Yarra Organics

Yarra Organics is the organic cafe and farm shop inside Petty's Orchard on Homestead Road, Templestowe, a heritage-listed apple orchard on the banks of the Yarra. The cafe sits right on the Main Yarra Trail, which makes it a natural mid-walk stop: dogs on leads are welcome at the outdoor seating, and walkers, runners and cyclists keep the courtyard busy on weekends.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on lead in the shaded outdoor seating beside the orchard, and there is a dedicated water bowl station, which is more than most trail-side cafes manage. Indoor space is limited, so plan on alfresco in any weather. Keep the lead on throughout: this is a working orchard with steady foot traffic and local wildlife about.

The vibe

The setting is the whole point: green, quiet and rustic among old fruit trees a stone's throw from the river. The coffee is organic and well regarded, and the cabinet runs to homemade pies, cakes, toasties and Devonshire teas. The on-site farm shop sells fresh organic produce, so you can leave with the week's fruit as well as the dog's exercise done.

Getting there and parking

The orchard is at Homestead Road, Templestowe, with a free on-site car park. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and opens from 8:30am the rest of the week, so weekend mornings suit walkers best. If you are coming by bike or on foot, the Main Yarra Trail runs directly past.

Close by with the dogs

The gravel riverside loops around the orchard are the obvious warm-up, though sections turn muddy after rain. For an off-lead session on other days, Fielding Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is in the suburb, and Warrandyte River Reserve Dog Off Leash Area continues the river theme further upstream. Note some adjacent riverside parkland, including parts of Candlebark Park, restricts dogs, so read the signs as you go.

More options are in the Victoria dog friendly cafes guide and the Templestowe destination page.