hidden@yorkeys

hidden@yorkeys is a licensed open-air restaurant on the corner of Sims Esplanade and Kempton Street, directly opposite Yorkeys Knob Beach, and it is about as dog-friendly as dining gets around Cairns - dogs are welcome through the tropical garden seating, water bowls appear without asking, and there are repeated reports of doggie bacon.

The dog setup. The venue is essentially all outdoor and undercover garden seating, so leashed dogs get proper space rather than a footpath squeeze. Staff routinely bring water bowls and have been known to produce a treat. Book ahead and mention the dog so you are seated with room.

Good to know. It trades breakfast, lunch and dinner most days (typically closed Wednesdays - check current hours), with a rainforest-garden feel and regular live music. Review favourites include the beef cheek burger, crispy pork belly, breakfast eggs benedict and the seafood laksa. Specials such as Thursday locals' night and Sunday oyster deals come and go, so check their socials for what is currently running.

Getting there. Corner of Sims Esplanade and Kempton Street, Yorkeys Knob, with street parking along Sims Esplanade. The name is accurate: the entrance is set back and easy to miss, so watch for the corner signage.

Nearby with the dogs. The beach is across the road for a leashed pre-dinner walk. Back on Varley Street, Memories Cafe covers dog-friendly breakfast and Doppio Zero does fresh pasta and coffee. Staying in the suburb, Villa Marine and Driftaway Holiday Villas both take dogs.

Book for live-music nights, or go early evening midweek for a quieter garden. The layout suits dogs that need a bit of room, which makes it the best dinner option in the suburb by a distance.

Sources

• Hidden Yorkeys - Tripadvisor · tripadvisor.com.au
• HiddenYorkeys | Yorkeys Knob QLD - Facebook · facebook.com

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