Port's Mr Ice Cream

Port's Mr Ice Cream is not a cafe you sit in, it is a mobile ice cream van that works the beaches, parks, sporting fields and neighbourhoods around Port Macquarie. That makes it about as dog-friendly as it gets: everything happens outdoors, so the dog is welcome wherever the van pulls up.

The dog setup. Service is entirely outdoor and casual, so dogs are fine alongside you in the queue on the footpath, at the beach or in a park. There is no seating to speak of, it is a grab-a-cone-and-keep-walking stop. Bring your own water for the dog, as a van will not have bowls out.

Good to know. It runs as a custom-fitted van serving ice cream, slushies and frozen treats, popular at local beaches and events. Being mobile, its location changes, so check its social pages for where it is parked that day.

Getting there. The van moves around; its listed base is 43 Table Street, but in practice you will find it at beach car parks, sporting fields and neighbourhood stops. Public and street parking is usually easy wherever it sets up.

Nearby with the dogs. Because it parks near beaches and parks, it pairs naturally with a walk; if you catch it near the coast, Nobbys Beach and Lighthouse Beach are the off-leash options to aim for.

When to go. Warm afternoons and weekends are when the van is most likely to be out near the beaches. Good as a treat at the end of a beach walk rather than a destination in itself.

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.