The 9 Best Cafes In Wagga Wagga

With a thriving regional population and proximity to some of the best Riverina producers, Wagga Wagga has naturally developed a cafe scene to rival our major capital cities.

From barista-made coffee that will please even the connoisseur’s palate, to seasonal produce transformed into hearty brunch fare – the best of the cafe scene in Wagga Wagga truly stands their ground against the heavyweights of our cities.

If you’re staying for a weekender or for work and after a quick espresso or a slow, easy-going lunch after sightseeing (or before heading to one of the town’s cosy pubs), not only will you find what you’re seeking – you’ll find it hard to choose.

1. The Press

A newcomer to the cafe scene that runs along stylish Fitzmaurice St, The Press is, in our opinion, home to the best coffee in Wagga Wagga – a big call considering the wealth of premium brews in the region.

A small cafe with some outdoor seating (great if you’ve brought the dog) and a high bench that looks out to the tree-lined street, beyond great coffee you’ll find fresh-made gourmet sandwiches, a selection of treats like famous chewy-crunch choc chip cookies you’ll want to try, and daily specials.

Most importantly, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and embodies country hospitality.

Address: 34 Johnston St, Wagga Wagga

Phone Number: +61 402 768 762

2. Trail St Coffee Shop

A staple in Wagga Wagga since 1999, Trail St Coffee Shop is tucked away around the corner from the main shopping district. With plenty of outdoor seating and cover from the elements, it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with your dog – otherwise, enjoy the cosy interiors of the converted cottage space.

a plate of dessert with a glass of coffee on the side at Trail St Coffee Shop, Wagga Wagga — Pair your cold brew with a sweet offering from Trail St Coffee Shop. (Image: Justine Brentenall)

Coffee is from local roasters Full Circle Coffee and the dine-in fare is filled with hearty brunch favourites like cauliflower fritters, grilled banana waffles and gooey, yolky bacon and egg rolls.

a close-up shot of a brunch meal at Trail St Coffee Shop, Wagga Wagga — Stop by for brunch at Trail St Coffee Shop. (Image: Justine Brentenall)

Address: 34 Trail St, Wagga Wagga

3. Mr. Lawrence

At the very end of Fitzmaurice Street’s bustling village is Mr. Lawrence . Almost hidden around the corner, if you blink, you’ll surely miss it. But this is one cafe you won’t want to miss.

two cups of coffee at Mr. Lawrence, Wagga Wagga — Get your daily dose of coffee at Mr. Lawrence.

The food is the drawcard, which isn’t surprising given Jamie Shepley of Graze in nearby Junee is a co-owner. The berry and ricotta hotcakes, sriracha scrambled eggs and baked beans with house-made sauce are all winners, plus the coffee is consistently smooth and brewed with care.

a tabletop view of various dishes at Mr. Lawrence — There are just too many delicious options to choose from on their brunch menu.

Address: 187 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

Phone Number: (02) 5938 2838

4. Larry’s

You’ll find Larry’s at the top of Best Street near the busy Sturt Highway. While it might be a 15-minute walk from the centre of town, Larry’s is a local hub, and you’ll find mornings are busy with office workers and tradies queuing up for their morning cappuccinos.

a breakfast meal with coffee at Larry's, Wagga Wagga — Sit down for a hearty breakfast at Larry’s. (Image: Ash Smith)

Larry’s means business with its coffee – you can even order a ‘barista’s breakfast’ of single-origin espresso, a milk-based coffee of your choice and a batch brew filter. They sell bags of on-site blends, plus if you’re not a caffeine fan their tea and chai offerings are both impressive.

customers dining at Larry's on a sunny day, Wagga Wagga — Start the day at Larry’s and settle into the indoor or outdoor seating.

Address: 10 Best St, Wagga Wagga NSW

Phone Number: (02) 5908 3158

5. Meccanico Espresso and Wine

Meccanico is a foodie darling of Wagga Wagga. Part cafe, part wine bar, it’s part of the up-and-coming Cadell Place and is definitely the place to visit if you love gourmet fare. While the menu is short and sweet, it’s filled with decadence. Try the stracciatella English muffins with drizzled local honey and seasonal fruits, or the Berkshire ham and cheese toastie, grilled and gooey.

a hand pouring milk over coffee at Meccanico Espresso + Wine — Power through the day with a warm cup of coffee.

If you’re heading in for lunch, you can’t go past the pasta – opt for beef ragu (slow-cooked and comforting) or you can’t go wrong with whatever is on the specials board. Staying in town for dinner? Check out Meccanico’s sister restaurant, Pastorale, one of the best restaurants in Wagga Wagga.

an outdoor dining setup at Meccanico Espresso + Wine, Wagga Wagga — The Meccanico Espresso + Wine is also open for dinner.

Address: 171 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

Phone Number: +61 418 608 427

6. Uneke Lounge

Uneke Lounge is a great place to gather with friends. With its spacious interiors and homely, vintage-style design, you can while away a few hours here over lattes and chunky slices of banana bread dripping with butter. The menu is extensive and covers all the breakfast and lunch favourites.

Lunch has an Asian fusion twist, with bao buns and Szechuan dumplings, while breakfast is all about Australian classics like corn fritters and avocado toast.

a tabletop view of food and a glass of wine at Uneke Lounge, Wagga Wagga — Head into Uneke Lounge for your breakfast favourites. (Image: Uneke Lounge)

Address: 140 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6925 8143

7. The Brew

One of the most aesthetically pleasing spots in Wagga Wagga for breakfast or lunch, The Brew is inside a converted historical corner store. While there’s ample seating indoors and out the front, it’s the leafy backyard you’ll want to head to on sunny mornings.

the exterior view of The Brew, Wagga Wagga — Refuel at The Brew. (Image: The Brew)

The menu is reminiscent of coastal cafes with fresh fare like buckwheat and goji berry bircher, or for the savoury fans, you can’t beat their eggs benny.

a table-top view of the meals at The Brew — Pick your best choice from the menu. (Image: Matt Beaver)

Lunch is all about the ploughman’s lunch – Tim’s Meats from Coleambally provides the kabana sausage, and Coolamon cheese brings the crumbling cheddar. Throw in some pickled sugar snaps and seeded dark rye, and you’ve got a local produce winner.

a plate of avocado toast at The Brew — For starters, you can order avocado toast. (Image: Matt Beaver)

Address: 67 Coleman St, Turvey Park NSW

Phone Number: +61 499 800 347

8. Fitz Cafe

Fitz Cafe is a mecca for anyone seeking a health-focused breakfast in Wagga Wagga. The menu is full of light, post-workout treats like apple crumble porridge, acai bowls and smashed avocado with hemp seed dukkah.

There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, including gluten-free swaps for the cafe’s popular focaccias and wraps. Tea lovers will adore the Bodhi tea selection, which is one of the most extensive in town.

Address: 84 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

Phone Number: (02) 5908 3436

9. Pot ‘N’ Kettle Coffee House

If you prefer breakfast with no frills attached, walk right into Pot ‘N’ Kettle Coffee House , a warm and welcoming cafe in the centre of town that stays true to the classic country cafe feel.

Their decent-sized feeds are affordably priced and cover all the favourites, from healthy picks like muesli with berry compote and yoghurt to hearty brekkies like the $25 Big Pot Brekkie, where you can choose five sides to pair with eggs your way.

Address: 10 Blake St, Wagga Wagga NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6921 3340

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 .