10 Charming Blue Mountains Cafes To Try Now

From excellent coffee to comforting dishes and cheerful hospitality, these much-loved Blue Mountains cafes will fuel, nourish and delight.

Set yourself up for good dining on your next sojourn to the Blue Mountains with this list of the top places to enjoy a sunny breakfast, casual lunch or relaxed dinner. From a forest-fringed afternoon tea in a glasshouse to a retro-inspired diner, and hip coffee haunts, our edit will ensure you eat (and drink) well at every meal.

1. 8 Things

Travel the globe in eight delicious dishes at this Katoomba eatery . Chef Misha Laurent has compiled her menu based on street food favourites, ranging from an Indian dosa to a Balinese nasi goreng.

a table-top view of food at 8 Things — Make a pitstop at 8 Things. (Image: @lauren.commens)

They may be from different corners of the earth, but they all share one commonality – they’re thoroughly full-flavoured and robustly delicious. Just like all classic street eats, the eight things are fast, freshly made and crave-worthy.

a person holding food at 8 Things, Katoomba — Satisfy your hunger with the classic street eats at 8 Things. (Image: @lauren.commens)

Location: 133 Katoomba Street, Katoomba.

2. Frankly, My Dear

Fancy a bagel with your coffee? You’re in luck at this good vibes- and good times-oriented café in Katoomba. Run by local coffee power couple, Dylan and Alisha of Glenbrook’s Kickaboom (see below), you’ll find the same bright and breezy hospitality and dedication to a good cuppa at Frankly, My Dear as you will at their first establishment.

Enjoy your brew with a hand-rolled bagel stuffed with the likes of salmon, avo or pastrami, as well as treats, such as housemade banana bread and cakes.

the breakfast menu at Frankly My Dear, Katoomba — A delectable breakfast menu is available at Frankly, My Dear. (Image: Time Out/Destination NSW)

Location: 195 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

3. Cassiopeia

Bean devotees can pick up the scent of a beautifully brewed coffee from great distances. Luckily, with Cassiopeia’s three espresso bars and a roastery , this mountain-born coffee brand is never far away.

the Cassiopeia cafe in the Blue Mountains — Swing by Cassiopeia to grab a bite of your breakfast favourites.

Established in 2006, Cassiopeia’s specialty brews are sourced from the best-quality beans across the globe to service the Mountains community and beyond. You can caffeinate at Katoomba, Springwood and Windsor, where you may sip and grab a bite, as well as purchase beans to take home.

an avocado toast at Cassiopeia, Blue Mountains — Refuel with avocado toast and coffee at Cassiopeia.

Location: 79 Lurline Street, Katoomba; 2/127 Macquarie Road, Springwood; 3/200 George Street, Windsor; roastery 3/59 Megalong Street, Katoomba

4. Black Cockatoo Bakery

For golden, flaky croissants fresh from the oven paired with excellent coffee, make a pit-stop at one of the two Black Cockatoo locales before any mountain adventure.

a pastry on a plate topped with nuts and strawberries at Black Cockatoo Bakery — Bite sweet and savoury pastries at Black Cockatoo Bakery.

At this local go-to, dedication to the craft is at the heart of everything kneaded and baked, so you won’t be able to leave without a loaf of organic, stoneground sourdough bread tucked under your arm. While you’re at it, you may as well grab a few pastries to fuel any bush walks or fireside reading sessions, too.

a close-up photo of bread on a plate at Black Cockatoo Bakery — Dig into soft and indulgent treats at Black Cockatoo Bakery.

Location: Shop 1/1 Staples Crescent, Lawson; 165 Katoomba Street, Katoomba

5. The Wayzgoose Diner

The Wayzgoose Diner creates comfort food made from scratch with local produce and served with a fun colour palette of green gingham tablecloths and sorbet-pink cups. It’s delicious, diner-style fare, from toasties and burgers to bagels, lasagne, waffles, and, because it’s the mountains, scones served in a flowerpot.

burger and fries with ketchup on the plate at The Wayzgoose Diner — Try the burger and fries combo at The Wayzgoose Diner.

