6 Standout McLaren Vale Cafes For Brunch

Start your day the right way with coffee and breakfast at these standout spots.

With so many world-class wineries and restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to forget that McLaren Vale is a rural region at heart. But there are plenty of more down-to-earth delights to be found throughout the valley, and warm country hospitality is always on the menu at these welcoming McLaren Vale cafes that offer breakfasts packed with local produce and a seriously tasty caffeine fix in the heart of wine country.

1. Dawn Patrol

The expert baristas in this former tractor shed lavish as much attention on the impeccably poured house brews as the surrounding cellar doors do on their finest wines, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find the best coffee in McLaren Vale here.

mugs and espresso machines inside Dawn Patrol, McLaren Vale — Grab a warm cup of coffee to get a good head start. (Image: Tony Zolek)

Guided tasting flights showcase espresso or filter coffee made from 100% traceable, sustainably sourced beans that are roasted in-house, and even the decaf packs some serious flavour.

Expect single-origin brews like the Mexican Centennial Bourbon from Veracruz with delicate notes of grape, melon and blueberries, and if you’re feeling peckish there’s also a tight food menu with bagels, pastries and sweets.

2. Goodness Coffee

There’s a pleasantly rustic feel to this welcoming Aldinga cafe in a heritage-listed blacksmith’s workshop, but the staff pulling shots from the La Marzocco machine are as switched on as any inner-city baristas.

Bagels at Goodness Cafe — A tasty start to the day. (Image: Dan Hill and Aaron Hill)

Sustainably gets top billing, from ethically sourced beans to recyclable coffee cups, and the food offering includes filled croissants, vegan pies and a cake cabinet that caters to just about any dietary you can name.

Cakes at Goodness Cafe — Treat yourself to the cake cabinet. (Image: Dan Hill and Aaron Hill)

There are even wheat-free gourmet dog treats for four-legged companions, and if you’re looking to take a souvenir home you’ll find a small selection of records for sale alongside locally made earrings and ceramic keep cups.

Pick up a souvenir from the cosy corner inside Goodness Cafe. (Image: Dan Hill and Aaron Hill)

3. De Rose Kitchen

There are no reservations at this friendly McLaren vale cafe on the main street of Willunga , so you’ll have to be quick to snag a prime spot in the sunny courtyard out back. But it’s worth it for decadent breakfast treats like crème brûlée French toast with desert lime curd and stewed quandong or prosciutto, blue cheese and peach toasties.

Pastries at De Rose McLaren Vale — Get your hands on the decadent breakfast treats at De Rose. (Image: Samuel Potter)

Drinks-wise, creamy coffees are accompanied by a selection of organic teas and tisanes the owners sell under The Dandy Tea Co. label, and if you’re after something to go they can also put together grazing boxes of local cheese, pâté, snacks and small goods perfect for a picnic.

Coffee at De Rose McLaren Vale — The cafe’s rich creamy coffees go down a treat. (Image: Samuel Potter)

4. Someday Soon

Some days you need a shot of caffeine to start the day; some days you need something a little stronger. Fortunately, this flower-filled cafe started by two local women caters to both needs with rich, creamy coffees that look good enough to eat and dangerously tasty $10 mimosas on Saturdays.

Exterior of Someday Soon cafe in McLaren Vale — This flower-filled cafe does both coffee and mimosas so you’re covered no matter what kinda morning it is.

The breezy courtyard shaded by gum trees just off McLaren Vale’s main street is a delightful spot to start the day, and if you don’t have time to sit down with one of the irresistible baked treats, get your coffee to go in an edible cup made from oats and grains that have been dipped in chocolate.

Edible cup made from oats and grains dipped in chocolate — Get your coffee to go in this edible cup – yum.

5. Manna

There’s something for everyone on the extensive menu at this airy venue that draws a crowd every day of the week for locally roasted coffee and seasonal meals bursting with colour.

Manna coffee McLaren Vale — Get your caffeine hit at Manna.

McLaren Vale food producers feature heavily on a rotating menu that includes standout dishes like smashed avo with pickled beetroot, feta and toasted pepitas and heavenly breakfast bao buns stuffed with sweet chilli pulled pork, egg and smoky tomato sauce.

Bao Buns for Breakfast Manna McLaren Vale — The bao buns are a standout on the menu at Manna.

The equally filling lunches are washed down with an excellent selection of local wines and beers and if you’ve got little ones in tow, they’ll love the dedicated kids’ menu and free story time every Monday morning.

6. Maxwell’s Grocery

Another longstanding Aldinga favourite, this organic grocery store is packed with essentials like fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, honey and olive oil, and the attached cafe does a mean line in filling breakfasts and lunches.

Grab a seat in the roomy courtyard and join the locals enjoying the sunshine with a cold-pressed juice or fruit-packed smoothie as you decide between health-conscious options including housemade granola or something a little more indulgent like the loaded toasties.

Loaded Banana Bread at Maxwell's Grocery — The Loaded Banana Bread is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. (Image: Maxwell’s Grocery Facebook)

And if you’re popping by closer to lunchtime, find out why the mouth-watering veggie burgers have attained iconic status among locals.

Craving for something different? Continue your gastronomic escapade at these memorable Mclaren Vale restaurants.

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.

Top 6 must-visit cafes in McLaren Vale for brunch