🐕 Dog Friendly
Best Dog-Friendly Cafes in Brisbane Southside
Combine your weekend walk with a premium al fresco breakfast. Our curated picks for dog owners.
Tennyson doesn't try hard to impress you. It doesn't have a laneway precinct or a rooftop bar or an Instagram-famous wall mural. What it has is the Brisbane River on one side, one of Australia's finest tennis venues on the other, a train station that actually runs on time, and — if you know where to go — a brunch that makes the whole trip worthwhile.
Most Brisbanites on the northside have never been. Some southsiders drive past it on the way to somewhere else. That's a shame. Tennyson is the kind of suburb that rewards the people who actually stop and look around.
This is the local's version. Not the tourism-board version.
Getting there (it's easier than you think)
Tennyson sits about 8km south of the CBD, on the Ipswich Line. If you're coming by train, that's roughly 20 minutes from Central or Roma Street — a genuinely easy commute that most people overlook because they assume "southside" means effort.
📋 Tennyson Transport Guide
- By Train: Take the Ipswich Line directly to Tennyson Station. It is an easy, quiet 3-minute stroll from the platform straight to the riverbanks.
- By Bike: Use the flat Centenary Cycleway running all along the riverbank path. Scenic and well-separated from cars.
- By Car: Take the Moorooka corridor, turning into King Arthur Terrace. There is completely free all-day street parking — no meters, no parking fines.
- By Ferry: Jump on the CityCat to Orleigh Park in West End and cycle south along the flat path (about 20 minutes).
The Brisbane River walk — and why it's better here than anywhere
The Brisbane River Walk through Tennyson is one of the least crowded stretches of river path in the city. You get the views — wide, flat river, distant city skyline in one direction, green bushland curves in the other — without the foot traffic of Southbank or New Farm.
It's a proper walking track that connects Tennyson to Yeerongpilly and back, running right along the water. On a weekday morning it's practically yours. On weekends it gets a bit busier but still nothing like the inner-city paths.
If you're coming down for brunch, a solid plan is to walk before you eat. Start at the station, walk south along the river path toward the tennis centre, loop back, and sit down for eggs and coffee when you're ready. You'll earn it.
"The river here moves differently. Slower. Like it's in no hurry either. That's the Tennyson effect."
Riverside regularThe Queensland Tennis Centre — Pat Rafter Arena
If you've never been to the Queensland Tennis Centre during the Brisbane International, you're missing one of the city's great sporting atmospheres. Pat Rafter Arena holds around 5,500 people and has the feel of a proper grand slam venue — intimate enough to see the ball, big enough for real crowd energy.
But you don't need a tournament to visit. The centre itself is open to the public for recreational tennis year-round. You can book a court, hit with a coach, or just wander around the grounds on event days when they open the precinct up.
The venue is literally across the road from Bliss on Riverside. If you're coming for tennis — or watching the Brisbane International — we are, without competition, the closest proper cafe to the entrance. See our guide to eating near the Queensland Tennis Centre for more detail.
The perfect Tennyson day — a loose itinerary
7:30am
Morning Fuel at Bliss on Riverside
Beat the peak crowd and take a seat on our riverbank deck. Watch the early mist lift off the river while enjoying a fresh flat white and eggs benedict.
9:00am
Boardwalk Exploration Walk
Walk south along the flat, quiet river path toward the Tennis Centre grounds. If you've brought your dog, they will love this tree-shaded 45-minute loop.
10:00am
Explore the Pat Rafter Arena Grounds
Take a tour around the grand Queensland Tennis Centre. Spot the architecture up close, check if courts are open, or hit some friendly rallies.
11:30am
Sweet Finish & Second Coffee
Wander back to our deck for a cold brew coffee and a slice of our signature Orange Almond Cake. Rest your feet before taking the short walk back to the station.
Bringing your dog?
Tennyson is one of Brisbane's better spots for dog owners. The river path allows dogs on leads. Bliss on Riverside is dog friendly on our outdoor deck — we provide water bowls, and the off-lead area at Tennyson Park is a short walk away. See our dog-friendly cafe guide for everything you need to know before you arrive.
What's nearby — extending your southside loop
If you want to make a full southside day of it:
Yeerongpilly Corridor
A quick 10-minute walk. Excellent weekend organic farmer's markets, shopping hubs, and the fresh Yeerongpilly Green strip.
Sherwood Arboretum
A 5-minute drive away. Beautiful heritage trees, public walking trails, massive banyans, and great family picnic fields.
Rocklea Markets
A 10-minute drive. Brisbane's oldest produce and flower market hub. Lively weekend crowds starting very early on Saturday mornings.
Corinda Loop
One stop further south on the rail line. Leafy heritage streets, quiet suburban cafes, and elegant Brisbane architectures.
🛶 Visit Bliss on Riverside Today
Our shaded al fresco deck is completely open-air, dog-friendly, and located directly along the Tennyson Riverwalk path. We are only 400m from the train station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tennyson is a fantastic quiet weekend escape. Key activities include walking or cycling the scenic, uncrowded Brisbane Riverwalk path, booking a public court or watching matches at the Queensland Tennis Centre (Pat Rafter Arena), having a relaxed riverbank brunch at Bliss on Riverside, and taking dogs to the nearby off-lead park.
Bliss on Riverside (at 101/197 King Arthur Terrace) is the most popular cafe and dining venue in the area, offering a stunning open deck directly over the water, specialty coffee, and seasonal brunch dishes served 7 days from 7:00am.
Yes, absolutely. King Arthur Terrace and the immediate side streets offer abundant, completely free street parking with no meters or tight time limits. If you prefer public transport, the Tennyson Train Station is a convenient 400m walk from our door.
