Memories Cafe @ Yorkeys Knob

Memories Cafe is the local breakfast-and-brunch spot in the Varley Street shopping strip at Yorkeys Knob, 20 minutes north of Cairns, and one of the most genuinely dog-welcoming cafes on the Cairns northern beaches - the owners' own dogs, Brooke and Elvis, are often about, and fresh water bowls are kept topped up for visitors.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome on the covered outdoor deck, which has plenty of seating and shade. Two bowls of fresh water are usually out, and the owners are known for fussing over dogs rather than merely tolerating them.

Good to know. The coffee gets consistent praise, and regulars rate the eggs benedict, brekky wraps, hash browns and bacon and egg rolls; the almond chai latte has its own fan club. It is a small, community-run cafe, open from early morning until about 2pm on weekdays and around midday on weekends - hours shift, so check before a late brunch run.

Getting there. Shop 7, 471-475 Varley Street, in the same small complex as the local supermarket, with free parking at the door.

Nearby with the dogs. Doppio Zero does fresh pasta and coffee a short stroll along Varley Street, and hidden@yorkeys covers dog-friendly garden dining on Sims Esplanade. Yorkeys Knob Beach is a short walk for a leashed stroll - it is crocodile country, so stay well back from the water's edge.

Go on a weekday morning for the easiest deck seat; weekends wrap up around midday, so treat it as a breakfast stop, not a lunch one. Good for social dogs who enjoy being greeted.

Sources

• Memories Cafe at Yorkeys Knob - Facebook · facebook.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.