Longboard Cafe

Longboard Cafe sits at 1 Marine Drive, right on the Wollongong harbourfront and an easy stroll from the lighthouse and North Wollongong Beach. It opens early, six on weekdays, and it is one of the few spots this close to the water where the cafe's own site confirms dogs are welcome. If you are heading down for a beach walk with the dog, this is a straightforward first stop for coffee before the sand.

The dog setup is the big undercover outdoor seating area, which the cafe describes as pet friendly on its own website. Dog directory listings add a few extras worth knowing: a Paws of Fame wall for regular four legged customers, counter treats, and water bowls. Because it is undercover, the outdoor tables work on drizzly days as well as bright ones, and the staff have a reputation for being easygoing with dogs at the tables.

The vibe

Everything about the place is beach first. The menu leans towards the things you want after a swim: fish and chips, burgers and breakfast plates, plus smoothies and fresh orange juice pressed to order. It is a casual, trade-in-your-thongs kind of room, and plenty of patrons order takeaway and take it straight to the grass or the sand nearby. Weekends run later than weekdays, so plan a morning session, six until three Monday to Friday and from seven on Sundays.

Close by with the dogs

You are spoiled for options in this patch of Wollongong. Point the lead north and you can walk it off at Coniston Dog Beach, one of the area's most reliable off leash stretches of sand. If the coffee run turns into a proper crawl, both Lola's Locale and C9 Chocolate and Gelato welcome dogs and are a short drive north. For more dog friendly options around the Gong, browse the Wollongong destination guide or the full list of dog friendly cafes in NSW.