Coffee Sidekick Cafe Margaret River

It doesn’t matter what month of the year you choose to visit, where you are staying, or what plans you might have for the day, there is simply no other way to start the day than with a cracking cup of coffee.

The Margaret River Region is home to countless cafés and restaurants that offer up a superb cup of caffeine. Whether you fancy a beachside flat white, a takeaway coconut milk dirty chai or a long black in the depths of the forest, here are some of the best spots for a drop in the Margaret River Region.

White Elephant Cafe Prevelly

Seaside Spots

The White Elephant Beach Café

Prevelly

Almost every visitor to Margaret River has been down to the azure blue shores of Gnarabup Bay during their time. There really are few pleasures greater than an early morning swim in the sheltered waters and a cup of fresh coffee afterwards from The White Elephant. Kid friendly and dog friendly, you can spend as little or as long as you like here as the outdoor tables and deck are smack bang on the beach. Food is fresh and healthy, and coffee is brewed using Dimmatina beans, which are roasted in Perth.

Bunkers Beach House

Bunker Bay

Tucked away on one of the most stunning beaches in the region, you’ll find Bunkers Beach House at the far end of Cape Naturaliste. You’ve got boardwalk access right down onto the white sand for a stroll after your coffee, which is made using beans from The Cape Effect Coffee Roasters. Gluten free meals are no problem and the dining is delicious whether you opt for breakfast or lunch. It’s easy to see why this is a favourite pick for weddings and functions (and even just coffee) – the views are some of the most beautiful in the world. Really.

The Goose Beach Bar and Kitchen

Busselton

Pop into The Goose for a caffeine hit and a bite of breaky before wandering along the Busselton foreshore or down the expansive walkway of the Busselton Jetty. It’s set in the perfect location for a pit stop or a relaxing sit down after the fresh sea air has filled your lungs. Right on the beachfront in Busselton, it’s been an institution on the foreshore for over sixteen years and from sunrise to sunset you can enjoy a coffee (or something stronger) along with a bite to eat.

Yardbyrd

Off the Beaten Track

Just after your breath has been taken away by the majesty of the Karri trees along Caves Road, you’ll come across the turn off for Café Boranup. With bright blue fairy wrens dancing about the balcony and the peace and quiet of the forest surrounds, there aren’t many better places for a scone and a flat white. The food here is made with love by the ladies behind the counter in the on-site kitchen, and it has one of the most extensive beverage menus in the south west. Take your pick from the usual suspects or go for a latte of a different variety; try beetroot, matcha, blue, turmeric or charcoal. There’s plenty of space for kids to run amuck, as well as a giant chess set in the garden. Grownups will enjoy a stroll through the next door Boranup Gallery afterwards too.

Yardbyrd

Witchcliffe

Just south of Margaret River lies the quaint country town of Witchcliffe. Home to an assortment of retro and vintage stores, you’ll also find the cute and ever so charming Yardbyrd. Everything here is made in-house, and it shows. From the delish breakfast burrito with its spicy relish, through to the dangerously good cake assortment. Try the banana bread; you’ll be back for seconds. Coffee is from Pound roasters and made using rainwater and local milk. You’ll be hard-pressed to find much on the menu that hasn’t been made from scratch in the kitchen – you can see the cooks at work when you order at the till.

The Hairy Marron

Margaret River

Tucked away by the Margaret River, it’s easy to drive right on past The Hairy Marron unless you know it’s there. Take your cuppa out under the trees on their peaceful veranda and watch the world go by. There are dog walkers, locals, tourists and of course plenty of cyclists all popping in over the course of the day. A simple grab and go menu is perfect for lunch, or enjoy something sweet to refuel if you’ve taken advantage of their bike hire service. A hub for bikers, it is part bike store, part café, and completely perfect for a coffee stop.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Café

Augusta

One of the most unique locations for a cup of coffee has got to be the lighthouse at the most south-westerly point on mainland Australia. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage Café is set in the newly renovated keeper’s cottage, with the team from The Goose in Busselton serving up cakes, biscuits and seriously yummy toasted sandwiches alongside great coffee. They’ve decked the limestone cottage out beautifully with flea market finds – collectible tourist teaspoons, a 1960s wireless radio and mismatched retro china. There are puzzles and jigsaws and a nautical-themed playground outside for the kids. Take a lighthouse tour and look out for blue wrens in spring and summer, and whales during the winter migration. Treat yourself to a coffee and toastie afterwards and see if you can finish that kangaroo puzzle.

Black Sheep Deli

Cowaramup

Driving down Bussell Highway, it’s hard to miss the Black Sheep Deli in Cowaramup. With plants and produce outside along with rustic tables and chairs, this is one of the most reliable and tasty spots for a healthy and heartfelt meal and cup of coffee. Alongside an extensive selection of gluten free, vegetarian and raw treats, there sits a menu with delicious burgers and more. Of course, the coffee is smooth too and made with locally sourced milk from Margaret River Organic Creameries. Bring a jar and you can purchase milk to take home with you. Healthy food, delicious coffee and plastic free purchasing.

