Top 30 Cafes In Newcastle | Australian Traveller

Where good food and great coffee meet seaside city life.

Cafes in Newcastle are better today than they have ever been. Whether you’re trying to impress a date, catching up with an old friend or buying lunch for the family by the beach, there are great places dotted all over the city. It wasn’t easy, but we’ve whittled down the list to include some of the best cafes in Newcastle serving everything from artisanal coffee to avo on toast.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Good Brother Espresso Shop
Best pastries: Baked Uprising
Family-friendly spot: Merewether Surf House
Best for brunch: Bowie
Best for digital nomads: Talulah

1. Good Brother Espresso Shop

Best for: Asian-style pancakes with rocket, tofu, pickles, avocado, vegan mayo and miso dressing.

coconut brown rice porridge at Good Brother Espresso Shop — Coconut brown rice porridge with maple syrup, crushed pistachios and blueberry jam.

Caffeine culture in Newcastle is strong. And the third-wave coffee revolution has well and truly swept the city. You could mix it up a bit and try a different place for coffee each day, but you can also live like a local and make cameos at Good Brother Espresso Shop . The tangerine-tinted cafe has exposed brickwork, pendant lighting and seating inside and out. Break out your Doc Martens; the cafe is in Newy East, where all the cool kids live.

Cuisine: Contemporary with Asian accents
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and convivial
Review: 3/5
Location: 40 King St, Newcastle

2. Xtraction Espresso

Best for: Coffee and bagels stuffed with salmon, dill and capers.

There’s a fraction too much extraction going on here. But that’s the name of the game. Get the Craver app so you can grab your latte to go from Xtraction Espresso where you will generally find customers snaking out the door. Like the city itself, Xtraction is an industrial-chic space with original flooring from its previous incarnation as a butcher shop. It’s got a lot of character. Beans are from Veneziano Coffee Roasters in Richmond.

Cuisine: Exceptional cafe fare
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Cute and cosy
Review: 3/5
Location: 2/38 Bolton St, Newcastle

3. Darks Coffee Roasters

Best for: Signature toasties such as the Cuban with pulled pork, ham, pickles, mustard and cheese.

outside Darks Coffee Roasters, Newcastle — Serious coffee fiends should hot-tail it to The Darks Container.

The team behind this bolthole in Broadmeadow are Newcastle’s most awarded coffee roasters. As well as supplying a lot of cafes with beans, the crew at Darks Coffee Roasters also run barista courses on the dark arts, teaching its cafe partners how to steam milk and draw little frothy patterns in the foam. Serious coffee fiends should hot-tail it to The Darks Container in the carpark of McDonald Jones Stadium.

Cuisine: From poke bowls to protein shakes
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Vibey
Review: 3/5
Location: 294 Turton Rd, New Lambton

4. Praise Joe

Best for: The iconic pistachio cake.

the cafe interior of Praise Joe, Newcastle — Snag a spot at Praise Joe for delicious sweet treats. (Image: David Griffen Photography)

Thank the deities for Praise Joe in Tighes Hill, run by locals Hayley Sinkinson and Phillip Gameson. The couple both deserve a shoutout because they make you feel like royalty. Maybe that’s because Phillip cooked for the late Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, or because Hayley worked for the prince of pâtissier Adriano Zumbo. Let that sink in for a hot minute, then leg it to this cosy cafe.

Cuisine: Beautiful baked goods
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Happy people and good vibes
Review: 4/5
Location: 8/20 Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill

5. Corner Lane Espresso

Best for: A Portuguese tart and piccolo.

people outside Corner Lane Espresso, Newcastle — Corner Lane Espresso is a local haunt for one very good reason: the coffee. (Image: Hunter Hunter)

This humble little cafe stays true to its core: selling great coffee from the 1963 Faema president lever machine. Ask locals to spill the beans on the best place for coffee in Newcastle and chances are they will send you to Corner Lane Espresso in New Lambton. It’s one of the best places to go to siphon up espressos made using small-batch beans. The cafe also has offshoots in Adamstown, as well as its own roastery.

Cuisine: Standard breakfast staples
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Humble
Review: 3/5
Location: 1/15 Alma Rd, New Lambton

6. Mockingbird

Best for: Grabbing a smoothie and a Buddha bowl post-surf.

brunch and coffee at Mockingbird, Newcastle — Mockingbird has a fresh and fun approach to food.

