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

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .