather than a pup that needs constant action.

Pepsi: Order a cheese board and a puppucino and let the dog people-watch the Abbott Street parade. They bring the water bowl without being asked.

Worth knowing

Coffee pours Jack Murat beans with pastries and light breakfast plates in the morning, then the room shifts towards its real strengths: a natural and organic wine list, sommelier-led pours, cheese and charcuterie boards and tapas-style small plates. The cafe runs mornings into early afternoon, seven days at the time of writing (weekend service finishes earlier), and it is cash-free. Confirm current hours on the Crystalbrook page before a weekend trip.

Getting there and parking

The address is Ground floor A, 163 Abbott Street. Metered street parking runs along Abbott Street and the surrounding CBD blocks, and hotel parking can be arranged through Crystalbrook Bailey if you are staying in the precinct.

While you're out there

The Esplanade boardwalk is an easy on-lead walk from the cafe, but keep in mind Cairns Regional Council rules: dogs are banned from the Lagoon precinct and must stay two metres clear of barbecues and playgrounds. For off-lead time, the fenced dog park at Touch Park in Aeroglen is a short drive north, and Bunny Jarrett Park in Whitfield runs a dedicated dog off-leash area. Keep dogs well clear of mangrove edges and tidal creeks around Trinity Inlet where crocodiles are a real presence.

Make a day of it with other dog-friendly CBD cafes, or check the dog-friendly hotel above if you are staying over. The Cairns City destination guide covers the rest.