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This regional NSW latte art comp gives coffee lovers a new travel destination

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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.

person pouring cup of coffee in white ceramic cup
Roll up to watch a spectacle of latte art. (Image: Brooke Cagle)

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.

barista pouring froth milk on coffee cup prepared coffee latte art at bar counter
Join in tastings and pre-book a tasty meal afterwards. (Image: Getty/ Ozgurcankaya)

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

walcha's open air gallery whale statue
Visit Walcha’s Open Air Gallery while you’re in town. (Image: Destination NSW)

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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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage in Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky, and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial-style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and is a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place; it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.

    Walcha Latte Art Smackdown gives coffee lovers a new destination