The Paddock Bakery Geelong

The Paddock Bakery Geelong is a wood-fired bakery and cafe in the Federal Mills precinct at 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong, with a reputation as a dog-friendly stop that regulars have turned into a ritual. Local dogs are fondly called Paddock Puppies, and there is usually a handful tied up near the courtyard on any given weekend.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome across the outdoor garden and courtyard seating, on lead at all times. The historic cottage and kitchen areas inside stay people-only, but the outdoor space is large and is the main event anyway. Water bowls are usually out through the seating.

The vibe

It is rustic-industrial under the old water tower, with a glass-walled bakery at the centre. The draw is wood-fired sourdough from a hand-built brick oven, crème brûlée donuts, almond croissants, sausage rolls and a full brunch and lunch menu with a licensed bar, and there is sometimes live music on weekends.

Max: take a courtyard table near the edge if your dog is reactive to crowds. Weekend mornings fill fast and the queueing traffic passes close to the front tables.

Getting there and parking

The precinct has on-site parking, with pram and accessible entry via Gate B on Mackey Street. It opens seven days from 7am, with the grill winding up mid-afternoon, so check the day's hours before a late visit.

While you're out there

The waterfront parks along Bell Parade are a short drive north for a lead-on leg by the bay, and the Barwon River walks sit south of the city if you are making a morning of it.

Closer to the precinct, Books and Brew Cafe and Baba Yaga Coffee House both work as quieter alternatives on the same side of town.

Weekday mornings are the calm window; weekend brunch is a social event. More listings are on the VIC cafes guide and the North Geelong destination page.