5 things you need to know about Sydney’s new Lune Croissanterie

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The Melbourne stalwart is coming to Sydney later this year.

If you’re a lover of good pastries and freshly baked goods, chances are you’ve heard of Lune Croissanterie. Established in Melbourne in 2012 by founder/owner Kate Reid and her brother Cameron, alongside restaurateur Nathan Toleman, the bakery has become an icon of the city. Lune has since opened four more Lune’s: Fitzroy (2015) and Armadale (2022) in Melbourne, and South Brisbane (2021) and Brisbane CBD (2022) in Brisbane.

And it’s not hard to see why… think fresh, flaky croissants, indulgent pain au chocolat, decadent danishes and the inventive cruffin (croissant + muffin) – all baked to perfection. Drooling yet? Yeah, me too.

But don’t go booking your flights to Melbourne or Brisbane just yet. Lune is coming to Sydney.

Slated to open in October this year, Lune Criossanterie is bringing its beautiful baked goods to the rumbling tummies of Sydneysiders. But before you rush to join the inevitably long queue, here’s what you need to know.

Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne
Lune Croissanterie is coming to Sydney.

1. Lune will be located in Sydney’s latest precinct

In Rosebery, something exciting has been brewing for a while. And now, it’s ready for visitors. The heritage-listed Rosebery Engine Yards has been opened after an epic redevelopment under the watchful eye of global industrial property group Goodman. Now, the precinct is finally complete and sprawls across 1.9 hectares of the south Sydney suburb.

Rosebery Engine Yards in Rosebery, Sydney, NSW
Rosebery Engine Yards is owned and developed by global brand, Goodman.

The creative hub has been opening in stages since, with premium retailers and exclusive brands across fashion, lifestyle and food welcoming guests into a range of stunning, revitalised warehouses. And yes – that includes Lune.

You’ll also be able to find brands like Oroton, Zimmerman, Bassike, Lofft House and Gelato Messina – among many others – at Rosebery Engine Yards. Come for the croissants, stay for the shopping spree.

Rosebery Engine Yards in Rosebery, Sydney, NSW
The new precinct is made up of revitalised heritage-listed warehouses.

2. It will be Lune’s flagship store

Not only is Lune coming to Sydney, but it is also crowning the new venue as its flagship store. This means that the bakery at Rosebery Engine Yards will be the brand’s primary location.

So, what does this mean? Well, according to global job matching and hiring platform Indeed, retailers often reserve this title for the store that is most notable. It is also typically the largest store in a retailer’s chain.

This is furthered by the news that this won’t just be a hole-in-the-wall joint. Visitors to the bakery will have the option to dine-in. Either sit inside and bask in the smell of freshly baked goods or enjoy the sun outside while you sip on a coffee and indulge in your favourite pastry. Either way, it’s one of life’s simple pleasures.

Rosebery Engine Yards in Rosebery, Sydney, NSW
Sit outside in the new precinct and enjoy your delicious baked goods.

3. Waiting in line won’t be a bore

Let’s be honest, the line out the door of Lune is going to be long come opening. And, with pastries this good, it’ll probably stay that way during peak times. But don’t let that deter you – the queue will be anything but boring.

Although not much has been revealed about this exciting element, there’s been talk of an interactive experience that will keep visitors entertained while they wait. To the disappointment of all parents, you may be able to play with your food before you eat it. Watch this space!

Lune Croissanterie
Queuing for a croissant has never been more worth it.

4. It won’t be the only Sydney location

If Rosebery is a little too far from home, fear not. Lune is not arriving in Sydney alone. In addition to the highly anticipated south Sydney location, there will be a second Lune bakery in the CBD.

Although an opening date is yet to be announced, you’ll soon be able to nab a croissant (or two… or three) at Metro Martin Place. Plans for the sister venue remain on track to be opened concurrently, hopefully before Christmas.

Lune Croissanterie
Plans to open a second Lune in Sydney are on track. (Image: Luke Burnett)

5. It may just be the best croissant in the world

I get it. By now, some of you may be wondering what all the fuss is about, or even if the news is a little overhyped. I’m here to assure you it’s not.

Don’t believe me? Just ask the world-renowned New York Times. In 2016, the American media company published a piece on Lune, aptly titled Is the world’s best croissant made in Australia?

The article sings the praises of Lune’s signature beurre croissant, calling it possibly “the finest you will find anywhere in the world."

If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will.

Lune Croissanterie
Sydneysiders don’t have to wait long for Lune. (Image: Luke Burnett)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

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.