While many international travellers head to Australia for the dusty orange desert drives, or the frothy waves of its signature surf spots, it’s also a nation famous for taking its coffee very seriously. Everyone’s new favourite coffee, The Flat White, originated from Down Under, and you can be sure to find a hipster coffee connoisseur on many a street corner. The Secret Traveller at 1 Cover has hailed pretty much every Australian as a coffee snob, but where is it that locals find the perfect brew? If you’re travelling around New South Wales, then we’ve got you covered. Here is our hand-picked selection of the best coffee shops.

Sydney

Reuben Hills – This quaint coffee spot in Surry Hills serves a delicious brew, not least because of the shop’s unique relationship with their growers. Their owner Russell Beard has scoured the world for the best beans to serve up in his shop, so that every cup made up is rich with international flavours. Specialising in Central and South American brews, they host ‘cupping’ sessions every Saturday at 10am.

Brewtown Surry Hills– Another popular spot in the Surry Hills area, Brewtown offers a selection of African and guest coffee beans, as well as a neat but well-chosen wine list. The few tables in this spot make it a sought-after place, but if you can squeeze in then be sure to pair a cup of coffee with one of their delectable baked goods.

Sample Coffee St Peters– This suave warehouse space in the south of the city offers the rare occurrence of coffee roasted in-house. The smell of this place will blow your mind, and the atmosphere will make you feel at ease while you enjoy your caffeine fix. Pair your drink with something from their unique seasonal menu, which changes every two weeks to ensure it’s always up-to-date.

Elsewhere…

Bun Coffee, Byron Bay– After going for a surf, be sure to head to Bun Coffee. They provide a selection of international and Australian coffee beans, and after 14 years of practising their own secret recipe, you can be assured this will be the perfect post-surf refuel. 

Cassiopeia Coffee, Blue Mountains– There is nowhere more idyllic than the Blue Mountains, and the perfect place to watch the world go by in this great destination is Cassiopeia. Just a few minutes from the Three Sisters, these guys roast their coffee in house to ensure it is of the highest quality. They’ve got a few shops in The Blue Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, including Windsor and Springwood.

This is a guest post. For more on getting out and about in Sydney, discover the perfect weekend here!