15 BEST Townsville Cafes: Locals Guide (2025)

Looking for the best cafes in Townsville?

Whether you’re a coffee snob (like us) chasing the perfect cappuccino, after the best big brekkie in town, or craving an almond croissant with ocean views, you’ve come to the right place!

We get it, finding a good cafe can be surprisingly stressful, there is nothing worse than being disappointed. 

After living in Townsville for a few years, we’ve tried nearly all the cafe options in town. So we’ve rounded up our top picks to help you decide where to eat in Townsville.

This list is for people who appreciate great coffee, quality food and good vibes, whether that means ocean views, tropical gardens, or cute hidden gems. 

So, whether you’re a local after a new fave or visiting, here’s is exactly where to go!

Quick Round-Up: Best Cafes in Townsville

Short on time? here’s a quick look list of our favourite Townsville cafes, categorised to help you find the perfect one for you!

Best Foodie Cafes in Townsville

• Pedlar Project – ⭐️ 4.7 (700+ reviews)
• The Spirited Goat (The Strand) – ⭐️ 4.1 (180+ reviews)
• Heydays Cafe – ⭐️ 4.3 (145+ reviews)

Best Cafes with a View

• Cbar – ⭐️ 4.2 (2,050+ reviews)
• Tobruk Kiosk – ⭐️ 4.6 (135+ reviews)
• Happy Place – ⭐️ 4.6 (233+ reviews)

Most Insta-Worthy Cafes

• Sirens Bayside – ⭐️ 4.9 (148+ reviews)
• Gypsea Collective – ⭐️ 4.8 (48+ reviews)
• The Beet Bar – ⭐️ 4.3 (420+ reviews)

15 Best Townsville Cafes to try!

1. The Pedlar Project 

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7 (700+ reviews)
Location: 320–334 Flinders St, Townsville
Open: Mon–Fri 6:00 am–2:00 pm | Sat & Sun 6:00 am–1:00 pm | Friday Arvo/Night 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Best for: Garden style brunch, relaxed vibes and Friday night drinks 

If you’re after a brunch spot with great vibes and even better food, The Pedlar Project is a must-visit.

Every time our family comes to town, this is one of the first places we think of, it’s easily one of our top picks for the best breakfast in Townsville.

Tucked away in Townsville’s CBD, it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. But once you’re inside, you’d never guess you’re in the middle of the city.

Lush hanging greenery gives the space a warm, welcoming atmosphere, almost like a garden inside an inner-city cafe.

If you visit on a Sunday, the weekly Townsville Markets are just around the corner where they also have coffee cart if you’re only after a quick caffeine hit.

On Friday nights, they stay open till 9:00 pm, making it an ideal spot for a casual date or drinks with friends. 

2. The Spirited Goat ‘The Strand’

Rating: ⭐️ 4.1 (180+ reviews)
Location: 1/62 The Strand, North Ward
Open: Mon: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm | Tues & Wed: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
| Thurs & Fri: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sat: 6:30 am – 10:00 pm | Sun: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm
Best for: Stylish dining, oceanside drinks and all day dining with friends or family 

One of the newer cafes on The Strand, The Spirited Goat has quickly become a popular spot for both visitors and locals.

Not only is the food consistently delicious, but the interior is absolutely stunning, think coastal, bright, and totally Instagrammable.

This cafe ticks both boxes: it’s a foodie favourite and has ocean views. If the weather’s good, try to snag a table outside!

What really sets this place apart is that the open all day, so there’s no reason to miss this cafe on your Townsville itinerary.

From breakfast through to dinner (except mondays), it’s perfect early morning risers, casual lunch/brunch or an elegant night dining experience.

Our favourite breakfast option is the Bakers Breakfast!

3. HeyDays 

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3 (145+ reviews)
Location: 484–488 Flinders St, Townsville
Open: 7 days, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Best for: Brunch, local brews, working from a cafe and group catch ups

Right in the heart of the city, Heydays Cafe is a crowd favourite with a diverse menu that covers everything from smashed avo to granola bowls.

One of the things we love most is that they roast their own coffee beans right here in Townsville and support local and artisan suppliers!

So it’s not just delicious, it’s community focused too.

The space is large and open, making it a great pick if you’re working from a cafe or meeting up with a group.

