16 excellent cafes in Orange for coffee lovers and foodies

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You’re never too far from a well-brewed coffee and delicious meal in Orange.

It’s no great revelation that the fertile lands surrounding Orange are a magnet for food lovers, who come to relish the locally grown produce and world-class wines. Beyond the city limits there’s a virtual buffet of wonderful restaurants to discover at wineries and cellar doors, but you’ll also find an excellent peppering of incredible cafes and coffee joints in and about town. Inspired by seasonal harvests and energised by a perpetual parade of city visitors and relocators, there’s a ravenous energy in Orange’s cafe scene. Here’s our pick of the top spots.

1. Good Eddy

Best for: Creative coffee.

Get your coffee with a side order of city chic at this town centre cafe  that grinds Reuben Hills beans in its light and bright digs.

the cafe interior of Good Eddy, Orange
The light-filled digs at Good Eddy is the perfect place to start your day.

Set yourself up at the window and watch Orange open up for the day as you savour your cuppa and tuck into cafe classics such as a bacon and egg roll, toastie and bagel. The kids will go (hazel) nuts for the Nutella milkshake.

Good Eddy interior
Good Eddy serves Rueben Hills coffee beans at its store.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Casual, trendy, and artistic
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours: 
6.50am–1.45pm Monday to Friday.
Location:
187 Lords Place

2. Anything Grows

Best for: Outdoor dining.

Take tea in the country-chic courtyard amid blooms and branches at this nursery and cafe near Cook Park.

the cafe exterior of Anything Grows, Orange
Anything Grows exudes country charm.

From something sweet to accompany your brew to larger plates of baked eggs and chicken wraps, you can pop into Anything Grows  until 2pm for a meal, and enjoy afternoon tea of coffee and cake until 3pm.

There’s also a gift shop, so you can leave with a posy tucked under your arm or a new pair of gumboots.

 

a close-up of two people consuming their meals at Anything Grows, Orange
The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Lush, peaceful and laid-back
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 
8am–3pm Tuesday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location:
54 Summer St

3. Lakeside Kiosk and Cafe

Best for: Lake views and family-friendly dining.

Lake Canobolas, just 10 minutes from Orange, is perhaps one of the most picturesque spots for a morning cup of coffee. Pop into the Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe  to caffeinate for a gentle stroll by the lake or pre-order your picnic provisions.

Baked custard from Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe in Orange NSW
Pop into the Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe for incredible food with a view.

If you’d rather take in the serene view as you enjoy a leisurely sit-down lunch, the cafe will service your needs with a menu ranging from duck breast to gruyere croquettes.

Duck with eggplant from Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe in Orange NSW
Tasty dishes like duck with eggplant are on the menu.

Average price: $–$$
Atmosphere:
Relaxed, scenic and family-friendly
Review: 4/5
Opening hours:
Kiosk 8am–3pm; Cafe 8am–2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Location:
145 Lake Canobolas Rd

4. Millthorpe Providore

Best for: Gourmet local produce.

If you’re in the vicinity of Orange, it’s almost mandatory to take the 25-minute drive to charming Millthorpe to peruse its heritage loveliness and antique stores.

While you’re there, grab yourself a coffee and a little something from the local favourite, Millthorpe Providore .

Millthorpe Providore cafe exterior near Orange
Grab yourself a coffee and a little something from Millthorpe Providore. (Image: Supplied)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere:
Rustic and inviting
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
6am–3pm Monday to Friday; 7am–3pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location:
23 Victoria St, Millthorpe

5. Byng Street Local Store

Best for: Brunch with a twist.

For more than a decade this all-rounder cafe  has been firing up the espresso machine to fortify customers with their daily brews, just as they like it.

Shop front of Byng Street in Orange
Find a spot to sit out front to enjoy brunch at Byng Street.

Serving breakfast, lunch and quick takeaways, the bright-red door is always open for locals and visitors alike.

Settle in at a communal table, perch at the window or mill about outside having a chat – this beloved corner cafe is here for it all.

 

the cafe interior of Byng Street Local Store
Try this beloved corner cafe for yourself.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Cosy, family-friendly and welcoming
Review:
5/5
Opening hours:
7am–3pm daily.
Location:
47 Byng St

6. Groundstone Cafe

Best for: Alfresco dining.

If you’ve allocated time to take in the town’s museum and cultural precinct, be sure to build in a couple of hours to sit and savour at this light-flooded, glasshouse-like eatery .

Inside Groundstone cafe in Orange
It’s a hive of activity inside this light-flooded cafe.

With a considered focus on local produce and seasonal ingredients, breakfast lunch or brunch here is an exercise worth lingering over. From a son-in-law egg salad to sweet and savoury crumpets or a more robust peri peri chicken burger, the flavours are bright and finessed.

a brunch plate at Groundstone Cafe
Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere over brunch or lunch. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere:
Bright, airy and dog-friendly
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours:
7.30am–3pm Monday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location:
151a Byng St

7. The Village Bakehouse

Best for: Classic Aussie bakery fare.

Fortify for a day touring Orange’s agrarian beauty and celebrated cellar doors with a stop at this bakery cafe . Bread has been the business here since 1918, so one can be assured they’ll rise to the occasion when it comes to baked goods.

Breakfast is available until a leisurely 1pm to catch those late risers and may be as simple as sourdough toast or a ‘stella’ smoked bacon and egg roll with trimmings of Swiss cheese, caramelised onion and chilli jam.

Village Bakehouse cafe in Orange NSW
Devour some baked goods at The Village Bakehouse.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Bustling, friendly and casual
Review:
4/5
Opening hours:
5.30am–5pm Monday to Friday; 5.30am–4pm Saturday; 6am–3pm Sunday.
Location:
208 Peisley St

8. Academy Coffee Roasters

Best for: Artisan coffee lovers.

