16 of the best Port Macquarie cafes for coffee lovers

Port Macquarie cafes are as sophisticated as any you will find in a major city. Here’s where to get your fix and find the best coffee in Port Macquarie.

Take a short detour off the highway between Brisbane and Sydney and you will find a range of excellent Port Macquarie cafes. Follow the smell of roasting beans off the street to find the best cafes in Port Macquarie, which run the gamut from long-standing establishments to cult roasters who helped kickstart the specialty coffee scene. Van lifers no longer need to rely on jars of instant coffee while road-tripping down the east coast of Australia. Here’s our guide to the best cafes in Port Macquarie that will help you get a sense of place in the seaside town.

The Shortlist

Hidden gem: Banks Cafe
Best for brunch: Chop ’n Chill
Best for digital nomads: Holy Goat Coffee
Family-friendly spot: Seasalt
Best coffee: Peak Coffee
Best pastries: Baked Culture
Dog-friendly: The Hill Café
Best for gluten-free dining: Bent on Food

1. Banks Cafe

people outside the Banks Cafe, Port Macquarie — Step into Banks Cafe for breakfast overlooking the Hastings River.

Banks Cafe is housed in a repurposed waterfront cottage appropriately named after its location on the banks of the Hastings River. The dinky beach shack is always filled with locals who exude a kind of robust pride in their lifestyle. You’ll see them pulling up on their stand-up paddleboards for the Banks Breaky Hot Pot or Pork Belly Benny. Follow Banks Cafe on Instagram to see what’s on as the café morphs into a restaurant offering dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. Although this tucked-away gem is mostly crewed out with locals you’ll find a steady trickle of tourists joining them for brekkie with a view.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Beach club vibes
Location:  9 Mcinherney Cl, Port Macquarie

2. The Hill Café

It’s clear the winds of change have roared through Port Macquarie when you stumble across cool-as cafes like The Hill in nearby Thrumster. If we’re using sourdough as the litmus test then The Hill proves its pedigree by using its loaf and making its toasties from Baked Culture. The Hill Café is near the gateway service station centre dubbed ‘the Donut’ so you can order ahead on the Hey You app if you’re passing between Wauchope and Port Macquarie. Have more time to spare? Order the Not Avo Toast special which offers a more seasonal green splash of colour with zucchini, peas, mint and goat’s cheese with alfalfa sprouts and charred lime on sourdough.

Cuisine: Expect specialty coffees and killer toasties.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Super-super friendly. Good music, food and coffee.
Location: T16, 15 Chancellors Drive, Thrumster

3. Baked Culture

pouring milk over a latte cup at Baked Culture, Port Macquarie — Get your coffee fix at Baked Culture.

Plastic bags are a no-go in Wauchope. Avoid the evil eye from locals and tote your retro eco bag into Baked Culture so you can stock it with sourdough, seasonal fruit Danishes and cruffins lacquered with honey. The patisserie has evolved from a pop-up at the Foreshore Markets to a brick-and-mortar bakery in Wauchope (pronounced War Hope puh-lease) that locals love. If you can’t get to Wauchope, you can enjoy the artisan baked goods at Port Macquarie cafes such as Studio 3 and The Hill Café. You can also pick up a loaf from Wild Culture Organics . Sourdough is the specialty at Baked Culture which sources its grain from Wholegrain Milling.

Cuisine: Pastries
Average price: $
Location:  2/3 31 High St, Wauchope

4. Cafe Red @ Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries

Have you even been to the Mid-North Coast of NSW if you haven’t stopped off at Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries. The business that sprouted from an honesty box is the perfect pit stop located just one minute from the M1 roundabout just north of the Port Macquarie turnoff. In addition to filling your esky with jams, chutneys, salsas, passatas and soups, you can keep the kids entertained by picking their own strawberries for lunch. Families who have booked accommodation in Port Macquarie can pick up fresh produce from nearby farms for a picnic or settle in at the sunny Cafe Red for afternoon tea featuring house-made strawberry jam.

Cuisine: Mod Oz.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 221 Blackmans Point Road, Port Macquarie

5. Salty Crew Kiosk

a woman holding an acai bowl on her lap at Salty Crew Kiosk, Port Macquarie — Tuck into a healthy acai bowl at Salty Crew Kiosk. (Image: Supplied)

Port Macquarie cafes are at an advantage when they have a waterfront view. And few cafes can boast a location as quintessentially Port Mac as the motley gang behind the Salty Crew Kiosk. The dinky cafe is at Town Beach and is a popular hangout thanks to its orientation; it’s protected from southerly busters and close to the centre of Port Macquarie. Start your day with a wind-in-the-hair walk along the breakwall before heading to the Salty Crew Kiosk for a latte. The cafe is one of the best places in Port Macquarie to see the sunrise and is known to take care preparing its coffee, tea and espresso blends – all from Clandestino Roasters in Noosa. Ask the staff for a surf report while tucking into a ham-cheese-tomato toastie and double espresso under a stripey umbrella.

