Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars and Cafes in Port Stephens
Packed full of pristine dog friendly beaches, stylish bars and cafes, and dog friendly activities, Port Stephens has something for the entire family. An easy 2.5 hours drive from Sydney, it’s time to pack your bags with a leash, poop bags, and of course a ball or two, and head off to your next NSW adventure with your pooch.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
Edward Street, Shoal Bay
Only 550m away from Shoal Bay’s beachfront is this gorgeously upheld, pet-friendly townhouse on Edward Street. The calm waters and soft white sand of this beautiful stretch of beach are practically just around the corner, and waterfront cafes, grocery stores, a pharmacy and restaurants/pubs including the popular Shoal Bay Country Club can also be found along the foreshore.
If you’re in the mood for an adventure and want to experience mother nature’s breathtaking scenery, hike the Tomaree Head Summit walk (1.2km away) for unparalleled views of the idyllic Port Stephens coastline. When you reach the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Yacaaba Head and Broughton Island from the north platform, as well as nature reserves Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah Islands – the world’s only nesting sites for the endangered Gould’s petrel. From the south platform, look out over Point Stephens Lighthouse, Fingal Island and Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, with these beaches all only 1-2km from the townhouse. Make sure to take your binoculars if you want to look for whales or dolphins!
Dog Services in Port Stephens
Emma’s Little Groom Room, Taylors Beach
Emma’s Little Groom Room is a boutique grooming salon located in Taylors Beach. Professionally trained groomers with over 9 years experience using only the highest quality products. Great local groomer in Port Stephens area. Personalised service day in day out with some of the local pooches heading to Emma’s every month for a little pampering session. Small and Medium dogs only.
Dog Friendly Beaches
Bagnalls Beach, Corlette
Conveniently located in central Nelson Bay, Bagnalls Beach at Corlette is often described as ‘dog heaven’. The popular dog friendly beach allows pooches to run off lead , all day, until their heart is content (or they run out of puff!). There is also a fantastic picnic area next to the beach, as well as easy parking.
Birubi Beach, Anna Bay
Stretching from Stockton to Port Stephens, the dog friendly Birubi Beach often has heaps of friendly pooches running around so it’s a great spot to make some fur friends. The surf patrolled beach is off leash before 9am and after 5pm and can often have big waves so keep an eye on your pup in the water.
Dog Friendly Cafes
Magnolia, Nelson Bay
Get ready to fall head-over-paws for Magnolia Nelson Bay – the ultimate doggy dining destination that’ll have both you and your four-legged bestie’s tails wagging! This gem welcomes furry friends with open arms and serves up breathtaking harbour views that are almost as stunning as your pup’s smile.
Naked Alley Cafe, Nelson Bay
We have just discovered Naked Alley Cafe and are absolutely obsessed! Picture this: your pup making instant BFFs on the spacious outdoor deck while you sip expertly brewed coffee and dive into the most incredible egg rolls and buttery croissants 🥐
The energy here is infectious – dogs are socializing like they’re at their own little coffee club, owners are actually relaxing and everyone’s got those can’t-stop-smiling faces. It’s giving serious community vibes!
Ready to see your pup’s eyes light up? Grab that leash and get yourself to Naked Alley Cafe – you’ll both be planning your next visit before you even leave! 🐾
Essence Cafe, Nelson Bay
Get ready to discover your new favorite hangout spot! Essence Cafe in stunning Nelson Bay is where tail-wagging adventures meet seriously good comfort food. Your four-legged bestie will be spoiled rotten with special doggy treats while you indulge in home-cooked meals made with genuine love and care.
The spacious outdoor seating area is absolutely perfect for pups to people-watch and soak up those gorgeous Port Stephens vibes alongside their humans. Whether you’re craving that consistently brilliant cup of coffee or want to explore their loose leaf tea selection, every sip pairs beautifully with the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes both dogs and their owners feel right at home.
This isn’t just another cafe – it’s a place where genuine connections happen over exceptional food, and your furry family member is treated like the VIP they truly are. Ready to create some pawsome memories? Pack up your pup and head to Essence Cafe for your next Nelson Bay adventure!
Below the Deck, Nelson Bay
Below the Deck Cafe at Little Beach Boathouse offers everything you could need to dine out in Port Stephens. Enjoy a seafood-focused menu, great wine and craft beer with bay views! The friendly staff are happy for dog owners to sit in the outdoor seating area with their pups and water bowls can be provided. They also have some healthy treats available for the furry customers.
The Cafe, Shoal Bay
Dog parents are discovering The Cafe Shoal Bay and instantly knowing – this is THE spot every pup lover dreams of finding! ☕️✨
Furry friends making instant BFFs on the spacious outdoor deck while their humans sip perfectly roasted coffee just steps from stunning Shoal Bay Beach. The atmosphere? Pure magic – where every pup is treated like royalty and every human feels genuinely welcome.
The scene unfolds like a dog lover’s paradise – tails wagging everywhere, new friendships forming over lattes, and that blissful moment when people realize they’ve found their new regular spot. The kind of place where “just a quick coffee” turns into hours of pure joy.
Treats available for the furry customers 🌊☕️🐕
Zenith Cafe, Shoal Bay
The vibe? Pure magic. Dogs socializing like they’re at their own exclusive club while their humans finally get to relax without judgment. It’s giving “community we never knew we needed” energy! Your adventure buddy deserves this level of awesome. Pack the lead, grab your bestie (the four-legged one), and discover why Zenith Cafe is becoming THE spot every dog parent is talking about! Who’s ready for the ultimate pup date? 🐾
Longboat Cafe, Fingal Bay
Your furry bestie sprawled out on the perfect outdoor deck, tail wagging as they make new four-legged friends, while you sip the finest coffee in town and indulge in artisanal pastries that hit differently when you’re not worrying about whether your pup is welcome.
That’s exactly the vibe at Longboat Cafe – where every dog parent finally gets their “this is our spot” moment! The outdoor seating was practically designed for our fur babies to socialize and soak up those coastal vibes, and the welcoming atmosphere means both ends of the leash can truly relax.
Village Grind, Salamander Bay
Village Grind is a dog friendly cafe located in the old Salamander Shopping Precinct. Expect friendly service with great coffee, breakfast and light lunch. Furry customers have their own treats on the menu. Great local vibes with dog friendly outdoor seating.
Dog Friendly Pubs, Bars and Breweries
Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay
Its stunning beach front location makes Shoal Bay Country Club one of the finest places to wine & dine with your dog in Port Stephens. Whether you’re after live entertainment, a long lunch, unparalleled views across Shoal Bay Beach, or tasty cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Even your pooch can join in on the fun and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze in the alfresco dining area downstairs and the outdoor seating at Mermaids Cafe.
Cheeky Dog Bar, Soldiers Point
The name says it all for this super dog friendly bar! Just 50 metres from bar to bay, The Cheeky Dog is the place to be for indoor and outdoor eating and drinking in Soldiers Point. The dog friendly venue is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and offers a cracking Mediterranean inspired menu, plus a relaxing beer garden for you to relax in with your pooch. They even hold doggie events throughout the year such as the Cheeky Dog Show, which matches rescue dogs with new owners.
Murrays Craft Brewing Company, Bobs Farm
Murray’s Craft Brewing Co shares its home with Port Stephens Winery, the region’s oldest vineyard, and perfectly showcases a number of award-winning wines and beers. With a lively atmosphere, delicious platters, great tasting craft beer and a huge dog friendly outdoor area that allows your pooch to enjoy a pint or two with you, this brewery really does have it all and is a must visit on your next trip to Port Stephens.
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