We highly recommend the Chilli Eggs, their scrambled eggs are silky, spicy, and seriously tasty! 

If you love this spot and their coffee, check out their sister spot Freelance. It’s a cute little hole in the wall cafe just off the strand. 

4. Cbar

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2 (2,050+ reviews)
Location: Gregory St Headland, The Strand
Open: 7 days, 6:00 am – 3:00 pm & 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Best for: Uninterrupted Ocean views, brunch dates, casual catch-ups

If you’re looking for the best cafe with uninterrupted oceanfront views, Cbar is the place to be.

Located right on the waters edge, this spot has sweeping views of Magnetic Island, making it the perfect place to plan your Magnetic Island day trip itinerary.

The menu covers all the classics, from hearty breakfasts to fresh lunches and casual evening meals. It’s a reliable all-rounder with something for everyone.

Whether you’re meeting friends or family, or just want to enjoy brunch with a view, Cbar is a solid choice if you’re on The Strand.

Already planning your visit to Magnetic Island? Here are some helpful travel guides to make the most of your time on the island:

👉 Things you can’t miss on Magnetic Island
👉 10 BEST Magnetic Island Tours
👉 An easy guide to hiring a car on Magnetic Island

5. Tobruk Kiosk 

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6 (135+ reviews)
Location: 72 The Strand, Townsville
Open: Mon–Fri: 6:00 am – 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Sat: 6:30 am – 1:30 pm | Sun: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Best for: Quick coffee breaks, relaxed beach walks, palm-fringed ocean views

Tobruk Kiosk is a breezy little cafe along The Strand, serving up picture perfect views of the palm lined shoreline and Magnetic Island in the distance.

On a clear, sunny day, this spot feels pretty magical, there’s not many better places in Townsville to enjoy a coffee by the ocean.

The menu is simple and fresh, with a variety of drinks and light bites like muffins, croissants, and brownies.

It’s a popular weekend pick for locals catching up with friends. 

We often swing by on our morning walks and park ourselves under the palms to enjoy our coffee.

6. Happy Place 

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6 (235+ reviews)
Location: 62 The Strand, Townsville
Open: 7 days a week 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
Best for: Classic brekkie and lunch staples, smoothie bowls, casual catch-ups

True to its name, Happy Place is all about good vibes and comforting food and it’s almost always buzzing.

This bright and open cafe along The Strand is a local go-to for classic brekkie favourites – think bacon and egg rolls, eggs benny, and pancakes that hit the spot every time!

If you’re after something lighter or more refreshing, their smoothies and acai bowls come highly rated.

A great spot to hit up before a big day exploring all the fun things to do in Townsville.

7. Sirens Bayside

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9(118+ reviews)
Location: 1/36 Primrose St, Belgian Gardens
Open: 7 days a week 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Best for: Dog friendly brunch, smoothie bowls and coastal community feels

Looking for a dog-friendly cafe? Sirens Bayside is our top pick.

This might just be the cutest cafe in Townsville, offering boho beach vibes, a beautiful dog-friendly outdoor area and a small kids play corner making it a great spot for everyone to enjoy.

There’s a real community feel here and it’s a must-stop on your Townsville itinerary.

On your visit, you’ll probably meet Merlin. He’s the resident, very friendly dog who’ll bring you a ball to throw.

The menu is all about fresh, feel-good food. They serve organic, fair trade coffee, cold pressed juices, nourishing smoothie bowls, and gourmet sourdough toast, all sourced locally, which makes supporting this spot feel even better.

Don’t miss their smoothie bowls, they’re our favourite in all of Townsville! They almost too beautiful to eat… almost

8. Gypsea Collective

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8 (48+ reviews)
Location: 146 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra
Open: Mon – Sat, 7:00 am – 11:30 am
Best for: Peaceful mornings, eco-friendly eats, and wholesome breakfast options

Gypsea Collective is a charming little coffee van tucked away in a serene garden courtyard in the Townsville suburb of Mundingburra.

The space feels like a hidden oasis, the perfect escape from the vibe of the city or The Strand.

Known for their cold-pressed juices, nourishing smoothie bowls and organic sourdough crumpets, this spot is ideal if you’re after a fresh, healthy start to your day.