Conscious Craves

Dunsborough

If you’ve been to the Margaret River Farmers Markets or grabbed a bite on the counter of a local heath shop down in the region, chances are that you have tasted the goods from Conscious Craves. Head up to their headquarters in Dunsborough, and alongside their cabinet of plant based goodies to nosh on, they also make a cracking cup of coffee. House made, plant based milk is the order of the day, so you’ll be ticking the eco-friendly box with your order.

Sidekick Cafe

A Trip to Town

The Margaret River Bakery

Margaret River

It’s hard to find a seat sometimes due its popularity, but the Margaret River Bakery has a fine reputation for good reason. Quirky styling, friendly smiles from the front of house girls, epic baked goods, fresh and healthy cooked meals – and of course the coffee is excellent. Once you’ve been here, you’ll be sure to return as it’s too hard to choose just one thing from the menu alongside your brew. Just keep in mind it’s not open on Sunday: there’s nothing worse than the combo of caffeine craving and the realisation that your destination has its day off when you arrive!

Sidekick Cafe

Margaret River

The team behind Sidekick know their stuff. Karen and Rob Gough also run Settlers Tavern over the other side of the carpark, and they put just as much love into their coffee as they do their wine list. If you fancy a cold drip, this is your spot. You can even take home a bottle of the stuff if you need another shot come 3pm. Using organic beans from Dukes, every cup is crafted to a high standard and there are plenty of options for non-caffeinated beverages too. Try the prana chai – it’s like a hug in a mug. Food is all made fresh and there’s an abundance of healthy choices and dietary options including gluten free and paleo. If you fancy something more substantial yet want to keep that halo hanging high, try the vegan or brekky wraps. Both are luscious.

Drift Cafe

Margaret River

A not-so-secret spot for plenty of locals, Drift Café is just far enough off the main street that you need to look out for it. With an every changing and tempting assortment of lunch items in the cabinet, there is a fresh and wholesome menu to order from if you still need more choice. Plenty of options come gluten free or vegetarian and prices are very reasonable. Coffees are always good here, and the comfy chairs and couches mean you can easily spend a bit of extra time catching up on a favourite book or the paper.

Riversmith

Margaret River

An inviting space on the corner of Bussell Highway, the clean lines and large interiors of an old service station have been artfully transformed into Riversmith, an open café and shop space. Food is crafted on site and there are plenty of tables and couches inside and out to choose from. The vine draped deck is a popular option in the warmer months. Be sure to set aside some time for browsing in the store afterwards, there are plenty of handpicked local artisan wares, books and gourmet delights to take home with you.

Yahava Coffee Works

Yahava Koffeeworks

Margaret River

The ideal option for caffeine heads who are a) in a rush or b) still in their pyjamas, Yahava is one of the stalwarts of Margaret River’s coffee scene. You can take your pick from their speedy drive through, or head into the café for a browse (and sniff) through their full range of single origin beans and loose leaf teas. It’s a very relaxed vibe here and perfect if you’ve got kids in tow; there’s an adventure playground on the other side of the green so you can keep an eye on them if they want to get out in to the fresh air.

Tiny Coffee on Clark

Dunsborough

A super cute little hole in the wall, you’ll be mixing with locals and those in the know when you pop in here for a morning cup o’ joe. It’s a sweet little shack from the outside, with plenty of grass out the front to stretch out on with sun lounges and the odd flamingo scattered about for company. Brews are made using local Commonage Coffee Co. beans, and it’s eco-friendly. You’ll get 70c off your order if you bring your own cup, or you can make use of the cup exchange wall and return a mug once you are done. Be sure to try one of the raw donuts, they are damn tasty and guilt free!

Egberts

Margaret River

From the founders of the popular Margaret River Bakery, Egberts is tucked down a side street from Bussell Highway and is well worth popping into for a coffee and bite to eat. Romantically styled with just a touch of whimsy (check out the croissant laden cranes on the pink walls), this is no humble café: it’s a coffee and croissant bar. Resplendent with a forest green velvet couch to lounge on, order your beverage of choice and be assured of only the highest quality beans. Barista Freddie roasts the Dark Roast beans just down the road, and the house blend from Dimmatina is super smooth. Coffees are served in exquisite hand crafted ceramic cups by local artist Sally May Mills. A mini bakery has just been installed at the end of the bar, so you can watch the bakers work their magic with the dough while you wait for your long mac and nosh on an almond croissant.

Gourmet Food Merchant

Cowaramup

Prepare to enter for coffee and leave with the kitchen sink. Using local coffee from The Margaret River Roasting Co., the brews at Gourmet Food Merchant are always reliable and a treat for the tastebuds with Bannister Downs milk. They also source goods from some of the region’s best artisans: think everything from gourmet pasta sauces and local artisan cheeses, to luscious handmade skin care products and small ceramics.

Colourpatch Café

Augusta

The newest addition to the region’s southern seaside town of Augusta, Colourpatch Café is a gem of a spot and has quickly become a favourite amongst locals. Pop in for a peaceful cup of coffee overlooking the panorama of the Blackwood River. Of course, if you fancy something a bit more substantial once the coffee has awoken tastebuds, there is plenty of fresh seafood to fill up on. Light and airy and ever so relaxing, the nautical styling will have you feeling like you could spend all day here. In reality, there’s nothing stopping you! It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8am until 8pm.