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A guide to the best cafes in Wollongong

Credit: Destination NSW

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
Plan your next visit to the Illawarra region around the best Wollongong cafes for coffee and breakfast.

Wollongong cafes are as much a source of pride as the city’s blue-collar past. The Gong has become the epicentre of cool in the Illawarra, a place for young creatives and entrepreneurs to realise the urban environment anew. As a result, the concentration of great places to eat and drink around Wollongong has multiplied over the past decade or so. There are now more than enough standout Wollongong restaurants and cafes to inspire a road trip from Sydney or Canberra. Here is our guide to the Wollongong cafes we keep returning to.

The shortlist

Best Coffee: Seven Miles Wollongong
Hidden Gem: Lili.J
Family-Friendly Spot: Diggies Cafe

Lili.J

the exterior of Lili.J cafe, Wollongong
The rustic cafe is housed in an old florist shop.

Lili.J has gained a lot of attention in Wollongong for its focus on simple, honest rustic fare done well. Housed in an old florist shop and charming corner house, the white-on-white Wollongong cafe opened in 2016 with one simple goal: to give Wollongong a reliable neighbourhood cafe built around specialty Reuben Hills coffee and quality pastries. Order a bacon and egg roll to feast on in the sunroom out the back, which is furnished with vintage finds and spills onto a pet-friendly grassed courtyard. Or bunker down inside one of the cosy nooks where you will find pops of colour from flower-filled vases. Pick up some honey from Little Backyard Honey Factory to go.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Artfully scuffed rustic Wollongong cafe meets charming #cottagecore

Location: 1/156 Corrimal Street, Wollongong

Gelato Emporium

Gelato Emporium, Wollongong
Get your gelato from one of the best gelaterias in Australia. (Credit: Gelato Emporium)

Road trippers in the know will always pull away from the purr of the Pacific Highway to visit the Gelato Emporium . It’s perched like an eyrie on the cliffs at the Southern Gateway Centre, Bulli Tops. After enjoying an espresso and a double scoop of blueberry and white chocolate artisan gelato you can pick up a few foodie souvenirs from this expansive one-stop Italian wonderland. The emporium sells everything from chocolate-coated liquorice branded as Koala Poo to panettone and Fressko keep-cups. Look for the blue-and-white striped awnings but don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Happy people enjoying the views from one of the highest gelaterias in Australia.

Location: Southern Gateway Centre, Princes Highway, Bulli Tops

Basin Cafe

the exterior of Basin Cafe, Wollongong
Nab an outdoor spot under striped umbrellas. (Credit: Basin Cafe)

There’s no shortage of excellent coffee roasters and hip cafes in Wollongong. But you know the java landscape has changed when our motels start contributing to the scene. That’s because the Australian audience is thirsty for specialty coffee and will settle for nothing less. Plenty of outdoor seating has helped secure this harbourside cafe at Boat Harbour Motel as one of the most sought-after places for coffee and cake in Wollongong. The coffee counter buzzes with activity from breakfast through to lunch, with its breakfast bagels a popular grab-and-go option.

Cuisine: Contemporary cafe fare

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: A cheery and compelling place to be

Location: 7 Wilson Street, Wolloongong

Miller’s Local Bakehouse

croissant and coffee, Miller's Local Bakehouse
Pair fresh-baked croissants with specialty coffee at Miller’s Local Bakehouse. (Credit: Emma Huber)

Miller’s Local Bakehouse is a small-batch operation doing things properly, with everything made from scratch and baked to order using fresh ingredients and no preservatives. The focus is on great coffee (Crazy Horse Coffee) bread and pastries. Miller’s Local Bakehouse was born after finding success at well-loved cafe, Sandygoodwich. Standouts include twice-baked ricotta croissants and lemon meringue cheesecake as well as chunky loaves of sourdough. The bakery-led cafe also has outposts in Bulli, Thirroul and Wollongong.

Cuisine:  Bread and pastries

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Community hub

Location: 7 Wilson Street, Wolloongong

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Longboard Cafe

You can watch the leathery old longboarders hanging ten from your table at the Longboard Cafe . You might also clock these crusty old core lords congregating at the Wollongong cafe post-surf for a coffee and chicken schnitty roll. Executive chef Paul Hamilton also looks after sister venue Steamers Bar & Grill and it’s full steam ahead here when it comes to his casual cafe offering. Plant-based diners will appreciate the many Longboard Cafe vegan items on the menu which the chalkboard describes as “from the Earth, for the soul". Big-ups for the bottomless brunch.

Cuisine: Seasonal cafe fare

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Great views and cool vibes.

Location:  1 Marine Drive, Wollongong

Uncle Earl’s

strawberry matcha latte at Uncle Earl’s, Wollongong
Sip on a strawberry matcha latte. (Credit: Uncle Earl’s)

Uncle Earl’s is one of the major players on the coffee scene in Wollongong. But the boxy little cafe is also on the radar for its regular Thrift, Sip, Groove fashion market on Saturday mornings where you can pick up some quality fashion garments. The expanded breakfast and lunch menu is all about sambos, toasties and bagels with the mortadella foccacia a personal fave. The cafe serves batch brews, Biscoff lattes, matcha lattes and sticky chai latte, too. Pay it forward to help the next uni student or passerby with the funds for a pick-me-up.

Cuisine: Toasted sandwiches, bagels

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Uni crowd

Location: 47 Burelli St, Wollongong

Halfday Deli

Neapolitan-style pizzas at Halfday Deli Wollongong
Grab a slice of flavour-packed Neapolitan-style pizza. (Credit: Halfday Deli)

Join the bread cult that is equal parts sando shop and pizzeria. Halfday Deli leads a double life doling out well-built sandwiches by day and 48-hour-fermented pizzas by night. Coffee comes courtesy of sister venue Opus Roasters and the sangas are hefty. The space designed by Alana Cooke blends concrete, spotted gum, and steel, creating an intimate setting for a date night. There are DJs spinning vinyl and a generous wine list for #girldinner with your gal pals. Bond with the baristas pulling the shots or the barkeeps topping up your glass with Frappato as you worship at the altar of good bread and pizza.

Cuisine:  From day to night – sandos to pizza

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Friendly and inclusive.

Location: 38 Atchison St, Wollongong

Lee & Me

the exterior of Lee & Me, Wollongong
Gather at the sun-splashed communal tables. (Credit: Lee & Me)

Lee & Me is a local favourite that occupies a 1890s’ terrace that has become the unofficial headquarters for the Gong’s hipster brigade. Sit by the fireplace in winter. Linger on the sun-splashed balcony in summer. Or gather at the communal table where you can engage in a bit of banter with the beard(y) barista. After downing your short black, head upstairs to meet up-and-coming creatives selling their fashionable wares from their studios. The Turkish eggs here are the business.

Cuisine: Contemporary

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Grungey and bohemian.

Location: 87 Crown Street, Wollongong

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Pepe’s on the Beach

It’s all crashing waves and pastel sunsets at this beachside cafe underneath the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach that is open from breakfast until late. Spiritually, Pepe’s on the Beach feels like it’s an LA hang that has been untouched since the 1970s. Start with a stroll on the sand or a cycle along Wollongong’s iconic shared pathway. Claim a beanbag under a palm tree and refuel on pancakes with banana and maple syrup. Eat and drink (responsibly) until the wheels fall off at pumpkin o’clock.  Guaranteed, Pepe’s will be your new hyper-fixation.

Cuisine: All-American breakfast fare

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Cali cool

Location: 2-14 Cliff Road, Wollongong

Diggies Cafe

the exterior of Diggies Cafe, North Wollongong
Settle in for coffee and brunch at the seaside cafe. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Diggies is open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch when it is full to the brim with a healthy mix of millennials, young mums and MAMILs. Cyclists often end their Sydney to Gong ride here with a coffee and a Savvy Session of seasonal greens, herbs, sheep’s feta, avocado, crushed roasted almonds and poached eggs. Join sandy-toed locals at the more relaxed 1930s’ Art Deco North Beach Kiosk for coffees or settle in for a post-swim brunch at the sit-down section of the seaside cafe. There are outposts in Wollongong, North Beach Kiosk and Kiama.

Cuisine: All-day brunch classics and ‘beach club’ big plates like fish and chips.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Aussie beach culture writ large.

Location: 1 Cliff Rd, North Beach, Wollongong

Bull & Bear

Your stocks will go up if you take your Tinder date out for breakfast at Bull & Bear , which has swallowed up three shops on vibey Victoria St. The name is not a metaphor for the movements of the stock market. Rather, it came to chef and owner David Juarez Vidal after returning from Spain where he ran with the bulls in Pamplona and visited El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree), the symbol of Madrid. Pig out on El Gordo (The Fat One) or a beefy breakfast burrito. The Wollongong cafe is also open for dinner and considered one of Wollongong’s best restaurants and tapas bars.

Cuisine: Aussie cafe food with signature Spanish twists.

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Exposed beams, polished concrete and pops of greenery lend the cafe a rustic charm.

Location: 2A Victoria street, Wollongong

Seven Miles Wollongong

Seven Miles Wollongong doubles as a coffee house and roastery nestled in North Wollongong. Geek out on all things coffee related, from the state-of-the-art roastery to latest equipment at this popular Wollongong cafe, which draws the city’s coffee community here for mighty good brews. You can learn to level up your coffee at home by signing up for a barista class where you will see the science behind making the perfect cup of Joe.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Industrial-chic

Location: Wollongong

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

    The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

    It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

    If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

    Savour the summer dining scene

    Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
    Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

    The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

    Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

    Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

    Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

    And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

    Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

    Dive into ocean pools

    ocean pool on the sutherland shire
    The ocean pools beckon.

    Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
    swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

    Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

    Experience local arts and culture

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
    See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

    Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

    Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

    Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

    a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
    Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

    The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

    If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

    Get into nature

    Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
    Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

    You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

    Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

    If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

    Hit up the beautiful beaches

    aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
    Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

    If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

    Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.