Sunny days cafe and ice creamery

Sunny Days Cafe and Ice Creamery is a family-owned, retro-styled stop in Mount Eliza Village, and an easy one with a dog in tow. The outdoor tables are the dog-friendly part, and the kitchen turns out toasties, bagels, smoothies, hot jam donuts and a wide spread of ice cream.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and the cafe is known for handing out complimentary dog treats, with water bowls usually around. Carry your own bowl just in case, and note that indoors is for humans only.

The strip-side position makes arrivals simple: sit down, tie the lead to something sturdy and order from the front.

The vibe

The draw is ice cream and a fun, nostalgic feel, with classics like spiders and hot jam donuts alongside the coffee. It is a genuine local family business in the heart of the village rather than a chain, and the turnover at the ice cream cabinet keeps things moving on busy weekend mornings.

Village foot traffic gives a settled dog plenty to watch, but if yours is nervous around prams and kids, aim for a weekday morning visit instead.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits at 8/87 Mount Eliza Way in the village strip. Street parking runs along the road with shopper car parks nearby, so arriving with a dog is straightforward.

While you're out there

Burn off the donuts afterwards at Mount Eliza Regional Park Dog Off Leash Area, a short drive away, or head for the water at Half Moon Bay Beach Dog Off Leash Area.

If the dog needs a fully fenced run, John Butler Reserve Fenced Dog Park is the local option.

For the morning after, Ezra Next Door is another dog-friendly coffee stop in the village.

See more dog friendly cafes in VIC or our guide to Mount Eliza with the dogs.