Brown Shugar

Brown Shugar opens its doors at 6:30am on weekdays, making it one of the earliest coffee stops on the Bellarine for commuters and dog walkers doing the morning circuit around Curlewis. By the time most of Geelong is awake, the regulars have already claimed their tables and the first batch of homemade cakes is on the counter.

Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating areas, and visitors report that staff often bring out water for dogs without being asked. The policy comes via the venue's Facebook page and visitor reports rather than a written policy on site, so keep your dog leashed and settled at your table and you should have no trouble. Early morning and mid-afternoon are the quietest windows if your dog prefers calmer surroundings.

The kitchen leans hearty: poached eggs, smashed avo and homemade cakes dominate the morning, with bacon rolls and kids pancakes earning steady praise from families. Later in the day the menu stretches to heartier plates, including a butter chicken that regulars mention more than you would expect from a cafe kitchen, and the chorizo dishes pull their weight on the weekend menu.

You will find it at 90 Centennial Blvd, Curlewis, in the newer residential pocket between Geelong and Drysdale. Hours run 6:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with weekends winding up at 4pm. Parking is easy in the surrounding streets, and the strip is compact enough for a quick in-and-out coffee run.

The crowd skews family-friendly, which matters for dog owners: footpath tables mean prams and leads coexist without drama, and the staff are used to the morning rush of strollers, school runs and dogs tied off nearby while their owners collect takeaway.

Pair it with

Curlewis sits a short drive from the coast, so a coffee here pairs well with a morning beach run. For another sit-down option nearby, Griggs Creek Providore is back toward Leopold. See the rest of the Victoria cafe listings or what's happening in Curlewis.