Overview
No matter what time of year it is, we're big believers in the restorative powers of both coffee and an ocean breeze. And when you pair them together? There's no better way to start the day.
All the way along the New South Wales coast there are cosy community cafes ready and waiting to prepare your morning brew, whether you're the type that rises before the sun, or you rarely make it out of bed before noon. These spots are challenging the belief that a quality specialty brew can only be found in trendy inner city cafes.
A strong affiliation to the beach is part and parcel of being a Sydneysider, but many citydwellers and businesses have taken that notion further by venturing to communities up and down the NSW coast. Specialty coffee has followed them and, in doing so, has elevated the morning experience for both residents and holidaymakers alike.
Together with Bondi-born coffee brand Will & Co, we've rounded up some of our favourite NSW cafes situated mere footsteps from the water — both here in Sydney and out of town — that are worthy of a visit.
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Bondi has no shortage of stellar cafes to hit up for your morning jolt, but we’re calling out Porch and Parlour for two reasons. One: its staying power. The local favourite has been serving up Will & Co coffee, vibrant smoothies and hearty brunch dishes for over a decade.
The second reason is its proximity to the sand. Of course, you’re also welcome to dine in — if you don’t mind waiting, that is. When you snag a coveted table, you’ll get to sip your brew in a beautiful ceramic cup made by Porch Ceramics, an offshoot brand by Porch and Parlour co-owner Sam Smith and local ceramicist Ryan Der.
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Watching Sydney wake up is certainly special and Balmoral Beach may be one of the best vantage points from which to do so. The inlet is a beautiful spot in itself, but it also boasts views of harbourfront houses, yachts and across the water to The Sydney Heads.
Enjoy the show from Pasture of Balmoral, a cosy cafe opposite Balmoral Beach’s legendary rotunda and Rocky Point Island. The corner eatery serves hearty cafe fare with a focus on sustainably grown and native ingredients sourced directly from local producers, alongside coffee, juice and wine (from 10am).
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Little Shack is one of those coastal spots that could convince you to make a permanent seachange just so you can call it your local. Situated right on Port Macquarie’s breakwall, this is the place you want to be during golden hour — both of ’em.
Open from 6.30am every day, Little Shack serves up exciting brekkie options like tacos packed with scrambled eggs, bacon, chorizo, avocado and chipotle aioli, and maqui scoops topped with fruit and granola. To drink, you can enjoy Will & Co coffee and pressed juices. Plus, on Friday and Saturday nights, Little Shack transforms into a beachfront bar, serving tap beers, wine and cocktails (including shared and frozen options).
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A weekend away is probably an opportunity for you to have a well-deserved sleep-in, but popular Ulladulla cafe Native makes a pretty compelling case for setting an early alarm.
The south coast spot opens at 6.30am daily, so you can watch the sunrise over Ulladulla Harbour while sipping coffee and tucking into nourishing brunch options loaded with local produce — we’re talking chilli eggs topped with turtle beans and charred corn, and smashed avocado with snow pea salad and goat’s cheese.
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Sawtell’s main shopping strip may not be very big, but it overdelivers in the food stakes. Exhibit A: Cafe Treeo. The beloved local cafe has been part of this northern NSW community since 2011.
Early risers are well catered for here — the cafe fires up the coffee machine from 6am every day. If you can’t wait to get that Sawtell sand between your toes, grab a brew and freshly baked muffin and make the three-minute stroll to the beach to watch the waves. Or, if you’re after a big brekkie, nab a table under the giant fig tree outside the cafe and watch the village come to life as you tuck into corn fritters, french toast or even a grilled chicken burger.
Image: Leah Moore