Cuisine: Classic Aussie café fare.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Beached as.
Location: Town Beach, William St, Port Macquarie

6. Peak Coffee

Peak Coffee is for those who are passionate about supporting ‘crop to cup’ businesses. Peak was one of the first coffee roasters on NSW’s Mid North Coast and is considered one of the best Port Macquarie cafes to get a hit of caffeine. As early exponents of specialty coffee, owners Sean and Kristine Edwards have been blazing a trail in the Third Wave coffee movement for decades. And they’re responsible for training up some of the best baristas in Port Macquarie with a roster of courses on offer for those who want to turn their passion for coffee into a career. Visit the brew lab and roastery to enjoy a coffee flight in the tasting room featuring a mural of Francesco Illy by local street artist PSY.

Cuisine: Grab-and-go toasties and baked goods from the display cabinet
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Gritty industrial feel with an edgy street vibe.
Location: 30 Jambali Road, Port Macquarie

breakfast fare at Social Grounds — This lovely Port Macquarie cafe dishes up Mediterranean and Aussie-style breakfast favourites.

Social Grounds has been considered one of the best cafes in Port Macquarie for rhythm and brews since opening its doors in 2014. This graffiti-clad cafe with indoor and outdoor seating is perennially packed with loyal locals. Sip on an exceptional espresso inside the rustic space where the walls are charcoal and the floors are timber. The courtyard outside is a lovely spot to sit admiring the street art and crayon-green plants in the courtyard, espresso in hand. Order a bowl of Grounds Granola and flat white brewed from beans ethically sourced from Ethiopia, Sumatra, Colombia or Rwanda. Check the blackboard for daily specials such as the Brisket Benny Stacker or Social Roll stuffed with smoked bacon, fried egg, sriracha, baby spinach and beetroot relish.

Cuisine: Traditional Aussie breakfast fare served with Mediterranean twists.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Groovy.
Location: 1/ 151 Gordon St, Port Macquarie

8. Chop ’n Chill

A lot of visitors to Port Macquarie are surprised to discover that the town is starting to rival NSW towns like Newcastle and Wollongong for their live music scene. Places like Chop ’n Chill are at the centre of the action and serve as incubators for young local musical talent. In addition to its line-up of DJs and live bands, Chop ‘n Chill is a draw for its Asian-American big brekkies. Fuel up after a surf on excellent options such as smoked chicken rolled up in a roti taco with cream cheese, fresh Asian salad, slaw and lime. Chop ’n Chill has river views and overlooks the Town Green, making it popular with families.

Cuisine: Asian American
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Bright and breezy.
Location: 17-19 Horton St, Port Macquarie

9. The Meeting Point Cafe

coffee koala at The Meeting Point Cafe, Port Macquarie — Enjoy playful latte art. (Image: Supplied)

Parents visiting Port Macquarie during the school holidays should drop a pin at Billabong Zoo, one of the best places to visit in Port Macquarie. We advise parents to start with an espresso, the grounded equivalent of putting your oxygen mask on before being able to properly attend to your kids. The shady courtyard cafe overlooks the enclosure of spider monkeys so you can compare the behaviour of your children with their evolutionary cousins. Gather at the Meeting Point Cafe before your mooch around the zoo to enjoy frappes, muffins, croissants and fish and chips. Find a few pun-tastic options on the Little Lion $12 meal deals menu such as the Egg-chidna, Pandacakes and Chicken Little.

Cuisine: Old-school Aussie cafe options.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Unique.
Location: 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie.

10. Seasalt

Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant, Port Macquarie — Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the marina at Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant. (Image: Supplied)

Make sure you have conquered the art of having flawlessly tousled beach hair before you lob at Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant for your morning coffee. The weather in Port Macquarie is near perfect so you will likely join salty sea dog types who are wearing thongs (of the flip-flop variety) and arranging to wet a line later in the day. Don’t worry if you can’t speak fluent fisho; the locals here are super friendly. Seasalt cafe is barnacled to the Port Macquarie Marina and a top spot to start your day. Head to Seasalt if you’re looking for Port Macquarie cafes with a waterfront view. Find a list of classic breakfast options such as eggs benedict and bacon and egg rolls with gluten-friendly alternatives, too.  Ask the staff for a tub of fish food so your kids can feed the bream off the marina.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Casual and friendly.
Location: 18 Park St, Port Macquarie

11. Rivermark Cafe

You’ll need plenty of energy to go stand-up paddleboarding in Port Macquarie. Drop a pin at the Rivermark Cafe so you can locate this riverside haunt just a short paddle up the Hastings River. Find a place to dock and then kick back with a hot cup of coffee while feasting on views of the surrounding waterscape. Sit at a coveted window seat or in the shade in the outdoor area, where you might spot dolphins enjoying an early-morning frolic. Although the menu has the ubiquitous avo on toast, there’s nothing ordinary about its version served with haloumi and slathered with a hollandaise sauce. The Rivermark Cafe is licensed so you can enjoy a crisp glass of vino after your paddle.

