'Australia's best latte' is luring road trippers to this tiny village

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 — 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 portrait — 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 .

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 — 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

Uki's visitors — 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

bastion lane beans — 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 .

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.

‘Australia’s best latte‘ is luring road trippers to this tiny village