Top Dog Café: A Road Trip Essential in Barellan
Every great road trip needs a reliable food stop. A place where the coffee is hot, the burgers delicious, and there’s something in the hot box calling your name. Barellan is one of those places and, open seven days a week from 7am, the new Top Dog Café is becoming a favourite stop for travellers, tradies, locals and anyone chasing a good feed on the road.
Located on Burley Griffin Way (aka Yapunyah Street), Top Dog Café is an easy stop for travellers exploring the Riverina or making the journey onto Canberra or Sydney.
The menu covers all the classics. Think hearty steak sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas fresh from the oven. The bain-marie is stocked with takeaway favourites including Pluto pups, potato scallops, chiko rolls and other hot-box essentials, while the hot chips have earned plenty of fans on their own.
Of course, no Aussie road-trip stop is complete without a good coffee. In addition to plentiful caffeinated options, you’ll also find hot chocolates, milkshakes and a range of cold drinks on offer, making it a great stop no matter the season.
One of the best things about stopping in Barellan is that there’s plenty to see within a short stroll of the café. Start with a photo at the Big Tennis Racquet, a tribute to tennis champion Evonne Goolagong-Cawley. Find this roadside giant standing proudly in the centre of town. One of Australia’s iconic “big things”, it’s a must-see for first time visitors.
If you’re visiting on a Friday, or can arrange an appointment, step inside the Barellan Museum. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the stories, industries and characters that helped shape the district.
Travelling with kids? There’s a park across the road from the café, next to the CWA Resthouse, where little legs can burn off some energy before the next stretch of the journey. Coupled with a great set of public restrooms, Barellan is an easy choice for families looking to break up a longer drive.
The best road-trip stops offer more than just a meal. They give you a reason to slow down, stretch your legs and discover somewhere you might otherwise have driven straight past. Whether you’re chasing a morning coffee, a quick lunch or an excuse to explore one of the Riverina’s most charming small towns, Top Dog Café is well worth adding to the itinerary.
Looking to stay the night? Check out the Commercial Hotel Barellan and Barellan Showgrounds.