Driftwood at the Point

Driftwood at the Point is a coffee-and-brunch kiosk on The Esplanade in this northern Gold Coast bayside suburb, right by the parklands and the boat ramp. It opens from 6am with the water in view, and the dog-walking crowd along the foreshore treats it as a regular stop. Note the street address varies between listings, so navigate to The Esplanade near the boat ramp rather than a unit number.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor footpath tables, not inside. Water bowls are usually available on request, and the baristas have a name for being good with dogs. Keep yours leashed at the table: the kiosk sits right on the Esplanade path with bikes, prams and other dogs passing close by.

The menu

It is coffee-first, serving Di Bella coffee with a grab-and-go format locals rave about: the bacon and egg roll gets a regular mention, alongside sausage, egg and cheese muffins, BLT bagels and wraps, cheeseburgers on brioche, croissants and ham-and-cheese toasties. Weekday hours are 6am to midday, and weekends run to 2pm, so it is strictly a morning play. Check the Facebook page for updates before an early drive.

Getting there and parking

Street parking lines The Esplanade, plus public parking at the parklands beside the boat ramp. Both fill quickly on weekend mornings, so arrive early for a bayside table.

Close by with the dogs

The foreshore at the northern end of the parklands, near the corner of The Esplanade and The Sovereign Mile, is a signed off-leash exercise area along the water, though dogs stay on-lead through the main parklands and away from the playground and swimming enclosure. For a fully fenced run, Bayview Park Fenced Dog Park at Hollywell and Saltwater Fenced Dog Park at Hope Island are both short drives, and Ripples Cafe & Bar makes a good second stop up the road in Runaway Bay.

Pepsi: Bacon and egg roll, flat white, feet pointed at the Broadwater and the dog flat out under the table. Six in the morning is the golden hour here.