Travelling is hungry business, there’s no doubt about it. Luckily, cafes and car trips go hand in hand like, well, coffee and cake. Read on to discover our favourite spots along the Western Downs Cafe Trail.
When it comes to quaint eateries, the Western Downs turns up the country charm with some of the best CWA-style cooking this side of the Great Dividing Range.
BYO appetite, set your compass west and stop by these cafes on your journey through the Western Downs.
Wombats Cafe & Grill
48 High Street, Jandowae
With delicious food, great coffee and a family friendly environment, Wombats Cafe & Grill has something for everyone.
Homecooked dinner specials change every night, and Sunday lunch offers a regularly includes a roast carvery with all the trappings.
Offering a huge menu of drinks, treats and meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and open seven days a week, Wombats Cafe is a must-stop for anyone visiting Jandowae.
Cafe 4419
35 Royd Street, Wandoan
You’ll feel right at home at Cafe 4419, the small country café serving up homestyle food and excellent coffee.
If you’re a bit of a sweet tooth, this is the place for you. We’re talking blueberry bagels sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, homemade jam, freshly made cream and even Nutella cream bagels (*cue mouthwatering).
The cake cabinet isn’t the only sweet thing on offer either, with one of the highlight experiences of the coffee shop being the true Western Downs hospitality that we all know and love.
With a specials board that changes daily and a varied menu of homecooked meals for everyone, the team at the Cafe 4419 sure know how to keep it fresh, so be sure to stop in, try something that takes your fancy (or try everything) and be prepared to walk out wanting more.
Pips ‘n’ Cherries
15 Ensor Street, Bell
Step back in time with a coffee and cake at Pips ‘n’ Cherries, the vintage style cafe in Bell – a small town with big neighbours like the Bunya Mountains.
Fresh scents of the cafe’s flower and herb garden greet you at the front of the shop, and as you walk inside, locally made jams perched on shelves entice you to take them home to taste.
Make your breaky or lunch choice from a range of sandwiches, salads and wraps, or switch over to sweets territory with scones, slices, pancakes, or a two-tiered pavlova topped with local seasonal fruit.
Take a seat in the main dining room, which has been transformed into a vintage home with an old-fashioned piano, television set, and lounge area under grand chandeliers.
The Bunyas
Dandabah Village, Bunya Mountains
Nestled amongst the lush forest of the Bunya Mountains, five-star views of the forest and delicious food come together to create The Bunyas.
This cafe is open all day – coffee shop for breaky and lunch, before turning into the cosy restaurant, Lyrics, after dark.
With Di Bella beans pouring from the coffee machine, kick back on the balcony and team your morning jolt with a Bunya Nut bikkie – a delectable shortbread-like biscuit made from local Bunya nuts.
The breakfast menu offers the usual suspects like eggs benedict, pancakes, brekkie wraps, and a big breakfast, which all come with the option of sneaky sides such as smoked salmon and avocado.
Tara Cafe and Woolshed Bakery
25 & 38 Day Street, Tara
Sporting country barnyard vibes, the Woolshed Bakery (open Monday to Friday) lives up to its namesake with an interior more typical of a farm than a main street eatery.
Wood and corrugated iron-cladded walls frame the small cafe that offers nothing but bakery classics – from sausage rolls and pies to cream buns and pastries.
Satisfy the travelling hunger in the Mess Hut, where tables and chairs are surrounded by antiques under a miniature iron hut inside the bakery.
If you’re only in town for a weekend – you’ll need to get your fix at the Tara Cafe.
The Tara Cafe is the local favourite hangout spot on a Sunday morning, so order the Mega Breaky (the bacon and eggs works) and have a yarn or two with the locals.
The Creek Cafe
49 Murilla Street, Miles
Take a visit to the brand new location of The Creek Cafe in Miles! Offering the same great coffee and cozy atmosphere in a fresh, vibrant setting, come and enjoy your favourite treat in their beautifully revamped space.
Finish off your morning coffee with a quick peruse and purchase at the onsite florist that sends sweet scents across the cafe.
Note: This one’s for the early birds – opening at 4.30am, seven days.
Urban Paddock, The Coffee Club, Marissa’s, Cafe63 and Michael’s
Dalby
You’re spoilt for choice for your morning cuppa or sneaky treat when you visit Dalby.
One of the most popular cafes in Brisbane is now easily accessibly out west. Located as part of Dalby Shoppingworld with separate street front access, Cafe63 offers delicious lunches and dinners, legendary breakfasts and genuinely friendly service.
A couple of doors down Cunningham Street, you’ll find Michael’s Cafe. The quirky retro style of Michael’s brings the nostalgia, but it’s their lovely staff and great food and coffee that are the real prize.
Well-known for its casual and stylish atmosphere, The Coffee Club is located diagonally across the road. All your favourite meals and drinks, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available.
A little further down Cunnington Street, set behind a fairytale-like white picket fence in a Queenslander-style home, Urban Paddock Cafe is a dream come true with a homewares boutique in the front room, indoor and outdoor kids play areas, and cafe out the back.
Marissa’s Espresso in Bunya Street is another option for the early birds, where freshly ground MERLO coffee is served from 4.30am most mornings. Grab some breakfast while you’re there, or pop back in time for lunch.
Shenanigans, Panache and The Coffee Club
Chinchilla
Chinchilla has plenty of coffee shops on offer, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Travelling into town from the east, you’ll find Panache Cafe and Homewares on the left hand side of the Warrego Highway. A converted industrial building, Panache offers a cozy and interesting space. After enjoying your treat, make sure to browse the range of gifts and homewares available.
Directly opposite, you’ll find The Coffee Club. All your favourite drinks and meals are on offer, with plenty of seating for everyone.
Heading into the CBD you’ll find Shenanigans Cafe in Bell Street. Grab some brekkie or morning tea before embarking on a morning of browsing the local shops, take a break for lunch or a much-needed sugar hit to recover from all that retail therapy.
So why isn’t Wombats in Jandowae included?
HI Amanda, We are in the process of updating our blogs, and Wombats will definitely be included. Thanks for taking the time to message us.