Fuel Up At The Best Mount Gambier Cafes

Fuel your body at Mount Gambier’s best cafes before taking in the stunning scenery and history around you.

Located halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, it is one of Australia’s must-see gems, though it may not always get the attention and recognition it deserves. South Australia’s Mount Gambier, found on the breathtaking Limestone Coast, is nestled on the slopes of a dormant volcano and is also home to the aptly named Blue Lake which occupies one of the craters of the maar volcano.

If you’re planning a road trip or a getaway to this picturesque location with its stunning natural sinkholes, lush greenery, and mesmerising caves, there’ll be plenty of hikes and history to take in – but first, most importantly, it’ll be imperative to fuel up for a day exploring.

Luckily Mount Gambier boasts many high-quality cafes with delicious coffee and mouth-watering breakfast options, and we’ve rounded up a selection of the best.

1. Bricks & Mortar Coffee Co.

Coffee aficionados need to head straight to Bricks & Mortar Coffee Co. upon rising. This speciality roaster boasts its own brew bar where you can witness their coffee and brewing techniques. Sit down with a cup of coffee (roasted in-house, of course) or take your coffee to-go and stroll around Vansittart Park across the road.

Address: 2A/4 Wehl St N, Mount Gambier

2. Metro Cafe

With a huge range of cakes, pastries, baked goods, and savoury dishes, it’s easy to see why Metro is a hit amongst locals and tourists alike . Plus, they cater for all, with a great range of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options for those with intolerances. Treat yourself to the mouth-watering fluffy pancakes with your morning coffee and start the day with a spring in your step.

a close-up photo of food at Metro Cafe in Mount Gambier — Go and grab a hearty brunch at Metro Cafe.

Address: 15 Commercial St, Mount Gambier

3. Bay Blue Espresso Bar

With the charm of a cosy inner-city coffee joint, Bay Blue Espresso is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Blue Lake. While the smell of roasted coffee will entice you in, the house-baked goods are a must-try (and you won’t want to stop at just one freshly baked Cinnamon Scroll!). The staff are friendly, the menu is simple but stacked with high-quality breakfast favourites like bircher muesli and tasty toasties, and the cafe is pet-friendly, so if you’re travelling with your pooch, they’ll also feel right at home.

Address: 45 Bay Rd, Mount Gambier

4. Presto Eatery

This super popular cafe is constantly busy for a reason – the coffee is to die for, and the meals are Instagram-ready. Not big on caffeine? The fresh juices are the perfect accompaniment while you kick back outside and soak in the morning rays.

Presto eatery smashed avo — Take your pick from a delicious meal selection. (Image: Andy Nowell)

The breakfast options will suit everyone’s needs, from delicious big breakfasts to the nourishing porridge option, and if your sweet tooth is activated in the AM, try the cinnamon ‘donut’ French toast – you won’t regret it.

Even when you leave Mount Gambier, you can take a piece of it home with you, with Presto’s coffee beans available to purchase in-store.

Address: 37 Commercial St E, Mount Gambier

5. San Piero Coffee Bar

Attention coffee lovers! This charming cafe boasts some of the region’s best coffee, and they’ve got awards to prove it. San Piero serves up fresh local blends , house-made cacao, and delicious cold drips that will reinvigorate you for the day ahead. Don’t forget to take home a bag of their drinking chocolate, the perfect treat during the cooler months.

Address: 54 Commercial St E, Mount Gambier

6. Cafe Melzar

Tucked away down a quiet little laneway, Cafe Melzar brings some inner-city culture to the area. With excellent coffee that will bring a pep back into your step, fresh juices, and a seasonal menu, this hidden gem will fulfil all your brunch needs. If you’re looking for something sweet, the Banoffee Delight or Apple & Rhubarb Crumble will not disappoint.

a hand slicing a sandwich at Cafe Melzar, Mount Gambier — Get your brunch fix. (Image: Cafe Melzar)

Plant-based friends will love the delicious vegan options like the aptly titled Earth Lovers vegetable medley, consisting of sourdough toast, grilled vegetables, house-made beans, and smashed avo.

Address: 5/7 Englebrecht Ln, Mount Gambier

7. Nalou Kitchen

With its indoor plants and a soothing palette of greens and blues, Nalour Kitchen is a peaceful spot to start your day. If you’re craving the classics, they sling smashed avo, bacon and eggs, and croissants, or if you’re up for something different there’s corn, zucchini, and carrot fritters with smoked salmon, sticky date pancakes, and banana caramel waffles.

Address: 82 Commercial St W, Mount Gambier

8. Mount Gambier Little Saigon Cafe

This lovely little Vietnamese cafe boasts a variety of tasty Viet options as well as traditional breakfast fare. Save this one for a sunny day, as you’ll want to perch up with your coffee and brekkie in the glorious backyard garden setting. Little Saigon also has a great variety of lunch options if you’ve overdone it on the smashed avo, so don’t forget to pick up some fresh rice paper rolls and save them for later.

Address: 34 Sturt St, Mount Gambier

To continue on your food tour of Mount Gambier, make sure to check out our guide to the must-visit Mount Gambier restaurants.

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti and updated by Tahlia Pritchard and Rachael Thompson

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

8 of the best cafes in Mount Gambier to start your day