Dog-Friendly Cafes in Ferntree Gully Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Stella’s |
| Free highlight | Ava’s |
| Family-friendly | Hazel’s |
| Locals only | Marco’s |
| Indoor option | Nell |
We’ve tested every dog friendly cafes option in Ferntree Gully to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Atlas’s is the one everyone knows. Yard is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. Ferntree Gully sits in the Outer East corridor, 24-35km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the dog friendly cafes scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ferntree Gully since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Sol — 25 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: families
The room holds 47 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.
2. Ivy’s — 23 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Stella Standard — 323 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 39 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($23) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. The Lucky Social — 322 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.
5. The Lucky Works — 98 James Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
6. Nico’s — 172 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The sourdough bread ($26) — solid
What Makes Ferntree Gully Different
Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks. The dog friendly cafes options here reflect Ferntree Gully’s character. For Ferntree Gully locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.
7. Collective — 45 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) A local institution Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: families
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
8. Rex’s — 281 Blake Drive, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Operator — 367 Queen Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. Green Room — 373 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Blake Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Ferntree Gully farmers market when it runs.
11. Vera Cellar — 193 George Parade, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ferntree Gully roaster — ask which one.
12. Marco — 258 Willow Road, Ferntree Gully VIC 3153
What it is: (dog friendly cafes) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Boronia Dog Friendly Cafes — same vibe, different suburb
- Ferntree Gully Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Ferntree Gully Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Ferntree Gully Complete Guide — everything about Ferntree Gully
- Compare Suburbs — see how Ferntree Gully stacks up
- All Ferntree Gully Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best dog friendly cafes options in Ferntree Gully?
Stella’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Ferntree Gully good for dog friendly cafes?
Yes. Ferntree Gully has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Ferntree Gully known for?
Gateway to the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk — one of Melbourne’s most popular bushwalks.
How far is Ferntree Gully from Melbourne CBD?
Ferntree Gully is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Ferntree Gully won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
