Gloria Jean's Traralgon

Gloria Jean's Traralgon sits in the Stockland Traralgon centre on the Princes Highway. Pet dogs cannot come through the enclosed mall, but well-behaved dogs on a lead are generally welcome at the cafe's outdoor footpath tables, which are reached from outside rather than through the centre. It is a shopping-break coffee stop rather than a destination in its own right.

The dog setup

Sit at the paved outdoor tables and reach them directly from the external footpath or carpark, not via the mall corridor. Keep the dog leashed, off the furniture and clear of the walkway. Bring a travel bowl, as the cafe is set up for human customers and there is no dog menu. Confirm with staff on the day that the outdoor tables are open for dogs, since shopping-centre policies vary; mid-morning is the easiest window.

Worth knowing

The draw is the chain's signature coffee, blended Chillers and Fruit Freezers, plus a rotating case of cakes, slices and muffins. Hours run 7am to 5pm weekdays, 8am to 4pm Saturdays and 9am to 4pm Sundays, which makes it a practical all-week stop on a Gippsland road trip.

Getting there and parking

Aim for the open-air surface carpark off the Princes Highway or Hotham Street, which puts you closest to the outdoor seating without entering the complex. The centre sits on the highway at the eastern edge of the Traralgon CBD.

Close by with the dogs

The Traralgon Dog Park is the proper exercise stop a short drive away, and the Stay with Bernie holiday home nearby suits travellers who want to overnight with the dog in town. The Latrobe Valley Caravan Park is another pet-friendly base if you are towing.

For more stops along the highway, browse other dog friendly cafes in Victoria or plan a visit around Traralgon.