Here's where to find the best coffee in and around Byron Bay

Make the most of your mornings in Byron with our guide to Byron Bay’s best coffee spots.

Is there a better morning ritual than a steaming cup of coffee paired with an ocean dip? Not when you wake up in Byron Bay. The coffee-drinking community in the Northern Rivers (as with the entire community itself) is strong, vibrant and nurturing – expect great coffee served with welcoming smiles. Whether it be in Byron town itself, or a bit further afield in Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby or out in the hills, we have rounded up our favourite spots to visit. Just remember, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a decent coffee past 2pm – the best spots open and close early.

Espressohead

Slip behind the main bustle and you’ll find a quietly kept local secret at Espressohead . This community-focused cafe has been extracting very good brews for years to keep locals well-caffeinated. Served to complement their house blend is an array of breakfast and lunch menu items, from the surprisingly delightful smashed peas with poached eggs to a zingy and savoury Vietnamese pancake. Once you go, you’ll be inclined to keep this one all to yourself.

Address: 7/4 Middleton Street, Byron Bay

Bayleaf Café

a colourful bird mural on the wall of Bayleaf Cafe, Byron Bay — A colourful mural dons the wall outside Bayleaf Cafe. (Image: Destination NSW)

This always-busy spot is drenched with sunshine in the morning and may require a short wait for a table. Sip on Bayleaf ’s own coffee blend crafted by Blackboard or for those who don’t partake in the bean, opt for a matcha latte or a roll-call of delicious teas. There are breakfast and lunch options to go alongside and the people-watching has a very Byron vibe.

Address: 2a Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Folk

A side-step from the town centre, charming Folk is a beautifully Byron spot where locals gather for caffeine-fuelled catch-ups. Perch under a leafy canopy in the lush garden and soak up the sunshine as you pair your cuppa with something from the wholesome-leaning menu. Inside it’s all wood tones and welcoming energy from 7.30am to 2.30pm every day.

Address: 399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

The Salty Mangrove

By evening, this cute hideout in the northern locale of New Brighton slings cocktails and chef-y plates, but by day it’s gently overrun with beachcombers and toddlers spilling babycinos. On Tuesdays when the New Brighton market is in full swing across the road, it’s a popular spot to refuel post-shop. The coffee is very good indeed and the array of baked goods and deli-style snacks are equally delicious.

Address: 50 River Street, New Brighton

The Byron Bay General Store

On the southern end of town, The Byron Bay General Store , a cool cafe set in a historic building, beckons with its casual vibes and good coffee. Grab a picnic table under an umbrella and watch the world go by as you take your time over a delicious breakfast of chilli scrambled tofu or sticky date waffles. You can even stay onsite at the beautifully styled The Villa General .

Address: 26 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

The Top Shop

Up the hill from town, The Top Shop , housed in a 1950s-era renovated milk bar, is a Byron icon. Spilling onto the grass while you wait for your coffee and bacon and egg roll at this slick operation is almost a bucket list experience. The grinds are good and the menu is all comforting classics of burgers, shakes, smoothies and some fresher options, but watching the constant throng of locals and tourists roll in and out is perhaps the highlight here. Open from 6.30am to 3pm.

Address: 65 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay

Woods

If you’re venturing into the sweet hinterland town of Bangalow, you’ll need to fortify your perusing with a good coffee. Direct yourself off the main street to Woods , where the beans are from local roastery Moonshine and the food is ethical and local. Set in a pretty, white weatherboard cottage and frequented by stylish locals, take in the Bangalow ambience as you tuck into cafe classics.

Address: 10 Station Street, Bangalow

The Kiosk

If you’re after a morning brew to wake you up pre- or post-beach stroll, your top pick should be The Kiosk at Clarkes Beach. This oceanside cottage is part high-end restaurant, part kiosk, but for casual caffeine walk-bys, go directly to the small hole-in-the-wall. The Kiosk is helpfully located at the start of the walk along the headland to Wategoes Beach and up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, so if you’re walking for enjoyment rather than fitness, hit the trail with your takeaway and join the Lycra-clad throng.

Address: 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay

Sparrow

A local favourite, Sparrow offers delicious Allpress coffee on the go. With a cute hole-in-the-wall outpost on the main street of Bangalow and a bigger corner space in the heart of Byron town, Sparrow is known for its super-friendly and fast service.

They have different types of milk and dairy substitutes on offer, as well as a few croissants and pastries for the road. An essential stop. (They also have locations within McTavish, and in QLD in Burleigh Heads, Nobby Beach and Port Douglas as well).

Address: 1/47 Johnson, Byron Street, Byron Bay; 1A/32-34 Byron Street, Bangalow

Baker & Daughters

Baker & Daughters is a happy place to be. Owners Beck and Matt are gorgeous people and always deliver coffee and their good honest food with a smile. Proudly serving Ona coffee – their ethos is simple – connecting great people with great coffee. This is another local favourite (the queue outside all day says it all). Not only great coffee and consistently excellent service, but delicious bread and baked goods as well.

Address: 28 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby

Daily Counter

Daily Counter has been a mainstay in Brunswick Heads for many years now. Sarah and her team serve up Allpress coffee with super friendly smiles. They also offer a small food menu as well, think granola, croissants, and bagels. Open 5:30 am-12 pm.

Address: 15 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads

Roadhouse

Another local favourite, Roadhouse (or “the Roadie") in the morning is known for its excellent Allpress Espresso coffee and other warm tonics and drinks that are perfect to kickstart your morning. Try their “Magic Mushroom" spiced hot chocolate – it’s amazing.

Address: 6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

Byron Moonshine Coffee Roasters

Byron Moonshine Coffee is a lovely family business out in the Byron hinterland in the charming village of Federal. The premium specialty coffee roaster is renowned for its fair trade and organic coffee, supplying beans to many of the cafes throughout the region. If you spot the Moonshine Coffee logo, expect a consistently good cup of coffee.

Address: 447 Federal Dr, Federal

High Life

Follow the music to High Life Byron Bay for a reliable brew of Allpress Espresso. Faithful regulars also come for the selection of warm tonics and delicious organic and seasonal food on the menu.

Bun Coffee

Bun Coffee has been roasting coffee in Byron Bay since 2005. The boutique, specialty roaster sources organic, fair trade, or rainforest alliance beans and its takeaway cups and lids are also fully compostable and biodegradable. Lovely people and great coffee – find them in the Byron Bay industrial estate.

Address: 17/1A Banksia Dr, Byron Bay

B Smoothie Bar

In February 2023, B Smoothie Bar moved into a stunning new space in Habitat. Still serving its exclusive Bare Blends smoothies, they now offer coffee by Marvell Street Coffee (a local roaster that started roasting back in 2009 in a small shop on Marvell Street in the heart of Byron Bay). Open until 3 pm (a rare late afternoon find).

Address: Habitat/5 Easy St, Byron Bay

Tones at Sōko

Find Tones at Sōko tucked away in the Byron Bay industrial estate. This little slice of industrial paradise has outdoor and indoor seating and in addition to excellent coffee, you can also grab a quick breakfast or even a bunch of beautiful Braer flowers (a florist that shares the same space).

Address: 4 Acacia St, Byron Bay

Originally written by Georgia Hopkins with updates by Lara Picone

Explore more of Byron Bay, from the region’s incredible restaurants to unforgettable things to do.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Insider tips on where to find the best coffee in Byron Bay