Spotted Goat Kitchen

Spotted Goat Kitchen is the small, much-loved cafe at 3/486 The Esplanade in Torquay, on the Hervey Bay foreshore, where dogs are welcome at the undercover outdoor seating a short walk from the beach. The menu leans wholesome, the juices are cold pressed, and the compact room keeps a loyal local queue coming back.

The dog setup

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the undercover outdoor tables on the footpath and verandah; the inside seating stays for humans. Staff have a reputation for being good with dogs, so a water bowl is usually an easy ask. It is a compact and popular spot, so the outdoor tables go early on weekend mornings. There is no fee and no booking.

The vibe and the menu

Breakfast is the main event: bacon and eggs, poached eggs, fritters and bruschetta, with smoothies and cold pressed juices covering the drink list. Presentation is a point of pride and the staff get consistent praise for the welcome they give. Note the trading pattern: Tuesday to Saturday mornings only, closed Sundays and Mondays.

Getting there and parking

The cafe sits on the Esplanade at Torquay, the first beachside suburb into Hervey Bay from the south. Free street parking runs along the Esplanade with more in the side streets just off it, and the sand is across the road.

Close by with the dogs

The foreshore path runs straight past the door for an on-lead stroll, and the 24/7 Off-leash Dog Beach at Urangan is a short drive south for a proper run. If you want a second stop, Aquavue Beachfront Bar & Eatery sits on the Torquay foreshore and Cody's Coffee Shack is a quick espresso option nearby. More options are on the Torquay destination page and the Queensland cafes list.

Arrive before the morning rush on weekends for a calmer verandah table, and remember the cafe is dark on Sundays and Mondays.