Walcha Latte Art Smackdown gives coffee lovers a new destination

Coffee lovers have another reason to visit the New England region, thanks to this new latte art competition.

We’ve all done it: poured our home-brewed coffee and thought maybe with a little flick of the wrist we could copy the hearts and leaf art of our most beloved baristas. The reality? Even this type of latte art – which, I’m sorry to break it to you, is absolute entry-level skill – is hard. And that’s coming from someone who worked her way through uni as a barista. While a few years of practice may have seen me master the aforementioned styles, anything beyond that was well above my pay grade. Which is why I’ll be lining up to ooh and ahh at the first Walcha Latte Art Smackdown.

Do you think Walcha is too small for such a strong cafe/ coffee culture? Think again.

The idea was sparked when Cameron Hayton of Walcha Coffee chatted with Caleb Holstein from Alternative Dairy Co. at the Golden Bean Competition, where the best coffee from Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia is judged and crowned.

“What would it take to host something in our region?" Hayton asked.

person pouring cup of coffee in white ceramic cup — Roll up to watch a spectacle of latte art. (Image: Brooke Cagle)

That simple question led to the birth of Walcha Latte Art Smackdown. On 24 September, Walcha Coffee will throw open the doors to its roastery on Derby Street and welcome baristas, coffee lovers and curious passers-by for the first-ever smackdown. By the end of the day, the winner will walk home with a $1000 prize (with more prizes awarded to second, third and best local).

And it’s not just for the grown-ups. There’s also a Junior Latte Art Competition (15 and under) with prize money to inspire young baristas to have a go.

“If we’re going to raise up the next generation of workers, we need to show them coffee can be a career, not just pocket money while you’re at school," said Hayton.

While you’re spectating (or, perhaps, joining in), take part in a cupping session (professional tasting) with Daniel Vergnano of List + Beisler Coffee , featuring new coffees fresh into Australia. Or sit down to feast on a (pre-ordered) smoked meat dinner, to refuel after a day of judging, of course.

Spectator tickets and competitor entries (including the Junior category) are available now via Eventbrite . Spaces are limited, so get in early.

barista pouring froth milk on coffee cup prepared coffee latte art at bar counter — Join in tastings and pre-book a tasty meal afterwards. (Image: Getty/ Ozgurcankaya)

The details:

Date: Tuesday 24 September 2025
Time: From 2:30pm (Main Smackdown 7:00pm)
Location: Walcha Coffee Roastery, 4N Derby Street, Walcha NSW
Tickets: eventbrite.com.au

Making a weekend of it

walcha's open air gallery whale statue — Visit Walcha’s Open Air Gallery while you’re in town. (Image: Destination NSW)

Want to make a weekend of it? Start with discounts on room rates at Walcha Motel, Walcha Caravan Park, Apsley Hotel and Walcha Road Hotel, especially to encourage visitors to come for the coffee, but then stay and explore Walcha, and the wider New England area.

With charming rural landscapes, beautiful national parks and idyllic townships, the New England high country is brimming with culture and discovery. Two hours inland of Port Macquarie, the region is threaded by the New England Highway, making it easy to drive between the main stops: Armidale, Inverell, Walcha, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Uralla.

Discover these historically rich destinations with our guide to local wineries and distilleries, and our top 10 reasons to take a road trip through this area.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

This regional NSW latte art comp gives coffee lovers a new travel destination