A heritage-listed post office turned ‘roast office’ and its award-winning latte has become the toast of this tranquil town.
In a tiny village named Uki, hidden among the verdant natural beauty of the Tweed (in Northern New South Wales), a lovingly restored, heritage-listed post office has been transformed into a thriving community gathering place. Now, it’s drawing in coffee enthusiasts, art lovers, road trippers, and those who need to post letters, too.
Uki’s post office offers a fresh perspective to its community.
Uki, just over half an hour’s drive inland from Cabarita Beach in the Tweed Shire, nestled under the watchful gaze of Wollumbin/Mount Warning has long been considered a quiet and relatively secluded destination. And while it remains a peaceful pocket of the Tweed, there’s a flutter of activity and excitement stemming from one unexpected building: its post office.
In 2017, a first-time, would-be postmaster happened across the then dilapidated, heritage-listed Uki Post Office – a service that has been central to its community since 1909. Gary Wall had just completed his MBA and was ready for a new adventure.
No sooner had Gary laid eyes on the site had he formed a vision of what this run-down locale could become, and decided he would be the one to give it that love – and, in doing so, enrich the local community.
Step inside the historic, coffee-scented post office
Gary Wall saw potential to transform the post office into a community hub.
Flash forward to 2025, and Gary’s vision, and some serious investment, has transformed the old building into a multi-faceted space that’s become beloved by its community. Now, it’s drawing in road trippers, too.
For those who roll into Uki now, they’ll find Postmaster Gary and his team behind the counter of the reimagined post-office-meets-art-gallery (where a rotating calendar of local artists are showcased) and Bastion Lane Espresso Bar.
The coffee bar is housed within a heritage-listed building. (Image: @jar_osullivan_studio)
Inside the space, original features abound – from ironbark floors to hoop pine timber benches, and carefully made cabinetry – while, on the outside, the familiar facade remains. Behind the post office building is the RoastOffice, where award-winning coffee is prepared.
Sample the latte crowned best in Australia
Award-winning coffee awaits. (Image: @jar_osullivan_studio)
With the scent of freshly roasted coffee lingering in the air inside this historic structure, it’s safe to say few people are capable of collecting their parcels or of posting mail without first hitting up the espresso bar.
The coffee roasted in the RoastOffice and poured at Bastion Lane Espresso is not your average cup of road trip fuel. In fact, its ‘Post Master’s Roast’ was named the Champion Latte at the 2025 Royal Adelaide Coffee Show – providing another reason for coffee lovers to detour inland from the Tweed’s coastline.
The tough coffee competition, supported by the Australian Coffee Traders Association Inc, seeks out excellence across a range of coffee styles. The Post Master’s Roast impressed the judges who said of the blend: “excellent consistency of roast colour across various sizes. Roast degree optimal for sugar browning with dry fragrance of honey and dried fruits. Milk chocolate, caramels, red fruits, and dark fruits are present in the cup and are notable through the milk. [It’s] very harmonious, clean, sweet, and well-structured.”
Gary says the blend is a “labour of love” and “a testament to the dedication and passion we pour into every roast.”
“This award will be proudly displayed at our Uki location. We invite everyone to come and experience the Champion Latte for themselves,” he adds.
Explore Uki’s neighbours, beyond the beaches of the Tweed
Visitors are in for Uki’s thriving cultural scene. (Image: @jar_osullivan_studio)
Having become a significant centre of the Uki community, it’s no wonder Bastion Lane Espresso’s visitors are now eager to follow the aroma of quality coffee and stay a while to check out the art exhibited on-site. And, those who’ve entered the valley can cruise from this village to Uki’s neighbouring destinations – each with their own unique attractions. In the lush green landscape beyond the beaches of the Tweed, an abundance of food, art and shopping opportunities await.
Just outside of the centre of art-deco-architecture-lined Murwillumbah, perched on a hillside with a view over its picturesque countryside surroundings, the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre presents an evolving assemblage of enticing exhibitions. Plus, it’s home to a recreation of lauded Australian artist Margaret Olley’s home studio.
Nearby, in the heart of Murwillumbah, is its M|Arts Precinct, which combines art, food, stores, a cinema, and more. While in town, indulge in leisurely lunchtime repast at Tweed River House, or a laidback meal at Keith. Cyclists can also enjoy pedaling along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail from Murwillumbah. On your way out, stop into Kat Harvey Cheese for take-home snacks.
A short drive from Uki, travellers can continue on to the small town of Burringbar – where locally made cheeses (Tweed Valley Farmhouse Cheeses), natural wines (Burringbar Natural Wine Shop and Bar), more coffee (The Barn Burringbar and Teakwood Cafe) and vintage collectable treasures (Heath’s Old Wares) can be found.
And, navigate the winding, scenic roads into Tyalgum, where a maze of connected stores (including a book store and bakery) sits alongside a charming cafe (Flutterbies Cottage Cafe), an old-fashioned corner store (Tyalgum General Store) stocks locally made fare, and an Italian, third-generation gelato maker slings delicious scoops (Tyalgum Gelato Shop).
Plan your trip to the RoastOffice
Ethically and sustainably sourced beans are used at Bastion Lane.
To plan your road trip to try the best latte in Australia, visit Bastion Lane and mark maps 1464 Kyogle Road, Uki, New South Wales on your map. The Post Master’s Roast latte blend is also available online at the espresso bar’s website.
