St Peter's Cafe

St Peter's Cafe is a community run cafe on McDonald Street in Morwell, in the Latrobe Valley, where the profits flow back to local and overseas community organisations. Leashed dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and the setup is easy: level access from the car park straight to a table in the open air.

The dog setup

Well behaved dogs on lead are welcome in the outdoor eating area; the indoor dining room is people only. Water bowls are often on hand and the staff have a friendly reputation, so ask for a refill if the bowl runs dry. The outdoor tables sit beside a fully enclosed playground, which keeps kids busy, but it also means holding a short lead while other families move through.

The vibe

The coffee is Five Senses and the cabinet is the draw: homemade cakes, apple teacake and baklava alongside cooked breakfasts and lunches and a solid burger. The giving-back model gives the place a neighbourhood feel that regulars come back for. Hours are tight, so plan around them: Wednesday to Friday from 8am to about 1:30pm, with the rest of the week closed. A morning run midweek is your safest bet.

Getting there and parking

Find it at 44 McDonald Street, next to the Red Rooster. Parking is free and on site, with a level path from the car park to the outdoor seating, which makes arriving with a dog simple.

Max: Coffee with a conscience, a cake cabinet at nose height, and a playground full of kids to watch.

Close by with the dogs

Let the dog stretch out afterwards at Toners Lane Dog Park, the dedicated dog space in Morwell. For another coffee option in town, MugLife Espresso and Juice Bar is a quick stop. Staying over in the Valley? Morwell Parkside Motel takes dogs.

More ideas on our list of dog friendly cafes in Victoria, or browse the dog scene around Morwell.