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

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.