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.
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 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

    Meredith Bryan Meredith Bryan
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    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.