The Foundery Cafe

The Foundery Cafe is a community cafe run in association with the Salvation Army on Wentworth Street in Port Kembla, known for good coffee, casual brunch and a relaxed, op-shop style fit-out with books out for donation. It is as much a neighbourhood gathering point as a cafe, and dogs fit the informal atmosphere.

The dog setup

Well-behaved dogs on lead are welcome in the outdoor seating, and reports suggest indoor visits are sometimes fine too. Because this is a community space rather than a dedicated pet-friendly venue, confirm with staff when you arrive, particularly if you want to sit inside. The outdoor tables are the safe default.

Worth knowing

The cafe is popular for its coffee and baked goods such as banana cake and cinnamon rolls, with wraps, pies and gluten-free options on the menu and milkshakes for the kids. It doubles as a small community library, so plan a slow visit with a book. Hours run 8am to 2pm, seven days.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits at 132 Wentworth Street, in the middle of the Port Kembla shopping strip. Free street parking runs along Wentworth Street, and the walk in from the surrounding residential streets is easy. It is a short drive from central Wollongong, down past Coniston.

Make a day of it

Stretch the legs afterwards at Hill 60 Park, with its headland views over the steelworks and the ocean, or check the seasonal signage at Port Kembla Beach for the off-leash zones; the sand at Coniston's dog beach is just up the coast too. For more dog-friendly stops nearby, Cakes by Rach is on the same strip and Coogs Cafe sits between here and Wollongong. Mornings suit best, since the kitchen closes at 2pm. More NSW dog friendly cafes and spots around Port Kembla are on the site.