hidden@yorkeys

hidden@yorkeys sits on the corner of Sims Esplanade and Kempton Street, straight across the road from Yorkeys Knob Beach north of Cairns, and it is one of the most openly dog-welcoming dining rooms in the Cairns northern beaches. The name is earned: the entrance is set back off the corner and easy to miss, so watch for the signage rather than the shopfront.

The dog setup

This is essentially an all-outdoor venue: leashed dogs settle beside you through the undercover tropical garden seating rather than squeezing onto a footpath strip. Water bowls tend to arrive without being asked, and staff have a reputation for slipping dogs a treat. Book ahead and mention the dog so you are given a table with room around it.

The vibe

Breakfast through dinner most days, with live music nights and a rainforest-garden feel under the fans. The menu leans hearty: regulars point at the beef cheek burger, crispy pork belly and eggs benedict, with a seafood laksa for the tropical weather. Specials come and go with the seasons, so check their socials before you plan a night around one.

Max: this is croc country. Half Moon Creek and the marina sit just up the beach, so keep the pre-dinner walk on the open sand and well clear of the creek mouths.

Getting there and parking

It is about 20 minutes north of Cairns city. Street parking runs along Sims Esplanade, which also puts the beach a leash-length away for an on-lead stroll before you eat.

Close by with the dogs

Back on Varley Street, Memories Cafe @ Yorkeys Knob covers the dog-friendly breakfast shift and Doppio Zero does fresh pasta and coffee. If you are making a weekend of it, Villa Marine and Driftaway Holiday Villas both take dogs.

More options are on the Queensland dog friendly restaurants guide and the Yorkeys Knob destination page.