9 charming cafes in Bathurst to try now

Jessica Humphries Jessica Humphries
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Bathurst offers a unique dining experience that combines the town’s rich history, vibrant culture and delicious cafe cuisine.

Worlds away from the big smoke, Bathurst may not be the first place you’d expect to find exceptional coffee. But rest assured, the cafes in Bathurst offer classic favourites, a warm and welcoming country atmosphere and some of the best coffee around. If you’re planning a visit to this cruisy, charming city, make sure to include a cafe pit-stop to indulge in the culinary culture that Bathurst has to offer.

1. Country Coffee Bathurst

True to its name, Country Coffee exudes good old-fashioned small-town vibes. The staff are friendly, the menu has all your go-to favourite cafe classics, and the coffee is reliably some of Bathurst’s best.

Address: 161 George St, Bathurst

2. The Hub

The Hub is one of Bathurst’s most charming cafes, with beautiful food, easy service and a friendly atmosphere. Especially loved for its breakfasts, it serves up all the cafe favourites – from brekkie burgers with all the bells and whistles to salads and curries for lunch. You can enjoy your meal in the leafy outdoor area or cosy up inside by the log fire.

Address: 52 Keppel St, Bathurst

The Hub cafe in Bathurst, NSW
Pop into The Hub for pancakes with a twist.

3. Doppio Bathurst

Doppio is a more recent addition to the Bathurst cafe scene and is a funky spot to chill out. You can relax under the trees or the gazebo while you sip on a fresh, hot cuppa or enjoy a simple but scrummy meal for breakfast or lunch.

Address: 7 Keppel St, Bathurst

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4. Mayfield Gardens

Mayfield Gardens is a 16-hectare garden nestled between the quaint towns of O’Connell and Oberon, a half-hour drive from Bathurst. The exquisite gardens and unique, nature-bathed ambience alone make it worth the extra travel time.

The menu features delicious, seasonal meals made mostly from ingredients grown on-site or nearby, and there are options to tickle everyone’s fancy. It’s an idyllic spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch or long lunch with a glass of wine while taking in the spectacular views.

Address: 530 Mayfield Road, Oberon

visitors enjoying the scenic grounds of Mayfield Garden, Oberon
Dine at the quaint, idyllic setting of Mayfield Gardens. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Crema on George

Crema on George is a beloved hole-in-the-wall cafe especially loved for its excellent Campos coffee. With a friendly atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to savour your morning cuppa, or grab a takeaway pastry and coffee to enjoy in the picturesque park just across the road.

Address: 173 George St, Bathurst

6. Annie’s Ice Cream

Step back in time at Annie’s, an adorable old-fashioned ice cream parlour. This enchanting cafe is a local favourite and has been serving up banana splits since the early 80s. With its bright and bustling atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for families – kids will love the retro vibes and abundance of sweet treats. Annie’s is one of the longest-running cafes in the region, adding to its nostalgic charm.

Address: 82/86 George St, Bathurst

Exterior of Annie's Ice Cream
Annie’s Ice Cream is an institution. (Image: Emily Murphy)

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7. Sweet Caramel

Sweet Caramel is a delightful Bathurst cafe with a cosy, country vibe. The warm and friendly atmosphere invites you to stay a while and enjoy a cafe favourite from the diverse menu of Asian dishes, Aussie classics and plenty of sweet treats. There’s a hole-in-the-wall option for takeaways too. A lovely place to soak up the relaxed ambience of the town.

Address: 183 – 185 George St, Bathurst

8. Porters Cafe

Porters is a reliable country cafe serving up all the classics – sandwiches, salads and desserts. The warm and friendly vibe makes it a nice place to cosy into on a gloomy day.

Address: 76 William St, Bathurst

9. Gunthers Lane Cafe

A great place for the tech-savvy and curious, Gunthers Lane offers one of the most unique cafe experiences in Bathurst. While you wait for your coffee and choc chip muffin you can try out the tech hub, printing something from the 3D printers, exploring virtual reality and more. The menu is simple and the coffee good.

Address: 203-209 Russell St, Bathurst

For more places to eat in Bathurst, check out our restaurant guide.

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Jessica Humphries
Jessica Humphries is a travel and wellbeing writer, with a passion for slow travel, nature, and exploring the world mindfully. Formerly the editor of Australian Yoga Journal and a current contributor to a number of well-being publications, Jessica's writing is inspired by her love for yoga, wellness and sustainable living. Her work is a celebration of the beauty of the world and the joys of gentle travel. She is based in the Northern Rivers of NSW and loves to explore her local area too!
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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

    Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

    Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

    1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

    Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

    2. There’s a booming arts scene

    Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
    Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

    Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

    3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

    three people swimming in lake macquarie
    In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

    4. The dining scene is unbeatable

    8 at Trinity lake macquarie
    Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

    Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

    5. There are hidden coves and waterways

    kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
    Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

    6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

    ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
    Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

    Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

    7. The lake has islands

    sail lake macquarie
    Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

    Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

    Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.