The Black Dingo Story

Black Dingo Café respectfully acknowledges the Minjungbal people of the Bundjalung Nation, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather at Point Danger. We honour their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all First Nations people who visit and support our café today.

Our Story

Black Dingo Cafe was born from a simple idea: to build a place where community, creativity, and quality come together. Founded by the Executive chef Marcondes Almeida Neto,  longtime friends with a love for food, coffee, and good conversation, the cafe was inspired by  local produce and farmers markets, sustainability and the energy of Australia’s café culture.

The name Black Dingo pays homage to Australia’s wild heart - a symbol of independence, resilience, and local spirit. Just like the dingo, we do things our own way: authentic, grounded, and a little bit cheeky. We opened our doors with the aim of creating more than just a café - we wanted a local hub where people and the community could connect through the coffee, relax, and enjoy the little things.

Black Dingo Origins

What we know as Duranbah Beach in the Tweed Shire / Point Danger area – named after the SS Duranbah that ran aground there in 1919 – is known to the Gudjinburra-Minyangbal as Moy Ngagambi, Black Dingo Beach.

Moy Ngagambi (Black Dingo Beach) has always been there at the mouth of the Tweed, but has been held to an artificial shape by rock walls since the late 1800s. The spirit of the black dingo lives here: he’s a law keeper, and he travels up and down the coast.

The traditional owners of the area are the Gudjinburra-Minyangbal. They’re Bundjalung people – other Bundjalung groups include the Arakwal people of the Byron Bay area. Bundjalung Country extends along the coast of what is now the NSW-Queensland border region, from Tallebudgera Creek to the Clarence; and further back, Bundjalung land extended from the Logan to the Clarence.

Today, it’s a field of Australian aspiration – high rises and coffee culture, SUVs and malls. Moy Ngagambi, like the beach of any city, is a place of transition where nature still moves in unregulated shapes. Fifty metres out, it’s the uncontained energy of the Pacific Ocean. But fifty metres back from the drifting sand, it’s the electronic birdcall of pedestrian crossings.

Traditional activities have continued around Moy Ngagambi. Despite ups and downs over decades, some Gudjinburra have avoided forcible removal from traditional lands, enabling many cultural practices like hunting, fishing, and gathering to continue. Also alive and well are the social structures and ceremonies that are vital to cultural life.

The community has its issues, ones that are comparable to other Indigenous communities, but here, land management challenges are intensified as the Bundjalung live pretty much on the doorstep of one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities. Land is central to cultural systems for Aboriginal people: preserving culture requires preserving the land, and the pressure from outside is intense sometimes. The message is not that nobody comes near us, but that regulation and respect are essential to maintain the land and culture into the future.

What We Offer

We’re proud to serve specialty coffee brewed with precision and passion, alongside a seasonal menu full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From wholesome brunch favourites and hearty lunch options to house-baked treats and pastries, everything is made with care by our talented kitchen team. We cater to a variety of dietary needs and keep things flexible and inclusive.

But what really sets Black Dingo apart is the vibe - a blend of thoughtful service, breathtaking ocean views, relaxed atmosphere,  and a genuine passion for what we do. Our team is friendly, down-to-earth, and genuinely passionate about what we do - from the first coffee of the morning to the last dish out of the kitchen.

We also host community events, support local artists and makers with live entertainment music on the weekends, and take pride in building something that reflects the people and community around us.

So whether you're dropping in for your morning coffee, grabbing lunch with mates, or looking for a cozy corner to unwind, Black Dingo Cafe is your go-to spot for quality, connection, and community.