Coffee lovers have another reason to visit the New England region, thanks to this new latte art competition.
We’ve all done it: poured our home-brewed coffee and thought maybe with a little flick of the wrist we could copy the hearts and leaf art of our most beloved baristas. The reality? Even this type of latte art – which, I’m sorry to break it to you, is absolute entry-level skill – is hard. And that’s coming from someone who worked her way through uni as a barista. While a few years of practice may have seen me master the aforementioned styles, anything beyond that was well above my pay grade. Which is why I’ll be lining up to ooh and ahh at the first Walcha Latte Art Smackdown.
Do you think Walcha is too small for such a strong cafe/ coffee culture? Think again.
The idea was sparked when Cameron Hayton of Walcha Coffee chatted with Caleb Holstein from Alternative Dairy Co. at the Golden Bean Competition, where the best coffee from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia is judged and crowned.
“What would it take to host something in our region?" Hayton asked.
That simple question led to the birth of Walcha Latte Art Smackdown. On 24 September, Walcha Coffee will throw open the doors to its roastery on Derby Street and welcome baristas, coffee lovers and curious passers-by for the first-ever smackdown. By the end of the day, the winner will walk home with a $1000 prize (with more prizes awarded to second, third and best local).
And it’s not just for the grown-ups. There’s also a Junior Latte Art Competition (15 and under) with prize money to inspire young baristas to have a go.
“If we’re going to raise up the next generation of workers, we need to show them coffee can be a career, not just pocket money while you’re at school," said Hayton.
While you’re spectating (or, perhaps, joining in), take part in a cupping session (professional tasting) with Daniel Vergnano of List + Beisler Coffee, featuring new coffees fresh into Australia. Or sit down to feast on a (pre-ordered) smoked meat dinner, to refuel after a day of judging, of course.
Spectator tickets and competitor entries (including the Junior category) are available now via Eventbrite. Spaces are limited, so get in early.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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The details:
Date: Tuesday 24 September 2025
Time: From 2:30pm (Main Smackdown 7:00pm)
Location: Walcha Coffee Roastery, 4N Derby Street, Walcha NSW
Tickets: eventbrite.com.au
Making a weekend of it
Want to make a weekend of it? Start with discounts on room rates at Walcha Motel, Walcha Caravan Park, Apsley Hotel and Walcha Road Hotel, especially to encourage visitors to come for the coffee, but then stay and explore Walcha, and the wider New England area.
With charming rural landscapes, beautiful national parks and idyllic townships, the New England high country is brimming with culture and discovery. Two hours inland of Port Macquarie, the region is threaded by the New England Highway, making it easy to drive between the main stops: Armidale, Inverell, Walcha, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Uralla.
Discover these historically rich destinations with our guide to local wineries and distilleries, and our top 10 reasons to take a road trip through this area.
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