5 things you need to know about Sydney’s new Lune Croissanterie

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The Melbourne stalwart is coming to Sydney later this year.

If you’re a lover of good pastries and freshly baked goods, chances are you’ve heard of Lune Croissanterie. Established in Melbourne in 2012 by founder/owner Kate Reid and her brother Cameron, alongside restaurateur Nathan Toleman, the bakery has become an icon of the city. Lune has since opened four more Lune’s: Fitzroy (2015) and Armadale (2022) in Melbourne, and South Brisbane (2021) and Brisbane CBD (2022) in Brisbane.

And it’s not hard to see why… think fresh, flaky croissants, indulgent pain au chocolat, decadent danishes and the inventive cruffin (croissant + muffin) – all baked to perfection. Drooling yet? Yeah, me too.

But don’t go booking your flights to Melbourne or Brisbane just yet. Lune is coming to Sydney.

Slated to open in October this year, Lune Criossanterie is bringing its beautiful baked goods to the rumbling tummies of Sydneysiders. But before you rush to join the inevitably long queue, here’s what you need to know.

Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne
Lune Croissanterie is coming to Sydney.

1. Lune will be located in Sydney’s latest precinct

In Rosebery, something exciting has been brewing for a while. And now, it’s ready for visitors. The heritage-listed Rosebery Engine Yards has been opened after an epic redevelopment under the watchful eye of global industrial property group Goodman. Now, the precinct is finally complete and sprawls across 1.9 hectares of the south Sydney suburb.

Rosebery Engine Yards in Rosebery, Sydney, NSW
Rosebery Engine Yards is owned and developed by global brand, Goodman.

The creative hub has been opening in stages since, with premium retailers and exclusive brands across fashion, lifestyle and food welcoming guests into a range of stunning, revitalised warehouses. And yes – that includes Lune.

You’ll also be able to find brands like Oroton, Zimmerman, Bassike, Lofft House and Gelato Messina – among many others – at Rosebery Engine Yards. Come for the croissants, stay for the shopping spree.

Rosebery Engine Yards in Rosebery, Sydney, NSW
The new precinct is made up of revitalised heritage-listed warehouses.

2. It will be Lune’s flagship store

Not only is Lune coming to Sydney, but it is also crowning the new venue as its flagship store. This means that the bakery at Rosebery Engine Yards will be the brand’s primary location.

So, what does this mean? Well, according to global job matching and hiring platform Indeed, retailers often reserve this title for the store that is most notable. It is also typically the largest store in a retailer’s chain.

This is furthered by the news that this won’t just be a hole-in-the-wall joint. Visitors to the bakery will have the option to dine-in. Either sit inside and bask in the smell of freshly baked goods or enjoy the sun outside while you sip on a coffee and indulge in your favourite pastry. Either way, it’s one of life’s simple pleasures.

Rosebery Engine Yards in Rosebery, Sydney, NSW
Sit outside in the new precinct and enjoy your delicious baked goods.

3. Waiting in line won’t be a bore

Let’s be honest, the line out the door of Lune is going to be long come opening. And, with pastries this good, it’ll probably stay that way during peak times. But don’t let that deter you – the queue will be anything but boring.

Although not much has been revealed about this exciting element, there’s been talk of an interactive experience that will keep visitors entertained while they wait. To the disappointment of all parents, you may be able to play with your food before you eat it. Watch this space!

Lune Croissanterie
Queuing for a croissant has never been more worth it.

4. It won’t be the only Sydney location

If Rosebery is a little too far from home, fear not. Lune is not arriving in Sydney alone. In addition to the highly anticipated south Sydney location, there will be a second Lune bakery in the CBD.

Although an opening date is yet to be announced, you’ll soon be able to nab a croissant (or two… or three) at Metro Martin Place. Plans for the sister venue remain on track to be opened concurrently, hopefully before Christmas.

Lune Croissanterie
Plans to open a second Lune in Sydney are on track. (Image: Luke Burnett)

5. It may just be the best croissant in the world

I get it. By now, some of you may be wondering what all the fuss is about, or even if the news is a little overhyped. I’m here to assure you it’s not.

Don’t believe me? Just ask the world-renowned New York Times. In 2016, the American media company published a piece on Lune, aptly titled Is the world’s best croissant made in Australia?

The article sings the praises of Lune’s signature beurre croissant, calling it possibly “the finest you will find anywhere in the world."

If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will.

Lune Croissanterie
Sydneysiders don’t have to wait long for Lune. (Image: Luke Burnett)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary  to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters.
Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .