The Best Coffee in Australia? Why Coffs Harbour just beat Melbourne as the Nation’s Coffee Capital and a guide to where you can find yours

Ok, Melbourne, don’t panic. You still have great coffee. But—brace yourself—Coffs Harbour has just been crowned the best coffee city in Australia. Yep, we’re talking number one. Ahead of the Gold Coast, ahead of Sydney, and yes… ahead of Melbourne.

If you just did a spit-take into your long black, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But we promise, this isn’t some caffeine-induced fever dream. The numbers don’t lie.

A recent study by Remitly (a company that clearly takes its coffee research as seriously as we do) analyzed millions of reviews, Instagram hashtags, and café ratings across Australia. And guess what? Coffs Harbour came out on top.

And here’s why - we have 149 coffee spots—which is a lot for a coastal town. Our cafés rack up an average of 287 reviews each—meaning people aren’t just drinking the coffee, they’re raving about it. We’re not just about good coffee, we’re about good vibes. A flat white tastes better when the barista actually smiles at you, right?

Sure, big cities have their espresso bars and hidden laneway cafés, but let’s be honest—does your morning cappuccino come with ocean views and a fresh sea breeze?

Coffs Harbour is laid-back but serious about coffee. We’ve got local roasters who know their beans better than their own families. Beachside cafés where your biggest decision is oat milk or almond (or both, no judgment). A café culture that welcomes everyone—whether you’re a latte sipper, a long black purist, or someone who just wants an iced coffee the size of their head.

And for the record here’s The Beach Havens’ Top 5 Coffee Spots

Keep in mind for us, coffee isn’t just about the coffee. It’s about the feel, the location, the food, the people, the whole vibe. And let’s be real—there are SO many great cafés in and around Coffs Harbour that picking just five is like choosing a favourite beach (impossible, but we’ve done our best).

You won’t necessarily find these in your Gourmet Traveller guides, nor are they the usual “best of” suspects. But these are our tried-and-tested, always-reliable, go-to spots—the places we send our guests, the cafés where we linger just a little longer, and where every cup feels like a warm hug.

So, in no particular order…

#1 – EB General Store, Emerald Beach

Our local. Owned by Huey and Louey, two Emerald Beach grommet brothers who are all grown up and now serve top-shelf brews to the locals (and our lucky guests). If you’re staying at The Beach Havens, this is your first stop after a beach or headland walk—trust us.

Fresh food, great coffee, and a vibe that feels like home. Plus, if you hang around long enough, you’re bound to meet a few friendly Emerald Beach locals (some human, some four-legged).

#2 – The Kiosk Sawtell Beach

This one is all about location, location, location. Nothing but grass between you and the golden sands of Sawtell Beach. Sit back, watch the passing parade of beachgoers, spot whales during migration season, or just soak up the salty sea air.

The coffee? Perfecto. The food? Delicious. The atmosphere? Completely laid-back. Borrow a picnic mat from the Kiosk, let the kids run free, and enjoy one of the best beachfront coffee experiences around.

#3 – Stef & Co Bakery, Coffs Harbour

They might be new kids on the block, but they’re no strangers to coffee or seriously good food. Sitting right on the edge of Coffs Creek, this spot is ideal for a slow morning—sip your perfectly brewed coffee, indulge in a freshly baked pastry, and take in the view.

If you’ve got time to linger (and let’s be honest, you should), stick around as the menu morphs into lunch and dinner, where the authentic Italian cuisine will transport you straight to the streets of Rome.

#4 – Riviera Café, Woolgoolga

It’s small, unassuming, and a total hidden gem—but don’t let the size fool you. This place packs a serious punch. Tucked away in Top Town Woolgoolga, Riviera is only open from 6 AM to midday, but those six glorious hours are enough to make it one of our faves.

The coffee? Unmatched. The croissants, paninis, and pastries? Next level. The atmosphere? Local, friendly, and welcoming—run by one of the loveliest families you’ll ever meet.

#5 – Hyde, Bellingen

If you’re heading to Bellingen (and you should be), this is your go-to. Set inside a 100-year-old corner Drapery Store, Hyde is the perfect mix of old-world charm and modern coffee mastery.

The coffee is always sensational, the freshly baked cakes irresistible, and the café food light, fresh, and made with love. The staff? Super friendly and fun. It’s the kind of place where locals gather, new friendships form, and time seems to slow down—which is exactly how we like it.

So, there you have it—The Beach Havens top five. Tried, tested, and loved. Whether you’re chasing beachside brews, hidden gems, or a little Italian flair, these spots never disappoint.

And the best part? They’re all just a short drive from The Beach Havens—so after your caffeine fix, you can head back to your coastal retreat and enjoy ocean views, sea breezes, and that post-coffee bliss. 

Where are you heading first? We’d love to know your go-to Coffs coffee spots too!