A mockingbird is named for its ability to speak multiple languages – and Mockingbird communicates across the linguistic divide through the language of food. Sporting a fresh mullet? Rock it down to Beaumont Street, where you’ll find a clean-living boho crowd convening on the hip strip. The cafe is a local favourite for its low food miles and classic canteen-style decor with trailing greenery.

Cuisine: Thoughtful brunch and lunch options
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Industrial chic
Review: 4/5
Location: 131 Beaumont St, Hamilton

7. Talulah

Best for: Pig out on the classic breakfast roll – a Newcastle essential – with thick-cut Darby St bacon.

the cafe interior of Talulah, Newcastle — The cafe’s effortlessly chic interior makes it extra homey.

Talulah epitomises everything that makes Newcastle great: it’s informal, it’s dynamic, it feels like home. The cafe is a local favourite for its walls covered in an eclectic array of artworks that it sells minus a commission. Talulah stays true to classic specialty coffee techniques and is a triumphant story about an idea for a community hub that percolated into a reality. The dog-friendly cafe also has a purpose-built menu just for your pooch.

Cuisine: Farm-to-plate fare
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Best friend’s loungeroom vibes
Review: 4/5
Location: 52 Glebe Rd, The Junction

8. Blue Door Kiosk

Best for: Dreaming of Bali over a nasi goreng.

dining under beachside umbrellas at Blue Door Kiosk, Newcastle — Grab breakfast by the ocean for a change of scenery.

Simple done well is the Blue Door Kiosk mantra. The cafe has an all-day menu as long as your arm from its venue at Merewether Beach. We recommend busting out a few laps at Merewether Ocean Baths – it’s one of the best things to do in Newcastle. You’ll need it to work up an appetite, then treat yourself to a smoothie bowl or eggs benny, guilt-free. The brand also has venues in Honeysuckle and Hamilton.

Cuisine: Aussie-style fare and classic Balinese big brekkies
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Beachside hang
Review: 5/5
Location: Cnr Watkins St & John Parade, Merewether

9. The Autumn Rooms

Best for: Although it’s named for autumn, the menu changes with the seasons

a plate of food at The Autumn Rooms, Newcastle — Enjoy scrumptious seasonal fare at The Autumn Rooms. (Image: Sophie Tyler Photography)

The Autumn Rooms is an artfully scuffed cafe with veggie-forward dishes, such as the iconic brekkie greens. It’s also one of the most darling cafes on Darby Street and our go-to for getting a noisy slice of Newcastle life. Join shaggy-haired surfers and coffee tourists riffing around rustic tables and ordering cuppas served in dozens of different ways. There is also a sister cafe in Stockton.

Cuisine: Decadent treats and classics that are hard to beat
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Cosy, quaint and quirky
Review: 5/5
Location: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill

10. Ms Mary

Best for: The Ms Mary High Tea (available Friday to Sunday), which the lady herself would have loved

a table-top view of dishes at Ms Mary, Newcastle — Delight in drool-worthy meals at Ms Mary. (Image: David Griffen Photography)

Ms Mary on the ground floor of Crystalbrook Kingsley was named in honour of one of Newcastle’s pioneering early settlers from the 1800s. Like Ms Mary, the cafe is social and warm, embracing the region’s artisans and farmers. Dress up and bring your hot date to the cafe, which evolves from a morning meeting spot to one of the city’s most decadent high-tea hangouts. Make time to admire the mosaic of tiles behind the bar made by Syrian refugees.

Cuisine: An all-day menu with high-tea standouts
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Laid-back
Review: 3/5
Location: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle

11. Estabar

Best for: The classic toastie with free-range ham, kassoundi, cheese, and poached eggs.

People holding a cool drink at Estabar, Newcastle — The beachfront cafe serves seriously refreshing housemade kombucha. (Image: Destination NSW)

Nobody will bat an eyelid if you’re coated in sand when you order breakfast, lunch or brunch at Estabar opposite Newcastle Beach. Build on your surf buzz, drinking in the salty air and ocean views from the esplanade. You will want to make friends with the impossibly cool staff, who always have great recommendations up their sleeves. On a hot day, order a kombucha brewed from fruit grown at nearby Pillidge Farm.

