9 charming cafes in Bathurst to try now

Jessica Humphries Jessica Humphries
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Bathurst offers a unique dining experience that combines the town’s rich history, vibrant culture and delicious cafe cuisine.

Worlds away from the big smoke, Bathurst may not be the first place you’d expect to find exceptional coffee. But rest assured, the cafes in Bathurst offer classic favourites, a warm and welcoming country atmosphere and some of the best coffee around. If you’re planning a visit to this cruisy, charming city, make sure to include a cafe pit-stop to indulge in the culinary culture that Bathurst has to offer.

1. Country Coffee Bathurst

True to its name, Country Coffee  exudes good old-fashioned small-town vibes. The staff are friendly, the menu has all your go-to favourite cafe classics, and the coffee is reliably some of Bathurst’s best.

Address: 161 George St, Bathurst

2. The Hub

The Hub is one of Bathurst’s most charming cafes, with beautiful food, easy service and a friendly atmosphere. Especially loved for its breakfasts, it serves up all the cafe favourites – from brekkie burgers with all the bells and whistles to salads and curries for lunch. You can enjoy your meal in the leafy outdoor area or cosy up inside by the log fire.

Address: 52 Keppel St, Bathurst

The Hub cafe in Bathurst, NSW
Pop into The Hub for pancakes with a twist.

3. Doppio Bathurst

Doppio is a more recent addition to the Bathurst cafe scene and is a funky spot to chill out. You can relax under the trees or the gazebo while you sip on a fresh, hot cuppa or enjoy a simple but scrummy meal for breakfast or lunch.

Address: 7 Keppel St, Bathurst

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4. Mayfield Gardens

Mayfield Gardens is a 16-hectare garden nestled between the quaint towns of O’Connell and Oberon, a half-hour drive from Bathurst. The exquisite gardens and unique, nature-bathed ambience alone make it worth the extra travel time.

The menu features delicious, seasonal meals made mostly from ingredients grown on-site or nearby, and there are options to tickle everyone’s fancy. It’s an idyllic spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch or long lunch with a glass of wine while taking in the spectacular views.

Address: 530 Mayfield Road, Oberon

visitors enjoying the scenic grounds of Mayfield Garden, Oberon
Dine at the quaint, idyllic setting of Mayfield Gardens. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Crema on George

Crema on George is a beloved hole-in-the-wall cafe especially loved for its excellent Campos coffee. With a friendly atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to savour your morning cuppa, or grab a takeaway pastry and coffee to enjoy in the picturesque park just across the road.

Address: 173 George St, Bathurst

6. Annie’s Ice Cream

Step back in time at Annie’s , an adorable old-fashioned ice cream parlour. This enchanting cafe is a local favourite and has been serving up banana splits since the early 80s. With its bright and bustling atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for families – kids will love the retro vibes and abundance of sweet treats. Annie’s is one of the longest-running cafes in the region, adding to its nostalgic charm.

Address: 82/86 George St, Bathurst

Exterior of Annie's Ice Cream
Annie’s Ice Cream is an institution. (Image: Emily Murphy)

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7. Sweet Caramel

Sweet Caramel is a delightful Bathurst cafe with a cosy, country vibe. The warm and friendly atmosphere invites you to stay a while and enjoy a cafe favourite from the diverse menu of Asian dishes, Aussie classics and plenty of sweet treats. There’s a hole-in-the-wall option for takeaways too. A lovely place to soak up the relaxed ambience of the town.

Address: 183 – 185 George St, Bathurst

8. Porters Cafe

Porters is a reliable country cafe serving up all the classics – sandwiches, salads and desserts. The warm and friendly vibe makes it a nice place to cosy into on a gloomy day.

Address: 76 William St, Bathurst

9. Gunthers Lane Cafe

A great place for the tech-savvy and curious, Gunthers Lane offers one of the most unique cafe experiences in Bathurst. While you wait for your coffee and choc chip muffin you can try out the tech hub, printing something from the 3D printers, exploring virtual reality and more. The menu is simple and the coffee good.

Address: 203-209 Russell St, Bathurst

For more places to eat in Bathurst, check out our restaurant guide.
Jessica Humphries
Jessica Humphries is a travel and wellbeing writer, with a passion for slow travel, nature, and exploring the world mindfully. Formerly the editor of Australian Yoga Journal and a current contributor to a number of well-being publications, Jessica's writing is inspired by her love for yoga, wellness and sustainable living. Her work is a celebration of the beauty of the world and the joys of gentle travel. She is based in the Northern Rivers of NSW and loves to explore her local area too!
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    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.