Restaurant

Pelican's Nest Cafe

143 Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum QLD 4178, Australia

Recommended by 56 people

Updated

Find Pelican's Nest Cafe

143 Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum QLD 4178, Australia

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HoursMonday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Pelican's Nest Cafe

Wynnum Esplanade’s go-to pit stop dishes out crisp fish and chips, towering burgers, and sea breezes right by the wading pool. Regulars know it as a lively bayside perch for morning coffee after a long walk along the foreshore or informal gatherings under the outdoor covered deck. An outside order window keeps dog walkers moving, while the kitchen dispatches salt-dusted calamari and steak sandwiches on thick brioche without missing a beat.

  • Foreshore Setting: Perched directly across from the Wynnum Wading Pool and foreshore playground with covered outdoor tables.
  • Street-Side Coffee Window: A dedicated walk-up counter lets dog walkers order takeaway flat whites without leaving their pets.
  • Waterfront Classics: Serves crisp fish and chips, calamari, loaded works burgers, and steak sandwiches layered on brioche.

What's On at Pelican's Nest Cafe

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Pelican's Nest Cafe

Why locals and coastal visitors consistently choose Pelican's Nest Cafe for bayside dining

  • Fresh Seafood and Waterfront Classics

    Generous serves of fresh calamari, chips, and classic seaside meals prepared to order right on the Wynnum waterfront.

    My calamari & chips were fresh,cooked perfectly 👌, my frappe was refreshing.

    karen bosco
  • Hearty Servings Across an Extensive Menu

    From breakfast plates to hefty burgers, the expansive menu satisfies appetites with local ingredients and quality coffee.

    They offer fresh, generous servings using local ingredients and really decent coffee!

    Sharnie Kunde
  • Spacious Setting for Large Groups and Families

    Generous covered outdoor seating effortlessly accommodates family lunches and large gatherings up to 16 guests.

    A group of sixteen went for dinner at Pelicans Nest Friday night. Service was amazing and everyone commented on the wide selection of food choices.

    Cheryl Zwart
  • Vibrant Atmosphere for Coastal Rendezvous

    A lively waterfront buzz makes the cafe an inviting meeting spot for casual lunches and social catch-ups.

    Great little bustling cafe overseeing the beachfront. There is a buzz about the place. We were a group of about 12, meeting for lunch.

    Vincent Bowyer
  • The Prime Post-Walk Refuelling Destination

    Positioned directly across from the Wynnum promenade, it serves as the natural stop for coffee and hearty burgers following seaside exercise.

    This place was just what we needed after a long walk along the promenade!

    Brisbanegirl life, art, food!
  • Esplanade-Facing Hub with Walk-Up Window Access

    Set right across from the wading pool, water park, and foreshore path, offering shaded tables and quick window ordering for dog walkers.

    Dog friendly dining options and allow me to order at the coffee window when I’m alone with my dog.

    Carissa Y

Other favorites

Sides, breakfast plates, and sweet treats to complement your coastal visit

  • Buttermilk Pancakes

    The pancakes were soft and bouncy and delicious!

    Out And About
  • Sweet Potato Fries

    I just had sweet potato fries which were not too salty and a tropical smoothie with coconut and mango I think and it was so yummy!

    EdenApparelBoutique
  • Caramel Slice

    Caramel slice is not too sweet and has a delicious base.

    Carissa Y
  • Haloumi Salad

    This is the best Haloumi salad I've ever had. Really generous portion size too.

    Vanessa Chiem

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful service elements and comforts that elevate a casual bayside meal

  • Dog-Friendly Walk-Up Window

    Walk-up coffee window service enables solo guests accompanied by dogs to order beverages and meals without parting from their pets.

  • Live Waterfront Acoustic Music

    Afternoon and evening diners enjoy occasional live musicians and singers performing right by the outdoor dining area.

  • Weather-Protected Alfresco Setting

    Enclosed sheltered dining keeps diners comfortable in coastal weather with wind protection, overhead fans, and evening fairy lights.

  • Complimentary Beverage Samplers

    Guests dining near the counter or exploring drinks can sample beverage offerings upon request before ordering.

Before you head over

Practical advice on beating peak rush times, pet-friendly ordering, and foreshore seating

  • Navigate peak morning rush and group crowds

    Pelican's Nest draws large morning crowds, especially tables of 15–20 from weekend Parkrun groups. Don't let the rush deter you—service runs swiftly with an organized team, but visit outside peak post-run hours if you prefer a quieter conversation.

  • Order seamlessly at the dedicated dog-friendly window

    If you are out with a pet, you do not have to leave them outside unattended while heading indoors. Use the dedicated walk-up coffee window to order coffees and bites directly from the pavement.

  • Plan for open-air bayside seating or park takeaways

    While outdoor seating is sheltered under covered awnings, coastal wildlife is common along the foreshore. If you prefer a picnic, grab takeaway and sit at the park tables across the road by the wading pool.

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