The line at this Sydney stalwart is about to get a whole lot longer.
Ask any caffeine-loving Aussie who has travelled internationally, and they’ll tell you, nothing compares to the coffee shops at home. In fact, I can almost guarantee that you or someone you know has righteously defended our cutting-edge cafe culture, declaring it the best in the world.
Well now, we’ve got the title to prove it.
Australia is officially home to the best coffee shop in the world.
But it’s not just the coffee served at Toby’s Estate that earned it this impressive new title. The decision was determined by a variety of factors, including quality, consistency, innovation, ambience, barista experience, customer service and sustainability practices. And it’s evident as soon as you arrive that this industrial-chic space delivers on all fronts.
Customers can witness the roastery in action.
Designed specifically by architecture firm Russell & George to be the brand’s flagship store, the sleek interior features state-of-the-art machines, a cosy seating area, and any coffee lover’s dream: shelves upon shelves of specialty brews. Giant glass doors at the back of the cafe also give customers a behind-the-scenes look into the roastery.
“At Toby’s Estate, coffee is at the heart of everything we do and I think that’s reflected in our customer’s experience," says Jody Leslie, the brand’s general manager. “Our whole team puts in an immense amount of effort to make the best coffee possible, so we’re absolutely delighted to be awarded this incredible recognition."
Toby’s Estate in Sydney is the brand’s flagship store.
Who else made the list?
Impressively but unsurprisingly, two other Australian coffee shops appeared in the top 10. Proud Mary , one of Melbourne’s top cafes, came in fourth place, followed by Brisbane favourite, Coffee Anthology . Overall, a total of nine Aussie institutes made the list, proving once and for all that our island home reigns coffee supreme.
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.
Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.
Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.
1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour
The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP.
Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)
The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery, adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tourto explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.
Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)
4. An artist’s view of Newcastle
There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.
The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.
Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)
6. Indulge in great gastronomy
Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos, through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle. Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug, Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.
Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)
7. Crystalbrook Kingsley
Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.
Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)
8. Newcastle’s creative side on show
Save the date for New Annual, a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October.The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations.Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.
Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.
