'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 .

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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