10 CAFE’S WORTH PLANNING YOUR NEXT WEEKEND GETAWAY AROUND.
Planning a summer road trip or holiday escape? From coastal dining spots to regional cafe gems worth the detour, we’ve rounded up some of Australia’s best cafes to visit over summer.
Featuring Locale cafes across Western Australia, regional Victoria, Northern NSW and Queensland, these spots are all about great coffee in beautiful settings – perfect for long lunching, beach days and slow mornings on the road.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
BIG OCEAN VIEWS, LONG LUNCHES & TRUE HOLIDAY ENERGY.
meelup farmhouse.
54 SHEENS ROAD, NATURALISTE, WA
⭐ 4.6 • Restaurant • Thurs-Mon
Set among coastal bushland just minutes from Meelup Beach, this iconic farmhouse destination feels like stepping into an Australian country-coastal dream. The verandah is perfect for long, lazy brunches with seasonal menus that showcase local produce, paired with wine (or a morning espresso) with views of the paddocks. Don’t forget to say hello to the resident alpacas, cows and the friendly chocolate Lab wandering the lawns – a truly immersive Summer farm experience.
Perfect for: Family brunches, picnic hampers under the gum trees and sunset wine sessions.
ilma beach house.
FARM BREAK LANE, NATURALISTE, WA
⭐ 4.6 • Restaurant • Thurs-Mon
A visit to WA’s southwest isn’t complete without a stop at Ilma Beach House, from our long-time cafe partners Lizzie & Mark, who also own the stunning Meelup Farmhouse. With sweeping ocean views, Ilma Beach House is the definition of a long, indulgent summer stop. Expect polished coastal dining, seasonal plates and a setting that invites you to stay awhile – whether you’re rolling in post-swim or dressing up for a long lunch overlooking the water.
Perfect for: Long lunches by the ocean, celebratory meals and slowing right down on a Margaret River road trip.
the beach house.
100 AURORA ESPLANADE, JINDALEE, WA
⭐ 4.3 • Coastal restaurant • 7 days
Set right on the dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean, The Beach House is a true destination venue. With big sea views, a lively atmosphere and a menu built for sharing, it’s the kind of place that turns a casual stop into an all-afternoon affair – especially when the sun starts to go down. Whether you’re stopping in for a feed or just to grab a coffee on your morning beach walk, this place is the perfect summer escape.
Perfect for: Sunset sessions, group lunches and soaking up those classic West Coast beach vibes.
bib + tucker.
18 LEIGHTON BEACH BLVD, NORTH FREMANTLE, WA
⭐ 4.4 • Modern Australian restaurant • 7 days
With panoramic views over Leighton Beach, Bib + Tucker blends relaxed seaside dining with refined, seasonal cooking. From breakfast through to lunch, it’s a go-to for those who like their coffee and food paired with ocean air and unbeatable scenery.
Perfect for: Post-swim breakfasts, long beachside lunches and Fremantle coastal cruising.
VICTORIA
REGIONAL CHARM, SCENIC DRIVES & SERIOUS COFFEE STOPS.
project 49.
57 FORD ST, BEECHWORTH, VIC
⭐ 4.6 • Cafe & providore • 7 days
A must-stop on any High Country road trip, Project 49 blends exceptional coffee with European-style deli charm. Tucked into historic Beechworth, it’s the kind of place where you grab a coffee – then leave with pastries, pantry goods and something delicious for later!
Perfect for: Road-trip pit stops, slow mornings in town and stocking up on local treats.
udder & hoe.
3535 BASS HWY, KILCUNDA, VIC
⭐ 4.8 • Cafe & providore • 7 days
Just off the Bass Highway, Udder & Hoe is a small but mighty regional gem. Championing local produce and beautifully executed brunch, it’s a welcome pause between coastal walks and scenic drives – relaxed, thoughtful and full of heart.
Perfect for: Bass Coast adventures, post-beach brunches and discovering low-key regional favourites.
pier street.
3 PIER ST, PORTARLINGTON, VIC
⭐ 4.3 • Cafe & restaurant • 7 days
Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Pier Street is all about easy coastal dining with a view. From quality coffee to fresh local seafood, it’s a laid-back stop that suits swimmers, wanderers and anyone chasing a breezy bayside lunch.
Perfect for: Beachside coffees, seafood lunches and sunset strolls along the pier.
NORTHERN RIVERS TO FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
EASY DETOURS & LAID-BACK VIBES TO TROPICAL MORNINGS & SEASIDE HANGS.
uncle george's.
19 SEXTON HILL DR, BANORA POINT, NSW
⭐ 5.0 • Coffee shop • 7 days
A favourite with locals and road-trippers alike, Uncle George’s is all about friendly service, top-notch coffee and no-fuss food done well. Just minutes off the M1, it’s an ideal caffeine reset when cruising the Tweed or Northern Rivers.
Perfect for: Quick coffee stops, drive-by refuels and finding a local favourite off the main drag.
la playa beach & eats.
2 CAVILL AVE, SURFERS PARADISE, QLD
⭐ 4.5 • Restaurant • 7 days
Just steps from the shoreline, La Playa brings Mediterranean-inspired eats to the Gold Coast summer scene. Open from breakfast through to dinner, this venue pairs light-hearted beachside brunches and coffee with refreshing cocktails at sunset. With a coastal aesthetic that captures that salty summer feeling, it’s the ultimate spot to stop and breathe in the ocean air.
Perfect for: Breakfast before a beach walk, sunset drinks with views or long lunches under the palms.
st. crispins.
9 ST CRISPINS AVE, PORT DOUGLAS, QLD
⭐ 4.5 • Cafe restaurant • Tues-Sun
Set among lush gardens just outside Port Douglas, St Crispins feels like a tropical escape in itself. With serene water views and refined yet relaxed dining, it’s a standout for breakfast or a long lunch – and a must when visiting Far North Queensland. If you’re lucky, you might even spot Crispy, the beautiful crocodile who frequents the lagoon.
Perfect for: Holiday brunches, special lunches and soaking up the tropical surrounds.
START PLANNING YOUR SUMMER CAFE TOUR NOW
From coastal drives to country detours, these cafes are more than just great places for coffee – they’re destinations in their own right. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, long lunches or the perfect stop on a summer road trip, each of these cafes captures the feeling of slowing down and soaking it all in.
Wherever your summer takes you, make sure the perfect cup of Locale coffee is part of the journey.