Cuisine: It’s practically heresy not to order a toastie
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Bougie beach-chic
Review: 5/5
Location: 61 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle

12. Goodfriends Eatery

Best for: Pork bahn mi

fluffy buttermilk pancakes on a plate at Goodfriends Eatery, Newcastle — You can’t pass up the fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

Goodfriends Eatery has a beautiful, earthy interior fitted out with floral arrangements of dried ferns, cotton stems and pampas grass that creates an oasis in which to escape. Salads are popular, as well as an array of in-house baked goodies. Head in early to get your hands on muffins, croissants, banana bread and one of the cafe’s famous scones. The coffee is just as good as the food, with Seven Miles Coffee Roaster supplying the beans for the brew.

Cuisine: Plant-based food packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Light and bright; all timber tones and textures
Review: 5/5
Location: 144 Union St, Newcastle

13. The Signal Box

Best for: Slow-roasted Pukara lamb shoulder pappardelle with Mother Fungus mushrooms.

the cafe exterior of The Signal Box, Newcastle cafe — The Signal Box used to be part of the Newcastle Railway Station. (Image: Megann Evans)

The Signal Box is a sleek, chic eatery housed in a 19th-century building that was part of Newcastle Railway Station, which has powered the city in one way or another since its inception. The iconic spot brings people together for the month-long celebration of Good Food Month which chronicles the creativity of the city’s restaurateurs, bakers, baristas, brewers, winemakers and chefs.

Cuisine: Hearty meals and elevated cafe offerings
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: More New York than Newcastle
Review: 5/5
Location: 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

14. Susuru

Best for: Fried chicken ramen and wagyu cheese gyoza.

Susuru frontage in Newcastle — Soak up the good vibes inside this open and airy space.

Hire an electric bike and head to Newcastle’s first ramen and gyoza cafe for a taste of Tokyo in this lively place with Japanese graphics and a metro aesthetic. Owner Taiyo Namba has Japanese heritage and Susuru puts two of Japan’s favourite comfort foods in the spotlight. Susuru means ‘slurp’ in Japanese and Taiyo says slurping the broth is key to enjoying ramen. The gyoza is also handmade by Taiyo’s mum, who turns out hundreds of the dumplings per day. The family also operates Nagisa and Âpé, two of Newcastle’s best restaurants.

Cuisine: Japanese comfort food
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Open and airy space with a big-city-lights aesthetic
Review: 4/5
Location: 140 King St, Newcastle

15. The Three Monkeys

Best for: A porkie pig toastie or Moroccan eggs.

a woman holding a drink and breakfast plate at The Three Monkeys, Newcastle — You’re guaranteed a satisfying brekky at The Three Monkeys.

The Three Monkeys is another neighbourhood fixture known for its coffee, food and fire-engine-red facade. It’s one of the OG cafes to shake things up in Newcastle. The cafe takes up most of the square footage of an old terrace with a dinky courtyard out back and tables on the pavement for people-watching. More than two decades after opening, the cafe has retained its unflappable cool and is a leader in spreading the gospel about good coffee and good vibes.

Cuisine: A menu that roams the globe
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Like a portal into a hipster’s world
Review: 5/5
Location: 131 Darby St, Cooks Hill

16. Antojitos

Best for: Tacos de pollo topped with tomatillo salsa, salsa de aguacate, pickled onion and pico de gallo.

the cafe exterior of Antojitos, Newcastle — Stop by Antojitos to crack open a few cervezas.

Block out some time to crack open a few cervezas to enjoy with fish tacos at Antojitos . The Californian-style taqueria is housed in a converted Chinese fruit shop and it’s where to go forcarnitas, pollo asado and Baja-style tacos. Wander past and you will be lured by the aroma of garlic and chilli. What began as a casual market stall has now morphed into a warehouse-sized restaurant inspired by the mercados in Mexico.

Cuisine: Tex Mex street food
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Cool cantina
Review: 5/5
Location: 11 Steel St, Newcastle West

17. Merewether Surf House

Best for: Kingfish crudo and market fish with braised leek and cauliflower puree.

food on the table at Merewether Surf House, Newcastle — Settle in for a long, leisurely lunch by the ocean.

Walk-ins are welcome at Merewether Surf House , occupying prime real estate on Merewether Beach. Head to the cafe for ‘the swim club sandwich and chips’ which you can enjoy at a leisurely pace on the promenade after you’ve churned out a couple of Ks in the pool. The family-friendly beach bar offers 270-degree views and includes a low-key kiosk, beach bar and restaurant. The latter is on the top level and boasts panoramic views over the beach and beyond.

