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You don’t have to run 42 kilometres to get a Berry donut this weekend

Credit: If & When Social Media Agency

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
The South Coast’s most famous donut van is parking at Circular Quay for Sydney Marathon weekend – no bib required.

The famous Berry Donut Van is coming to town. The South Coast landmark will set up its touring van on Young Street, across from Customs House at Circular Quay this weekend – a short walk from where the TCS Sydney Marathon field will finish at the Opera House.

It’ll be serving hot cinnamon donuts made on the spot, plus Nutella donuts, coffee, hot dogs, smoothies and milkshakes.

The Famous Berry Donut Van, Berry
The Berry Donut Van is a famous road trip pit stop. (Credit: If & When Social Media Agency)

The Berry Donut Van has been a fixture of the quaint NSW town since 1974, and its original business model was built solely around the Princes Highway. Then, in 2023, the highway stopped going through Berry when the Foxground and Berry bypass opened. Great for the main street. Less great for a business whose customers were, historically, people who hadn’t planned to stop.

In late 2025, the business launched the Berry Donut Van On Tour, an all-new travelling van to work food festivals, music festivals and major events nationally, with the flagship van continuing to operate in Berry.

It’s a smart move, and not just for one weekend. Roadside food businesses built on passing traffic are working out that it’s easier to follow the crowd than wait for it to drive by, and the Sydney Marathon weekend is about as captive as a crowd gets.

Not necessarily for the runners – their morning is spoken for, but for everyone else too. Travelling interstate and overseas for a marathon is more common every year, and for the people who come along to cheer, race day is hours of standing around with not much to do between waves of runners. So, what better way to wait near the finish line than with a delicious donut?

The Famous Berry Donut Van, Berry
Wait by the finish line with a fresh donut. (Credit: If & When Social Media Agency)

“We’re excited to bring the famous Berry Donut Van to the TCS Sydney Marathon and be part of such a memorable day," says Teresa Nazareth, owner of the Berry Donut Van.

“Whether it’s a reward after crossing the finish line, a treat for family and friends, or simply something delicious to enjoy while soaking up the atmosphere, we’re looking forward to sharing our fresh hot cinnamon donuts with everyone at the event."

The TCS Sydney Marathon is now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and more than 40,000 runners will take on the course this year. The 2025 event – the first run as a Major – had just under 33,000 finishers. Add everyone who turns up to watch, and Sunday will be one of the largest single-day crowds Sydney assembles all year.

Two things worth knowing before you go. Road closures across the CBD and Circular Quay are serious on Sunday, so check before you walk up. It’ll also be very busy, so go early, or go on Saturday.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Details

Legendary doughnuts served piping hot with a dusting of cinnamon sugar from Berry Donut Van
Hot cinnamon donuts are the ultimate post-run reward. (Credit: If & When Social Media Agency)

Where: Young Street across from Customs House, Sydney

When: 29-30 August 2026

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.