Australia takes its coffee very seriously. But which city has the best? A new study put the controversial question to the test, with surprising results…
In the Antipodes, coffee is more than just a beverage – it’s a ritual. Australian coffee culture is so strong and our standards so high that Starbucks incurred massive losses when they tried to open up shop down under – a point of national pride for many Aussie coffee drinkers. So, when it comes to the best coffee locales in the country, there are plenty of contenders vying for the top spot.
Recently, money transfer company Remitly crunched the numbers to determine where the best coffee in Australia (and New Zealand) can be found. And surprisingly, the usual suspects didn’t claim the crown. Here are the best coffee regions in Australia, according to data. (Spoiler alert: it’s not Melbourne!)
The Method
Remitly’s ‘coffee index’ drew from over 2.7 million Google reviews to rank cities based on:
The number of coffee shops per capita.
The average customer rating for coffee shops in each city.
The number of customer reviews per coffee shop.
The number of #Coffee posts on Instagram in each city (compared to its population).
And the winner is…
Somewhat unexpectedly, the breezy beachside city of Coffs Harbour beat out all major cities to claim the crown of best coffee region in Australia. But it shouldn’t be all too surprising – while the overall vibe here is laid-back, the city takes its coffee very seriously.
Supply Speciality Coffee in Coffs Harbour epitomises the laid-back coffee culture of the city. (Image: Destination NSW)
Beachside cafes with a boho aesthetic, cute-as coffee vans, and vegetarian-friendly spots serving Buddha bowls alongside excellent brews are all part of the mix. Although the town is filled with top-notch java joints, we’ve rounded up the best cafes in Coffs Harbour for you.
Artisti Coffee Roasters is a boutique roastery in Coffs Harbour.
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AI Prompt
Special mention
The Gold Coast came in second place, but the region placed first in the country (tied with Brisbane) for the highest average café rating, at 4.42/5. In the mini Los Angeles of Australia, you’re bound to see activewear-clad fitness enthusiasts jogging along the palm-tree-lined beach. The health-conscious lifestyle is reflected in the cafe culture here, with hyper-Instagrammable blue superfood lattes in Mermaid Beach and and plenty of cafes serving up organic food. You can find the best cafes on the Gold Coast here.
Elk Espresso epitomises the health-conscious, laid-back coffee culture of the Gold Coast. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)
The full list
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Gold Coast, QLD
Cairns, QLD
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Shepparton, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Mildura, VIC
Brisbane, QLD
Adelaide, SA
Sydney, NSW
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
A true hidden gem, the picturesque Moorabool Valley makes for a relaxing and rewarding long weekend escape.
With its undulating hills and vineyards, the Moorabool Valley is both a beautiful sight and a generous mix of things to do and discover. Expect boutique wineries, farm-to-table eateries, charming accommodation and stunning natural scenery.
The best part? Despite its many drawcards, the region is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to truly switch off. It’s also only 90 minutes from Melbourne and just west of Geelong, making it an easy and accessible getaway when you’ve only got a few days to spare.
If you’re after a ready-made long weekend itinerary, the Moorabool Valley and Geelong make an ideal pairing.
Day 1
Morning
Create your own signature scent. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Start your day in central Geelong, in one of the city’s most cosmopolitan locales. The inner suburb of Newtown is leafy and vibrant, with a host of cafes, boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.
Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances is a must-visit if you’re a fragrance enthusiast. The artisan perfumer hosts hands-on workshops on weekends, when you can create your own signature scent from a selection of botanical and exotic essences. Beyond being a unique experience, the perfume is a personalised memento of your escape.
Afternoon
Head to Austin’s Wines for a relaxed, seasonal lunch.
Now it’s time to head to the Moorabool Valley for a weekend of tasting, wandering and unwinding.
Stop into Austin’s Wines for a light and seasonal lunch. The family-run winery offers a casual menu filled with locally sourced foods for snacking and pairing with their cool-climate wines – think grazing and cheese boards, flatbreads and small plates. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Austin’s signature pinot noir to take home.
While boutique accommodation abounds, Blame Mabel is a favourite – and for good reason. Check in after lunch for sweeping views over the surrounding hills, a collection of thoughtfully designed accommodation and a distinctly rustic charm. It offers a genuine country stay that allows you to really slow down. If you’re not sampling at the onsite cellar door, you’ll be spending your downtime exploring the property and your evenings warming up around a crackling open fire.
Night
Settle in for a memorable dinner. (Image: Batesford Hotel)
Dinner at the historic Batesford Hotel is a must. This welcoming venue offers country character and refined elegance in equal measure, and the food is a standout.
Order a round of share plates or pizzas with creative toppings, or go for hearty mains like slow-cooked lamb rump with ancient grains and ricotta gnocchi that melts in your mouth. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids’ menu is surprisingly considered, with options to suit even the pickiest eaters.
Day 2
Morning
Dig into a homestyle feast. (Image: Meredith Farm Store)
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll wake up at Blame Mabel feeling rested and recharged – and very ready for a proper breakfast.
The Meredith Farm Store is a go-to for a homestyle feast. The morning menu is simple but seriously delicious, with classics like smashed avo, Turkish eggs and breakfast muffins given a Meredith twist. Many of the dishes incorporate the farm’s famed dairy products (including the iconic goat cheese) and seasonal produce.
Pick up some sweet and savoury treats and a few drinks from the shop to fuel the rest of your day – you’re about to explore on foot.
Afternoon
Hit the trails and explore rugged beauty.
Your afternoon is best spent in the rugged Brisbane Ranges National Park, a sprawling bushland reserve with Victoria’s most significant habitat for wildflowers. Choose from a network of walks and hikes that range from relatively flat trails to more challenging terrain.
You can expect plenty of gorgeous scenery whichever path you opt for, with eucalypt forests, rocky outcrops and panoramic lookouts throughout the park. There are also several scenic picnic spots where you can savour your Meredith Farm bounty.
Night
Cosy up by the fireplace with a charcuterie board. (Image: Sarah Miles)
A busy day of exploring calls for a relaxed evening in, and Blame Mabel delivers. Whether you’re staying in the restored farmhouse, the cosy self-contained cabin or the communal lodge, you’ll have access to ample cooking facilities and plenty of cosy corners to unwind in after dark.
Finish the evening with a round of board games, cosying up with a good book from the well-stocked bookshelf or a soak in the outdoor tub under a sky thick with stars.
Day 3
Morning
On your third and final day, you’ll want to soak up the quiet beauty of your surrounds. After being woken by the soft glow of morning sunlight, enjoy a lazy breakfast of freshly collected and cooked eggs or build-your-own muesli and creamy yoghurt, paired with seasonal produce from the garden.
Once you’ve packed, ease back towards Geelong for a relaxed afternoon.
Afternoon
Take home freshly baked treats. (Image: Paddock Bakery)
Pop by the Geelong Vintage Market to wander rows upon rows of collectable retro treasures, from furniture and home decor to books and vinyl.
To wrap up your long weekend adventure, wander through the surrounding Federal Mills precinct, which houses a mix of businesses, retailers and eateries. The precinct itself is a historic and character-filled space with large-scale hand-painted murals, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Grab some freshly baked pastries from Paddock Bakery for the drive home.
