Sandbox

Sandbox is the obvious coffee stop after a walk on Flynns Beach, sitting just up off the sand on Tuppenny Road. It is one of the more reliably dog-friendly cafes in Port Macquarie, built for exactly the sandy-pawed crowd that wanders in off the beach.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, which sit under a covered patio, so there is shade for the dog while you eat. Water bowls are usually on hand. Keep dogs to the outdoor area; the indoor counter and seating follow the usual NSW food rules.

Good to know. The reputation rests on solid coffee and a fresh breakfast and lunch menu, and on the location more than anything: you can walk straight off Flynns Beach and into a table. It is a casual, relaxed spot rather than a sit-down restaurant.

Getting there. Find it on Tuppenny Road, a minute from Flynns Beach. Parking is street-only on the surrounding streets and fills on weekends and through summer, so arrive earlier rather than later.

Nearby with the dogs. Flynns Beach is right there for a walk before or after, and the Port Macquarie coastal walk runs close by. Nobbys Beach, an off-leash dog beach, is a short drive on.

When to go. Weekday mornings are calmest; weekends and school holidays bring the beach crowd and the parking squeeze. Good for a quick, low-key stop with a dog that has just had its run.

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