Avalon of Woodside

Avalon of Woodside is a cottage-style cafe on Onkaparinga Valley Road in the Woodside township, about 35 to 40 minutes from Adelaide. It roasts its own coffee, bakes on site and serves a breakfast and lunch menu with an emphasis on comfort, and it sits a few doors up from a string of Hills cellar doors. Dogs are welcome on lead in the outdoor garden seating.

The dog setup

Dogs on lead settle into the front and rear garden areas, which are fenced off from the street and give you a proper table rather than a footpath perch. A water bowl is usually put out, and the team is accustomed to four legged regulars. Weekend brunch fills the garden quickly, so arrive early or ring ahead on 0427 070 505 to check on a table if you are travelling with a dog.

The vibe

Think vintage cottage with a light French touch: rustic furniture, house roasted beans for a long black, and a menu that runs from eggs benedict to scones and a Korean BBQ sandwich. It is unhurried Hills service rather than city pace, which suits a dog morning.

Getting there and parking

The cafe is at 54B Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside SA 5244, set slightly back from the main road. Street parking along the valley road is free and easy on weekdays. Hours are short and seasonal: the cafe is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and otherwise trades from about 9:30am to 3pm, so check current times before a long drive.

While you are out there

The Amy Gillett Rail Trail passes through Woodside for a flat walk before or after coffee. ArtWine pours with dog friendly outdoor seating a short drive up the road, and Simon Tolley Cellar Door & Accommodation sits among vines on the edge of town. Balhannah Dog Park is nearby if your dog needs an off lead run. For another Hills coffee stop, Emma & Ivy in Lobethal keeps a similar garden table attitude.

More dog friendly cafes in South Australia and the Woodside guide are in the footer.