Here's where to find the best coffee in and around Byron Bay

Make the most of your mornings in Byron with our guide to Byron Bay’s best coffee spots.

Is there a better morning ritual than a steaming cup of coffee paired with an ocean dip? Not when you wake up in Byron Bay. The coffee-drinking community in the Northern Rivers (as with the entire community itself) is strong, vibrant and nurturing – expect great coffee served with welcoming smiles. Whether it be in Byron town itself, or a bit further afield in Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby or out in the hills, we have rounded up our favourite spots to visit. Just remember, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a decent coffee past 2pm – the best spots open and close early.

Espressohead

Slip behind the main bustle and you’ll find a quietly kept local secret at Espressohead . This community-focused cafe has been extracting very good brews for years to keep locals well-caffeinated. Served to complement their house blend is an array of breakfast and lunch menu items, from the surprisingly delightful smashed peas with poached eggs to a zingy and savoury Vietnamese pancake. Once you go, you’ll be inclined to keep this one all to yourself.

Address: 7/4 Middleton Street, Byron Bay

Bayleaf Café

a colourful bird mural on the wall of Bayleaf Cafe, Byron Bay — A colourful mural dons the wall outside Bayleaf Cafe. (Image: Destination NSW)

This always-busy spot is drenched with sunshine in the morning and may require a short wait for a table. Sip on Bayleaf ’s own coffee blend crafted by Blackboard or for those who don’t partake in the bean, opt for a matcha latte or a roll-call of delicious teas. There are breakfast and lunch options to go alongside and the people-watching has a very Byron vibe.

Address: 2a Marvell Street, Byron Bay

Folk

A side-step from the town centre, charming Folk is a beautifully Byron spot where locals gather for caffeine-fuelled catch-ups. Perch under a leafy canopy in the lush garden and soak up the sunshine as you pair your cuppa with something from the wholesome-leaning menu. Inside it’s all wood tones and welcoming energy from 7.30am to 2.30pm every day.

Address: 399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay

The Salty Mangrove

By evening, this cute hideout in the northern locale of New Brighton slings cocktails and chef-y plates, but by day it’s gently overrun with beachcombers and toddlers spilling babycinos. On Tuesdays when the New Brighton market is in full swing across the road, it’s a popular spot to refuel post-shop. The coffee is very good indeed and the array of baked goods and deli-style snacks are equally delicious.

Address: 50 River Street, New Brighton

The Byron Bay General Store

On the southern end of town, The Byron Bay General Store , a cool cafe set in a historic building, beckons with its casual vibes and good coffee. Grab a picnic table under an umbrella and watch the world go by as you take your time over a delicious breakfast of chilli scrambled tofu or sticky date waffles. You can even stay onsite at the beautifully styled The Villa General .

Address: 26 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay

The Top Shop

Up the hill from town, The Top Shop , housed in a 1950s-era renovated milk bar, is a Byron icon. Spilling onto the grass while you wait for your coffee and bacon and egg roll at this slick operation is almost a bucket list experience. The grinds are good and the menu is all comforting classics of burgers, shakes, smoothies and some fresher options, but watching the constant throng of locals and tourists roll in and out is perhaps the highlight here. Open from 6.30am to 3pm.

Address: 65 Carlyle Street, Byron Bay

Woods

If you’re venturing into the sweet hinterland town of Bangalow, you’ll need to fortify your perusing with a good coffee. Direct yourself off the main street to Woods , where the beans are from local roastery Moonshine and the food is ethical and local. Set in a pretty, white weatherboard cottage and frequented by stylish locals, take in the Bangalow ambience as you tuck into cafe classics.

Address: 10 Station Street, Bangalow

The Kiosk

If you’re after a morning brew to wake you up pre- or post-beach stroll, your top pick should be The Kiosk at Clarkes Beach. This oceanside cottage is part high-end restaurant, part kiosk, but for casual caffeine walk-bys, go directly to the small hole-in-the-wall. The Kiosk is helpfully located at the start of the walk along the headland to Wategoes Beach and up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, so if you’re walking for enjoyment rather than fitness, hit the trail with your takeaway and join the Lycra-clad throng.

Address: 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay

Sparrow

A local favourite, Sparrow offers delicious Allpress coffee on the go. With a cute hole-in-the-wall outpost on the main street of Bangalow and a bigger corner space in the heart of Byron town, Sparrow is known for its super-friendly and fast service.

They have different types of milk and dairy substitutes on offer, as well as a few croissants and pastries for the road. An essential stop. (They also have locations within McTavish, and in QLD in Burleigh Heads, Nobby Beach and Port Douglas as well).

Address: 1/47 Johnson, Byron Street, Byron Bay; 1A/32-34 Byron Street, Bangalow

Baker & Daughters

Baker & Daughters is a happy place to be. Owners Beck and Matt are gorgeous people and always deliver coffee and their good honest food with a smile. Proudly serving Ona coffee – their ethos is simple – connecting great people with great coffee. This is another local favourite (the queue outside all day says it all). Not only great coffee and consistently excellent service, but delicious bread and baked goods as well.

Address: 28 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby

Daily Counter

Daily Counter has been a mainstay in Brunswick Heads for many years now. Sarah and her team serve up Allpress coffee with super friendly smiles. They also offer a small food menu as well, think granola, croissants, and bagels. Open 5:30 am-12 pm.

Address: 15 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads

Roadhouse

Another local favourite, Roadhouse (or “the Roadie") in the morning is known for its excellent Allpress Espresso coffee and other warm tonics and drinks that are perfect to kickstart your morning. Try their “Magic Mushroom" spiced hot chocolate – it’s amazing.

Address: 6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay

Byron Moonshine Coffee Roasters

Byron Moonshine Coffee is a lovely family business out in the Byron hinterland in the charming village of Federal. The premium specialty coffee roaster is renowned for its fair trade and organic coffee, supplying beans to many of the cafes throughout the region. If you spot the Moonshine Coffee logo, expect a consistently good cup of coffee.

Address: 447 Federal Dr, Federal

High Life

Follow the music to High Life Byron Bay for a reliable brew of Allpress Espresso. Faithful regulars also come for the selection of warm tonics and delicious organic and seasonal food on the menu.

Bun Coffee

Bun Coffee has been roasting coffee in Byron Bay since 2005. The boutique, specialty roaster sources organic, fair trade, or rainforest alliance beans and its takeaway cups and lids are also fully compostable and biodegradable. Lovely people and great coffee – find them in the Byron Bay industrial estate.

Address: 17/1A Banksia Dr, Byron Bay

B Smoothie Bar

In February 2023, B Smoothie Bar moved into a stunning new space in Habitat. Still serving its exclusive Bare Blends smoothies, they now offer coffee by Marvell Street Coffee (a local roaster that started roasting back in 2009 in a small shop on Marvell Street in the heart of Byron Bay). Open until 3 pm (a rare late afternoon find).

Address: Habitat/5 Easy St, Byron Bay

Tones at Sōko

Find Tones at Sōko tucked away in the Byron Bay industrial estate. This little slice of industrial paradise has outdoor and indoor seating and in addition to excellent coffee, you can also grab a quick breakfast or even a bunch of beautiful Braer flowers (a florist that shares the same space).

Address: 4 Acacia St, Byron Bay

Originally written by Georgia Hopkins with updates by Lara Picone

Explore more of Byron Bay, from the region’s incredible restaurants to unforgettable things to do.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

Insider tips on where to find the best coffee in Byron Bay