Heading away for a quick break? Check out these cafes, bars and restaurants in the Great Lakes Region.

HUNTERhunter recently headed up to the Great Lakes region to check out some of the beautiful coastal spots NSW has to offer, and us being the foodies that we are, had to drop into as many foodie hot spots as we could in a two-day trip. So, next time you’re heading up that way, keep this guide handy!

Kembali

The chilled out café on the Blueys Beach community strip is full of fresh and healthy food with an Indonesian flavoured twist. If it’s a sunny day snag yourself a seat outside under the umbrellas and sit amongst the bustling little local area.

With fresh made juices and delicious dishes, Kembali was the perfect spot to build up some energy before we spent the rest of the day jumping from beach to beach. We ordered the Kembali Gado Gado; vegetable salad with spicy peanut dressing, tofu, boiled egg, coconut rice and cassava chip, and the Falafel Bowl; with grilled sweet potato, cabbage slaw, tomato, beetroot, mixed sprouts, eggplant sambal, salsa verde and tahini dressing.

Currently only operating as takeaway. For updates, follow on Instagram here. 
When: Mon-Sun | 7am-2pm
Where: 2/188 Boomerang Dr

Drift

Another fav on the Blueys strip, these guys are good for their coffee and their grab-n-go brekky. We had plans to do some hiking so grabbed your typical Aussie go-to; Avo on Toast, and they nailed it. Perfectly ripe avo topped with feta and a slice of lemon.
Where: 7/207 Boomerang Dr

Plunge

Situated a little bit off the beaten path, Plunge is in Forster but away from all the hustle and bustle of the centre of town. Hidden away on a small strip of businesses near the golf course, the open, bright, and relaxed space comes with it’s very own retail space; Darlings of August. Filled with a collection of beautiful and bespoke pieces for the kids bedroom and a range of stunning children’s clothing.

The family-owned café is all about supporting local growers, producers, farmers and the whole community. With coffee from the team at Drumroll Coffee Roasters and classic colourful dishes with options for all, Plunge was a good find!

The café is kid-friendly with a dedicated kid play area and dog-friendly; so you can expect lots of puppy smiles and pats! For updates, check their website here. 
When: Mon-Fri | 6.30am-2.30pm
Sat | 7am-3pm
Sun | 7am-1pm
Where: 5/21 Boundary St

Tartt

If you’re hanging around the centre of Forster and after a good feed and some Insta-worthy content, you’ve got to duck into Tartt. Complete with unique illustrations, everywhere you look, Tartt has something exciting to check out. Whether it’s the swing seats in the back area or the mermaid hanging out on the wall – this place is fun!

Serving coffee from local roasters, Little Street Roasters and serving up dishes with local produce, Tartt is perfect for a slow morning with a coffee, brunch and paper in hand.For updates, check their website here.
When: Mon-Sun | 7am-3pm
Where: 12 Wharf St

Frothy Coffee Boatshed

If you’re spending time in Smiths Lake, you’ve got to call into the Frothy Coffee Boatshed. Sitting amongst the lush greenery on one side and the vast open lake on the other, pick a spot on the verandah and watch the world go by.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and boat hire, Frothy Coffee is your one-stop shop for food, drink and activities! For updates, follow on Facebook here. 
When: Mon-Sun | 9am-4pm
Where: 1 Amaroo Dr

Hueys at Blueys

The pizzeria every region needs and wants! Hueys is serving up some gloriously delicious pizza made on their very own tomato base and dough recipe.

Either get yourself a table whilst you eat and drink the night away, or if the weather’s turning it on for you, get yours takeaway and head to one of the region’s many beaches and take in the area’s beautiful coastline. For updates, check their website here. 
When: Mon-Sun | From 5pm
Where: 201 Boomerang Dr

Recreation Club

Sunset lover? This place has got to be serving up the best in the area. Head inside and get yourself a beverage and watch the sun go down over the stunning lake. Take in the relaxed atmosphere and watch the swans, ducks and flying fish do their thing right in front of you. For updates, check their website here. 
When: Sun-Thu | 12pm-9pm
Fri-Sat | 12pm-10pm
Where: 3957 The Lakes Way

Take note that some of the information above, including opening hours alter during peak seasons. For up-to-date information, contact the venue.