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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.

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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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    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.