Canning River Cafe

Canning River Cafe sits on the corner of Kent Street and Queens Park Road in Wilson, right where the Canning River Regional Park begins. It has become a regular stop for south eastern suburbs walkers who want a proper breakfast after a riverside stroll, and the cafe's own things to do page points visitors straight across the car park to the park trails.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome, and the cafe says so plainly: its own things to do page labels the venue dog friendly and sends walkers to the regional park opposite. The covered alfresco terrace is where four legged guests settle, a spot that works on drizzly mornings and hot afternoons alike, and water bowls are part of the regular setup. Staff are used to leads looping around table legs, so there is no awkwardness in asking.

Inside it is a family cafe through and through: river views from many seats, friendly staff who keep the coffee moving, and a menu that runs from smashed avo to a wagyu burger. Gluten free and vegan options are both on the board, which matters when half the table has arrived straight off a walk.

The cafe trades from 7am to 3pm on weekdays, stretching to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Parking sits at the venue itself, so you can step straight from the car onto the gravel without crossing a main road.

Make a day of it

The Canning River Nature Walk starts effectively at the car park, making this an easy loop of stroll then brunch. Wilson Park Fenced Dog Park gives dogs a proper run off leash a short drive away, and if you are working through the riverside suburbs, Espressoul Coffee & Kitchen in Riverton is another dog friendly stop. Our guide to dog friendly venues in Wilson covers the rest of the area.