Cuisine: Family-friendly fare
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Barefoot-by-the-beach holiday vibes
Review: 4/5
Location: 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether

18. The Edwards

Best for: The Eddie’s cheeseburger and chips.

a plate of food with wine at The Edwards Newcastle — Experience good vibes and even better food at The Edwards.

The Edwards (once a laundrette) is a cafe by day and bar by night run by Chris Joannou (ex-Silverchair). The laundrette’s original iron presses and washing machine drums are featured in the fit-out. It’s open all week for lunch and dinner and hums with a 90s grunge energy. The spirited institution lures a diverse range of locals. Some come to gossip, others to make friends, drink beers, dance to live music or just be part of the buzz. It’s also one of the best places in Newcastle for a beer.

Cuisine: Small plates and large plates
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Expect rock ’n’ roll vibes
Review: 4/5
Location: 148 Parry St, Newcastle West

19. Baked Uprising

Best for: An Uprising sarnie stuffed with poached chicken, pesto and slaw.

croissant and coffee at Baked Uprising, Newcastle — It’s all about the carbs at Baked Uprising. (Image: Tyson Mayr)

Lovers of good sourdough should use their loaf and pick up some sourdough from Baked Uprising . The cafe is tucked away in a converted mechanic’s warehouse in Maryville, where the bread is fermented to perfection over three days. The bakery also has an outlet in Harris Farm Markets down at Cooks Hill.

Cuisine: Baked goods and cult pastry items
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: A quiet appreciation of earthy hues, tones and textures
Review: 5/5
Location: 21/25 Downie St, Maryville

20. Pekárna

Best for: Pulling up a chair and toasting the scene in Newcastle with a caramel windmill pastry on the side.

Pekárna means bakery in Czech and it’s the place to go for baked European treats and strong coffee. Owner Petra, who was born in the Czech Republic, began the cafe as a pop-up stall at the local markets before finding a brick-and-mortar space on Brunker Road. Novocastrians are hooked on Petra’s pastries. The Bee Sting is hugely popular: a custard-filled cake topped with toasted honey almonds.

Cuisine: European-style pastries
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Petite and sweet
Review: 5/5
Location: 277 Brunker Rd, Adamstown

21. The Kiosk

Best for: Partaking in a Kiosk classic of beer-battered fish and chips with a lemon wedge and tartare sauce.

a wide selection of food at The Kiosk, Newcastle — This Newcastle gem is known for its casual atmosphere and diverse menu.

You can’t help but fall in love with this seaside city when you rock up at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach after dusting the sand off your feet. The low-key kiosk specialises in fish and chips, toasties, bowls and burgers. It’s the place to be when you’re looking for a stellar espresso or to simply sit at a table in the sunshine working on your start-up.

Cuisine: Satisfying snacks and bowl food by the beach
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: The embodiment of the Newcastle way of life
Review: 4/5
Location: 42 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle East

22. Arno Deli

Best for: Handpicking items for a picnic.

cannolis at Arno Deli, Newcastle — Drop by for a cannolo.

Arno Deli is a modern take on an old-school Italian deli and has some of the best lunch options in town. Think premium cheeses, meat, wines and artisan produce sourced from around the globe. There’s barely enough room to swing a salami in the cupboard-sized deli, but that’s part of its charm. Ooh and ahh over the cabinet filled with top-tier French cheeses, Spanish ham and Italian meats before ordering a panino to go.

Cuisine: Great sangas on specially crafted schiacciata
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: It’s giving Euro deli
Review: 5/5
Location: 181 King St, Newcastle

23. Bowie

Best for: Elevated breakfast options such as artfully charred corn fritters and jerk pork toasties.

At its core, the spirit of Newcastle is one of creativity. And that is abundantly evident at Bowie in the hip hood of Hamilton, which ups the ante with its disco of coffees, smoothies, cold-pressed juices and specialty shakes. The family-run cafe deserves more recognition. Get amongst it: it’s one of the city’s best yet remains low-key and laidback.

Cuisine: Elevated breakfast options
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: This striking space spills into a graffiti-clad laneway
Review: 4/5
Location: 1/79-81 Beaumont St, Hamilton

24. Slingtown Espresso

Best for: Toasties loaded with jerk chicken and crispy slaw with pickled jalapenos and cheddar.

a table-top view of meal at Slingtown Espresso, Newcastle — Refuel at Slingtown Espresso.

