Where to find the best coffee in Australia
New South Wales
Sydney - Single O
Every student and professional in Sydney knows: Single O coffee is the best money can buy! Reuben Hills is a roastery with huge heart, working to make coffee sustainable without compromising on quality and flavour. Sit in for delicious food and pastries, of if you're in a rush, borrow one of their reusable cups to reduce waste! They've also pioneered the 'batch taps,' where you can pour yourself a hot brew or two.
Where to stay?
Lucky you - Single O is only an 7-minute walk from Sydney Central YHA!
Byron Bay - Bayleaf Café
You don’t need to be in the big city to have world-class coffee. Bayleaf Café is the best coffee and brekky joint in the hippie mecca of Byron Bay, popular with locals and visitors alike. At Bayleaf, locally sourced fresh produce is key – their eggs, bread, avocados and seafood are all from local suppliers, as well as beans from local treasure, Marvell Street Coffee Roasters. Everyone who experiences Bayleaf agrees: the queue is worth it for fabulous coffee, food and service!
Where to stay?
A two-minute walk from Byron Bay YHA or a four-minute walk from Cape Byron YHA. Tough life, you!
Katoomba, Blue Mountains - Frankly My Dear Coffee
Fresh on the boutique coffee scene, the team at Frankly My Dear are slinging some of the best coffee in the mountains! From the legends who launched the Paramount Coffee Project in Sydney's hip Surry Hills, it's no wonder that Frankly My Dear is a hit with the locals. Open bright and early, you can head in for a delicious brew before wandering down to greet the Three Sisters at Echo Point. From locally sourced coffee from Sydney, to fresh milk from a family-run farm in Dubbo and fresh food from local farms, frankly my dear, we'll be coming back!
Where to stay?
A few doors down from Katoomba YHA, it's about a 30-second walk if you're a power walker, maybe a minute if you walk slowly.
Queensland
Brisbane - Coffee Anthology
This Insta-famous café lives up to the hype! The beans are rotated week to week between the café’s preferred roasters, so if you’re a coffee buff, there’s always something new to tantalise your tastebuds. If the fabulous world class coffee isn’t enough for you, the seasonal and creative menu using the finest and freshest produce will wow you. Stopping at Coffee Anthology is a must-do when fuelling up for a day of exploring the Sunshine State’s capital.
Where to stay?
Coffee Anthology is a 25-minute stroll, 15-minute bus ride or 5-minute drive from Brisbane City YHA.
Noosa - Clandestino Roasters
Tucked away in Noosaville’s industrial neighbourhood you’ll find Clandestino Roasters, a hotspot for locals and travellers to get hyped on Clandestino’s signature Magneto blend. The café is home to a full-on Brew Bar, the first of its kind in the Sunshine Coast. We can guarantee you'll enjoy the décor and ambience of this unique spot in Belmondos Organic Market. Peckish? Pair your divine coffee with brekky from Tanglewood Sourdough Bakery.
Where to stay?
An 11-minute drive or 29-minute bus ride away, at award-winning Halse Lodge - Noosa YHA!
Victoria
Melbourne - Brother Baba Budan
It may be a tongue-twister, but this jewel of Melbourne is named after the legendary merchant who smuggled seven coffee seeds out of Yemen. BBB was the Seven Seeds Coffee team’s first venture into the city, serving up Melbourne’s most-loved coffee. Trendy but not pretentious, BBB has a loyal following of Melbournians and frequent visitors to the city. Check it out for world-class coffee, yummy brekky and friendly service.
Where to stay?
BBB is a 20-minute stroll or 15-minute commute from Melbourne Central YHA.
Port Fairy - Bank St. & Co
Didn’t think it was possible to have a great coffee experience in a tiny town? You thought wrong! Serving delectable Toby’s Estate coffee, Bank St. & Co is much loved by locals and a pleasant discovery for people travelling the Great Ocean Road. With a diverse menu using the freshest of products and influenced by the owners’ many travels, there’s nothing like comfort food, chill vibes, ambience and quality coffee in a charming small town setting.
Where to stay?
A 6-minute walk away with the lovely people at Port Fairy YHA.
Alice Springs - Page 27 Cafe
Yep, coffee is so crucial to the Australian way of life that you can even find a good cup in the actual outback! Page 27 is the number one spot for a cup of the good stuff in Alice Springs. Locals flock here every day for the fantastic homestyle brunch menu and top-notch beans from Sydney roasters, The Little Marionette. Get here early and fuel up for an unforgettable day exploring the Aussie outback.
Where to stay?
A four-minute walk from Alice Springs YHA!
South Australia
Adelaide - Crack Kitchen
Adelaide is the capital of culture and cool, and its most popular coffee joint embodies all its awesomeness. Right in the heart of the CBD, Crack Kitchen roasts its own blends on site, changing it up for the seasons. They serve up brighter and sharper coffees for the summer months, and during winter, they roast a lil' bit longer to bring out those lovely warming chocolate flavours. Locals go crazy for the all-day brunch and lunch menu, made from the freshest local produce and changing regularly.
Where to stay?
A six-minute walk from Adelaide Central YHA. Easy breezy!
Port Elliot - DeGroot Coffee Co
DeGroot Coffee Co is big city coffee quality with small-town charm. A minimalistic, rustic and friendly setting, DeGroot roasts its beans on site to create what delighted locals and travellers call “the best coffee in the world.” Hidden in a shed, you won’t find extravagant brunches here or shakes stacked up to the heavens. What you will find are a tasty selection of pastries and people determined to making you the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had.
Where to stay?
A five-minute drive away or 25-minute stroll at Port Elliot YHA.
Western Australia
Perth - La Veen Coffee
For a coffee experience you won’t forget, look no further than La Veen, right in the heart of Perth CBD. Using lovingly sourced coffee beans, every cup is a work of art. If you’re just discovering your love of coffee, their Barista Starter tray is a great option: a tray of the finest espresso, flat white, batch brew and cold brew. Soak it all up with an extensive all-day menu using the best local produce, and you’ve got a great start to a day of exploring.
Where to stay?
Fremantle Prison YHA is your best bet if you've also got an eye on Rottnest Island for a quokka selfie!
Margaret River - Sidekick Cafe
Personalise your coffee of choice – pour over, cold-drip or espresso made from Duke’s freshly roasted single origin coffee choice. Sidekick Café is one of the crowning jewels of Margaret River and provides a coffee experience like no other, with its tasty beans, a healthy light brunch menu and ultra-cool relaxed vibe. You won’t find extravagant pancakes or enormous omelettes here, but you will find the best beans in town, ground by people who love what they do.
Where to stay?
Margaret River YHA, a 5-minute walk away! Wow, how will you cope!?
Hobart, Tasmania
Villino Coffee
Need a tasty caffeine fix and a quick snack? Villino Coffee is the place for you! All beans are roasted on site. There is a fantastic selection of singles and blends on rotation and all the baristas are skilled in their art. There is also a selection of tasty pastries and sandwiches to fill your tummy while you enjoy the best coffee in Hobart, as it has been dubbed by bean aficionados from all over the world.
Small-fry Hobart
Hungry for some good food? A casual but refined atmosphere, Small-fry Hobart is a great hangout for a great coffee and a tasty meal. With locally sourced beans, each coffee is made with love. The brunch menu offers robust comfort food, and with an open kitchen plan, you can interact with the staff while they prepare your food.
Where to stay?
Villino is an 8-minute walk, while Small-fry is a 12-minute walk from Hobart Central YHA!
