'Australia's best latte' is luring road trippers to this tiny village

A heritage-listed post office turned ‘roast office’ and its award-winning latte has become the toast of this tranquil town.

In a tiny village named Uki, hidden among the verdant natural beauty of the Tweed (in Northern New South Wales), a lovingly restored, heritage-listed post office has been transformed into a thriving community gathering place. Now, it’s drawing in coffee enthusiasts, art lovers, road trippers, and those who need to post letters, too.

Uki's post office — Uki’s post office offers a fresh perspective to its community.

Uki, just over half an hour’s drive inland from Cabarita Beach in the Tweed Shire, nestled under the watchful gaze of Wollumbin/Mount Warning has long been considered a quiet and relatively secluded destination. And while it remains a peaceful pocket of the Tweed, there’s a flutter of activity and excitement stemming from one unexpected building: its post office.

In 2017, a first-time, would-be postmaster happened across the then dilapidated, heritage-listed Uki Post Office – a service that has been central to its community since 1909. Gary Wall had just completed his MBA and was ready for a new adventure.

No sooner had Gary laid eyes on the site had he formed a vision of what this run-down locale could become, and decided he would be the one to give it that love – and, in doing so, enrich the local community.

Step inside the historic, coffee-scented post office

Gary Wall portrait — Gary Wall saw potential to transform the post office into a community hub.

Flash forward to 2025, and Gary’s vision, and some serious investment, has transformed the old building into a multi-faceted space that’s become beloved by its community. Now, it’s drawing in road trippers, too.

For those who roll into Uki now, they’ll find Postmaster Gary and his team behind the counter of the reimagined post-office-meets-art-gallery (where a rotating calendar of local artists are showcased) and Bastion Lane Espresso Bar .

Bastion Lane Espresso Bar — The coffee bar is housed within a heritage-listed building. (Image: @jar_osullivan_studio)

Inside the space, original features abound – from ironbark floors to hoop pine timber benches, and carefully made cabinetry – while, on the outside, the familiar facade remains. Behind the post office building is the RoastOffice, where award-winning coffee is prepared.

Sample the latte crowned best in Australia

award-winning coffee — Award-winning coffee awaits. (Image: @jar_osullivan_studio)

With the scent of freshly roasted coffee lingering in the air inside this historic structure, it’s safe to say few people are capable of collecting their parcels or of posting mail without first hitting up the espresso bar.

The coffee roasted in the RoastOffice and poured at Bastion Lane Espresso is not your average cup of road trip fuel. In fact, its ‘Post Master’s Roast ’ was named the Champion Latte at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Coffee Show – providing another reason for coffee lovers to detour inland from the Tweed’s coastline.

The tough coffee competition, supported by the Australian Coffee Traders Association Inc, seeks out excellence across a range of coffee styles. The Post Master’s Roast impressed the judges who said of the blend: “excellent consistency of roast colour across various sizes. Roast degree optimal for sugar browning with dry fragrance of honey and dried fruits. Milk chocolate, caramels, red fruits, and dark fruits are present in the cup and are notable through the milk. [It’s] very harmonious, clean, sweet, and well-structured."

Gary says the blend is a “labour of love" and “a testament to the dedication and passion we pour into every roast."

“This award will be proudly displayed at our Uki location. We invite everyone to come and experience the Champion Latte for themselves," he adds.

Explore Uki’s neighbours, beyond the beaches of the Tweed

Uki's visitors — Visitors are in for Uki’s thriving cultural scene. (Image: @jar_osullivan_studio)

Having become a significant centre of the Uki community, it’s no wonder Bastion Lane Espresso’s visitors are now eager to follow the aroma of quality coffee and stay a while to check out the art exhibited on-site. And, those who’ve entered the valley can cruise from this village to Uki’s neighbouring destinations – each with their own unique attractions. In the lush green landscape beyond the beaches of the Tweed, an abundance of food, art and shopping opportunities await.

Just outside of the centre of art-deco-architecture-lined Murwillumbah, perched on a hillside with a view over its picturesque countryside surroundings, the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre presents an evolving assemblage of enticing exhibitions. Plus, it’s home to a recreation of lauded Australian artist Margaret Olley’s home studio.

Nearby, in the heart of Murwillumbah, is its M|Arts Precinct , which combines art, food, stores, a cinema, and more. While in town, indulge in leisurely lunchtime repast at Tweed River House , or a laidback meal at Keith . Cyclists can also enjoy pedaling along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail from Murwillumbah. On your way out, stop into Kat Harvey Cheese for take-home snacks.

A short drive from Uki, travellers can continue on to the small town of Burringbar – where locally made cheeses (Tweed Valley Farmhouse Cheeses ), natural wines (Burringbar Natural Wine Shop and Bar ), more coffee (The Barn Burringbar and Teakwood Cafe ) and vintage collectable treasures (Heath’s Old Wares ) can be found.

And, navigate the winding, scenic roads into Tyalgum, where a maze of connected stores (including a book store and bakery) sits alongside a charming cafe (Flutterbies Cottage Cafe ), an old-fashioned corner store (Tyalgum General Store ) stocks locally made fare, and an Italian, third-generation gelato maker slings delicious scoops (Tyalgum Gelato Shop ).

Plan your trip to the RoastOffice

bastion lane beans — Ethically and sustainably sourced beans are used at Bastion Lane.

To plan your road trip to try the best latte in Australia, visit Bastion Lane and mark maps 1464 Kyogle Road, Uki, New South Wales on your map. The Post Master’s Roast latte blend is also available online at the espresso bar’s website .

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 .

‘Australia’s best latte‘ is luring road trippers to this tiny village