It’s all about the bean at this specialty coffee roastery , which has been extracting the best for the Central West of NSW since 2015.

Pop into their Woodward Street digs for a cup of consciously and carefully sourced coffee and a small bite, from toast to toasties and a pastry treat. If you’re fond of a sweet riff on your usual order, try the Biscoff latte.

Academy Coffee Roasters interior in Orange, NSW
Try the Biscoff latte at Academy Coffee Roasters.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Industrial-chic, modern, and minimalist
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
6am–1.30pm Monday to Friday; 8am–12.25pm Saturday.
Location:
145 Woodward St

9. Bills Beans East Orange

Best for: Serious coffee drinkers.

If you’re in the east of Orange and hankering for a well-made coffee, you’ll find Bills Beans  at the heritage corner digs of the former Hackett’s Butcher Shop.

two cups of latte at Bills Beans East Orange cafe
Start your day with a good coffee.

Here the brews have a golden crema and you’ll be well-supplied with a fresh menu from breakfast through to lunch.

a blurry image of a man walking in front of Bills Beans East Orange cafe
Order your coffee to go at Bills Beans East Orange.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Minimalist, intimate and cosy
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
6am–4pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location:
148 McLachlan St

10. Factory Espresso

Best for: Industrial-chic vibes.

Sporting an array of personalities as a cafe, a comedy club and a roastery for Kite Coffee, Factory Espresso’s vast, industrial-style digs  makes it well-suited to all three versions of itself.

the cafe exterior of Factory Espresso in Orange
Factory Espresso is the perfect place to start (or end) the day.

There’s a rotating roster of some of Australia’s best comedians, but if that doesn’t suit your jam, you can also just come along and watch the coffee roasting in action as you sip the end result.

Muesli and coffee at Factory Espresso in Orange
The breakfast menu hits all the right notes.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Industrial-chic, trendy and vibrant
Review:
4/5
Opening hours:
6am–2.30pm Monday to Friday; 7.30am–2pm Saturday; 7.30am–1pm Sunday.
Location:
135 Kite St

11. Racine Bakery

Best for: Freshly baked pastries.

While many have heard of Orange’s much-adored Racine Restaurant, now sadly closed, less know of its spin-off bakery . Firing up the oven in 2012 to shape handmade loaves for the restaurant and other small businesses in town, the bakery soon moved into its own bricks-and-mortar digs in town.

Stop by for beautifully bubbled organic sourdough, all-butter pastries, cakes and biscuits and, of course, excellent coffee. You can also order whole cakes, flans and tarts to enjoy at home.

Pastries from Racine Bakery, Orange.
Don’t miss the pastries from Racine Bakery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Charming, relaxed and family-friendly
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
7am–2pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location:
142 Summer St

12. Spilt Milk Bar

Best for: Ice cream and desserts.

One for the sweet-toothed lickers and lovers of creamy goodness, this Aussie gelateria churns local and fresh ingredients to make their icy scoops incredibly delicious and opens until later for those post-dinner cravings. They also have milk bars in Canberra and Tamworth.

a hand holding a cone of gelato from Spilt Milk Bar
Gelato is always a good idea.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Fun, casual, nd family-friendly
Review:
5/5
Opening hours:
2pm–9pm Monday to Wednesday; 2pm–10pm Thursday to Friday; 12pm–10pm Saturday; 12pm–9pm Sunday.
Location:
45 Sale St

13. The Agrestic Grocer

Best for: Sustainable, farm-to-table dining.

The Agrestic Grocer is more than just a cafe – it’s a local institution dedicated to promoting organic produce and sustainable farming practices. The menu is wholesome and hearty, featuring locally sourced ingredients that are transformed into delicious, rustic meals. You can also browse their farm shop for fresh produce to take home. The relaxed, earthy vibe, paired with excellent coffee, makes it a go-to for a laid-back breakfast or lunch.

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Rustic, earthy and relaxed
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 8.30am–4pm daily.
Location: 426 Mitchell Hwy

14. Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est.

Best for: Weekend vibes.

Birdie Noshery is all about weekend brunch, with an extensive coffee menu and a selection of delicious dishes that keep people coming back. The bright, open space creates a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for friends to gather. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or a more substantial meal, Birdie Noshery has something for everyone.

Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. exterior cafe in Orange
Birdie Noshery is all about weekend brunch. (Image: Supplied)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere:
Lively, open and welcoming
Review:
5/5
Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–9pm Tuesday to Thursday; 8.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–10pm Friday and Saturday; 8.30am–11.30am Sunday.
Location: 120-122 Summer St,

15. The Sugar Mill

Best for: Sweet treats.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, The Sugar Mill is your go-to cafe. Known for its indulgent cakes, pastries, and desserts, this cafe is a must-visit for anyone craving something sugary and delicious. Their coffee complements the sweet treats perfectly, making it a great spot for afternoon tea. The cozy and casual atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends over a slice of cake, or simply treating yourself after a long day.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casual, fun, and inviting
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 8am–3pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: 26B Sale St

16. Cafe Latte

Best for: Quick coffee stop.

Cafe Latte is a small but popular spot for those needing a quick coffee fix. With its simple decor and efficient service, it’s the go-to place for locals who need a caffeine hit on the run. Despite its size, the cafe has a loyal following thanks to its consistently great coffee and friendly service. It’s a perfect spot for grabbing a takeaway or sitting down for a quick chat and a snack.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Cosy, intimate and efficient
Review: 3/5
Opening hours: 5am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 5am–11am Wednesday; 5am–2pm Saturday.
Location: 217 Anson St

Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary  to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters.
Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .