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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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping
Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.