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Bright and breezy
Location:  261 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie

12. Bandwagon

a spread of food at Bandwagon cafe in Port Macquarie — Bandwagon has an enticing breakfast menu to choose from. (Image: Supplied)

It’s easy to get onboard at Bandwagon. Port Macquarie’s latest destination for specialty coffee, quality food, live music, good vibes and sick views. The casual, rustic cafe is set within a century-old beach house and should be on itineraries for sun-seekers and families keen on coastal hang. The piccolos here are perfect made using Ona beans, which are also available for sale. But Bandwagon is not just a place for breakfast. Follow Bandwagon on Instagram to book a special-themed dinner or find inspiration before ordering. Order the sourdough made bright with cooked pumpkin and spices, fried sage and pelted with fetta, house macadamia and pepita.

Cuisine: Colourful and creative.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 76 William St, Port Macquarie

13. Bent on Food

alfresco dining at Bent on Food cafe in Port Macquarie — Enjoy your coffee outdoors in a lush garden setting. (Image: Jake Davey Studios)

Donna Carrier is a legend of the hospitality scene and Bent on Food the most awarded tourism cafe in the Legendary Pacific Coast region. The vibe is Port Macquarie casual with colourful artwork lining the walls and jars of jams, chutneys and preserves available to procure for your pantry. This cafe is in the pedestrian-friendly township of Wingham, which will automatically make you change down a few gears and remind you you’re on holiday. Spicy corn fritters, pork tacos and poke bowls are the go-tos. But to truly maximise your experience make sure you time your visit to coincide to return to sip on local wines and listen to live music.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Warm and inviting.
Location: 93/95 Isabella St, Wingham

14. Little Fish

Book somewhere cosy to stay near Lake Innis, which is just 12 kilometres from Port Macquarie, so you can visit the Little Fish Cafe & Vineyard . Book a tasting with the winemaker from Innes Lake Vineyard and then head to the cafe to enjoy authentic French fare prepared by Steve Delandemare. Adventurous epicureans will also enjoy tasting the wines paired with Little Fish dishes the chef grew up with. Think pork filet mignon with tomato Dijon sauce or Braised Bourguignon beef cheeks with a glass of the Innes Lake Shiraz. And confit duck leg served with vegetables and red wine jus and an Innes Lake rose. Visiting the vineyard is one of the best things to do in Port Macquarie.

Cuisine: Oh-so French
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Country
Location: 147 The Ruins Way, Innes Lake Vineyard, Port Macquarie

15. Holy Goat Coffee

Holy Goat coffee in Port Macquarie — Holy Goat Coffee is an essential stop for a good brew. (Image: Astyn Saggers)

Don’t expect to hear any yacht rock at Holy Goat Coffee . The industrial-chic cafe is cool and quirky with multiple odes to goats, which inspired the name of the business. Ask the barista and she’ll explain Holy Goat Coffee considers the very origins of coffee in 600AD when the hollow-horned animals reportedly discovered the glorious red coffee cherries.  Come sup on the nectar of productivity here in the espresso bar at Holy Goat HQ, which includes a dedicated co-working space aimed at digital nomads. Start strong with a double espresso and then pick up bespoke blends such as Scape Goat and the Hairy Goat. Expect a rotating roster of baked goods supplied by Casseras Bakery and Sugar Mummah such as baguettes, quiches and donut cookies with salted caramel.

Cuisine: Bakery treats.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Busy and buzzy.
Location: 5/8 Merrigal Road, Port Macquarie.

16. The Beach House

This place is already recognised as a favourite hangout for sunset drinks. But few are aware of its reputation as a bastion for barista-made coffees. Port Macquarie is a mecca for water sports such as surfing and kayaking. It also has quiet waterways such as the Hastings River, where The Beach House is located. You’ll need to be energised to squeeze everything onto your itinerary. Try and play it cool as you arrive by kayak to The Beach House to find a range of brekkie options to satisfy your cravings for carbs. The Beach House is one of the most visited spots around, thanks to its location on the Town Green and Hastings River. Use it as a pit stop while getting their steps up along the iconic Port Macquarie Breakwall walk.

Cuisine: Old-school Aussie favourites.
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed and breezy.
Location: 1 Horton St, Port Macquarie

Discover the best pubs and bars in Port Macquarie

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

The best cafes and coffee in Port Macquarie