Cakes by Rach Cafe

Cakes by Rach Cafe on Military Road is one of Port Kembla's most reliably dog-friendly stops, a local favourite that leans into its pet-friendly reputation with water bowls out front and treats behind the counter. The drawcard is custom celebration cakes, but the all-day breakfast and lunch menu and Campos coffee give you every reason to sit in on the patio with your dog.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor and covered patio area on a lead, settled clear of other patrons. This is a cafe that actually plans for dogs: water bowls are put out for them and the counter stocks Kangaroo Chews for canine customers. It is one of the Illawarra's most commonly recommended dog-friendly venues, so expect other dogs on the patio on weekend mornings.

On the plate

Breakfast runs to bacon and egg rolls, hash browns and the locally famous dish known as The Hot Mess, with bruschetta among the lighter options and croissants in the cabinet. The sweet side is the point: a rotating display of house-baked cakes, cheesecakes and slices, plus bespoke custom cakes for events ordered through the team on 02 4274 2145. Live music pops up from time to time.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 190 Military Road, Port Kembla, with street parking along Military Road and a spot usually findable within a short walk. Doors open 6:30am on weekdays and 7:30am on weekends, both closing at 3pm.

Close by with the dogs

Know the beach rules before you go: Port Kembla Main Beach and the rock platforms around Hill 60 are no-dogs zones at all times under Wollongong's policy, and Fisherman's Beach allows on-leash dogs only before 9am and after 6pm in summer (after 4pm the rest of the year). King George V Oval on Olympic Boulevard is the nearest off-leash option. Further along the coast, Coniston Dog Beach is a proper off-leash stretch, and The Foundery Cafe is another dog-friendly stop in the same suburb.

More options are on the NSW dog friendly cafes guide and the Port Kembla destination page.

Max: Water bowl waiting, kangaroo chew earned, and a slice of cheesecake for the human. Port Kembla gets it right.