What committed caff-fiends need to know is that the coffee game is strong at Slingtown Espresso . Ask the barista to sling a few batch brews your way and take up position on the deck with turmeric and cardamon spiced porridge. Slingtown is an ode to artsy Islington, one of Newie’s most well-loved and artfully scuffed up suburbs. Take the ‘What Coffee Am I’ quiz on the website to see where the mood takes you.

Cuisine: Considered cuisine and coffee
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: As artfully scuffed as its customers
Review: 5/5
Location: 3 Beaumont St, Islington

25. Sherwood

Best for: A kerbside pick-up of coffee on your way out of town at the 186 Parry St outlet.

breakfast at Sherwood, Newcastle — Order the smashed Avo on toast for a real treat.

Sherwood knows it’s fabulous. That’s why it has seven outlets in Newcastle. The OG is in Parry St and it’s a smart space from which to do business, banter with the barista and pick up a bag of beans. Settle in for the smashed avo on toast; it deserves its own sonnet. This iconic Aussie breakfast is served pelted with a mix of nuts, feta, chunky pesto and a drizzle of lemon – so freakin’ good.

Cuisine: Good food great for refuelling post-surf
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Convivial community hub
Review: 5/5
Location: 67 Parry St, Newcastle West

26. The Press Coffee and Book House

Best for: Bukowski toastie of char-grilled broccoli on a bed of zesty tahini paste and topped with cheese.

people having coffee inside The Press Coffee and Book House, Newcastle — Sip coffee while reading a book at The Press Coffee and Book House. (Image: Time Out)

The Press Coffee and Book House is not a straight-up coffee shop. It is, in fact, known as much for its cafe culture as its vinyl and books. Head here if you’re hankering for a coffee with a side of candour. You might even run into members of the Banned Book Club, who will happily bang on about the next edgy title they’ve been tasked with. The cafe, which also facilitates open mic nights and live music, is very much part of Newcastle’s creative fabric.

Cuisine: Simple cafe fare but make it vegan
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: A carefully curated space for bookworms
Review: 4/5
Location: 462 Hunter St, Newcastle

27. Local Customs

Best for: The killer mortadella sandwich.

Chef Sarah Kokkin has assembled a menu of incredible dishes that stand out because of the quality of ingredients and unexpected treatment she gives them. Local Customs is not the kind of place where you grab and go. It’s designed to be a place where the community comes to congregate. The light, bright cafe – all polished concrete and vintage furnishings – also has a pantry with a covetable collection of hot sauces. The cafe’s coffee caravan, Bondwood, is also worth checking out.

Cuisine: Sophisticated verions of breakfast
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Social
Review: 4/5
Location: 1/79-81 Beaumont St, Hamilton

28. Moor Newcastle East

Best for: Shakshuka. It’s insanely good. Moor, please.

people dining at Moor Newcastle East — Sit down for a drink at Moor Newcastle East.

Moor serves contemporary fare with a hybrid Asian and Middle Eastern accent. And for that, it’s found a devoted group of followers. There are no shortcuts here: everything is made from scratch – from the shakshuka and pita bread to the fresh and herby labneh. It’s also prettily presented and downright delicious. Head to the Eastside cafe post-surf as it’s near Newcastle’s main beach.

Cuisine: Exciting options from around the world
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Warm and homey interiors with knick knack-lined walls
Location: 33 Hunter St, Newcastle

29. Bolton Street Pantry

Best for: Ssam Yang Benedict

Looking for a bougie brunch spot? Bolton Street Pantry is an upscale eatery with a chic dining room and a diverse brunch menu. It’s a see-and-be-seen kind of place, where surfers come in looking suitably dishevelled for the decadent ssam yang benedict. If you’re in the mood for sweet, order the signature French toast.

Cuisine: Fresh and inventive
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Good vibes only
Review: 5/5
Location: Lot 23, 5 Bolton St, Newcastle

Best for: Hearty nourishing fare such as porridge with pistachio mascarpone and almonds or the mushroom tartine.

Equium Social is full of locals having main character moments. And the cafe deserves the fanfare and following: it’s bright, inviting and bustling. While the owners say the word Equium is a made-up word that is ‘open for interpretation’ it’s kinda like the cafe itself – it can be anything you want it to be. Breakfast, brunch and lunch here are bliss, with coffee by Unison.

Cuisine: Wholesome and nourishing
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: A very social place to gather
Review: 5/5
Location: 1-5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Discover our guide to all things Newcastle.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.