It’s a menu that seems to suggest there’s nothing that can’t be improved with a squirt of fluffy cream or tomato ketchup, so walk on in for rib-sticking favourites.

food with a fun colour palette of green gingham tablecloths and sorbet-pink cups at The Wayzgoose Diner — The Wayzgoose Diner serves food with a fun colour palette of green gingham tablecloths and sorbet-pink cups.

Location: 174 Leura Mall, Leura

6. The Bunker

Now with three locations in the mountains – Springwood, Leura and Mulgoa – The Bunker has firmly cemented itself as a veritable institution. It’s the classics done well with nothing ultra-fancy, but everything exceedingly delicious.

the cafe exterior of The Bunker, Blue Mountains — Head to The Bunker for a delicious brunch.

From the eponymous breakfast burger to the lamb ragu and burgers come lunch, and share plates of chicken bao and prawn tacos, as well as larger serves such as baked barramundi and Moroccan chicken, at dinner, there’s something to please all, no matter what time you amble in.

burgers, fries and lamb ragu at The Bunker, Blue Mountains — The Bunker has loads of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Location: Shop 8 and 9, 150 Macquarie Road, Springwood; 117–121 Leura Mall, Leura; 1319 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa

7. Sorensen’s Glasshouse

An icon of the mountains, this nursery and cafe is an idyllic spot to take a window seat and gaze out to the forest beyond. The floor-to-ceiling glass building makes you feel a little like you’re dining in a cloche, or, say a glasshouse, but what’s on display is not you, rather it’s the scenery beyond.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch every day, such as a rainbow felafel bowl or Sorensen’s garden breakfast, and browse the local wares for sale in the shop.

plants on display inside Sorensen’s Glasshouse — The plants on display add a warm touch to the cafe’s interior.

Location: 8 Herbet Street, Leura

8. Hounslow

From breakfast served with a perfected cold drip coffee to lunch with a chilled fine wine and, between Thursday and Sunday nights, dinner and a cocktail, this Blackheath favourite is an almost-all-day diner and the place to sit and savour. You could begin the day with a kipfler Spanish omelette, then stretch your legs and return at midday for the grilled broccoli toastie, before reprising your table at dinner for Korean barbecue pork belly and a bespoke cocktail.

Location: 25 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath

9. Kickaboom

The menu at this Glenbrook cafe operates in the light and shade of a balanced diet. On one side, choose from chia granola at breakfast and a soba noodle bowl for lightness at lunch or, on the more indulgent spectrum, allocate your daily calorie intake to the decadent fried chicken waffle.

the cafe exterior of Kickaboom, Glenbrook — Drop by Kickaboom for your daily caffeine fix. (Image: Liam Foster)

With owner Dylan Johnson having cut his teeth at some of Surry Hills’ most iconic cafes, you can expect everything to be just as it should be.

an empty seat at Kickaboom, Glenbrook — Sip great coffee with friends at Kickaboom. (Image: Liam Foster)

Address: 6 Ross Street, Glenbrook

10. The Grumpy Baker

This big city import from Sydney’s Oxford Street looks as though it has always occupied the weatherboard shopfront of its Bilpin digs. Swing by daily for a baked goodie, such as a traditional sourdough loaf, pain au chocolat or chocolate brownie, enjoyed with a Single O coffee at the window seat as the sun beams in. It’s the perfect way to fuel your mountain explorations.

the cafe exterior at The Grumpy Baker, Blue Mountains — Get your breakfast fix at The Grumpy Baker.

Location: 2481 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin

For more inspiration on where to eat and drink, read our pick of the best restaurants in Katoomba, and nearby in Blackheath.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

10 best cafes in the Blue Mountains to try now