They’re also big on sustainability, with a strong focus on eco-friendly practices and supporting local suppliers. 

Their coffee is a local favourite too, they use Long Shot Coffee Co, a Townsville roaster known for seriously exceptional beans.

9. The Beet Bar

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3 (420+ reviews)
Location: G1/21 Stokes St, Townsville City
Open: 7 days, 6:30 am – 3:00 pm
Best for: Acai bowls, plant-based meals, and feel good food

Located in the CBD, The Beet Bar is your go-to for healthy, wholesome food with a focus on superfoods and fresh, vibrant ingredients.

With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, this cafe is perfect if you’re chasing something nutritious that still tastes amazing.

We recommend trying their famous acai bowls or one of their cold-pressed juices, both are crowd favourites!

Other Townsville Cafes Worth Trying

1. Juliette’s Gelateria 

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5 (857+ reviews)
Location: The Strand, North Ward
Open: Sun – Thurs: 7:00 am – 9:30 pm | Fri & Sat: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Best for: Coffee catch-ups and best gelato in town 

A favourite among locals, Juliette’s is known not just for its Artisan gelato, but also for locally roasted coffee and a solid menu of light meals.

They’ve got three locations across Townsville, with two prime spots right along The Strand, perfect for people-watching with a sea breeze.

It gives off a European-style vibe, with people lingering over coffee at all hours of the day.

Try their homemade Nutella & Banana hotcakes with a scoop of gelato for the ultimate indulgence.

2. Tide Cafe

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4 (375+ reviews)
Location: 48 Gregory St, North Ward
Open: Mon–Fri: 5:30 am – 2:30 pm | Sat & Sun: 5:30 am – 2:00 pm
Best for:  No fuss brekkie, reliable coffee and casual catch ups with friends or family

Tide Cafe was one of the first cafes we checked out when visiting Townsville and it’s been a local favourite for years.

The coffee is consistently good, the menu’s full of all your classic brekkie options and there’s both open outdoor seating and a cosy indoor space depending on your vibe.

While the views or styling might not stand out like some other cafes in this guide, Tide is a reliable, no fuss option for a casual, satisfying breakfast or brunch.

3. Grandmas

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3 (498+ reviews)
Location: 14/45 Eyre St, North Ward
Open: Mon–Fri: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Sat & Sun: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Best for: Homestyle meals, comfort food and a cosy local experience

For a warm, family run cafe that feels like a hug in food form, Grandmas is the place to be.

Stepping inside feels just like visiting your actual grandma, cosy decor, a relaxed vibe and the smell of something tasty always wafting from the kitchen.

The menu is packed with original, well loved recipes inspired by grandmas from around the world.

Don’t miss Grandma Haya’s famous shakshuka,  it’s hearty, full of flavour, and a favourite for a reason.

4. The Hoi Polloi Cafe

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6 (285+ reviews)
Location: 224–226 Flinders St, Townsville
Open: Mon – Fri: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm | Sat & Sun: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Best for: Coffee lovers, arty vibes and laneway cafe vibes 

Hidden in the heart of the city, The Hoi Polloi Cafe is a fun, welcoming spot serving up some of the best coffee in Townsville.

Tucked in a colourful laneway, this place is packed with quirky charm, from art-covered walls to antique oddities, there’s always something to catch your eye.

The menu covers everything from hearty breakfast plates to fresh pastries and specialty coffee, making it a local favourite.

*Unfortunately, The Hoi Polloi is temporarily closed until early September 2025 but the wait will be worth it, as they’re getting a revamp*

5. Fresno Espresso Cafe & Wine Bar

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4 (44+ reviews)
Location: 139 Sturt St, Townsville City
Open: Mon – Wed: 6:00 am – 1:30 pm
Thurs: 6:00 am – 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Fri: 6:00 am – 12:30 pm & 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Sat: 7:00 am – 11:00 am & 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Best for: Espresso by day, wine by night, and casual hangs with friends

Fresno Espresso is a versatile spot that effortlessly transitions from a modern and stylish cafe by day to a cosy wine bar by night.

Located in Townsville city, it’s the perfect all rounder, whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, light lunch, or a glass of wine to wind down the evening.

The menu features a variety of espresso drinks, fresh pastries and savoury dishes, making it a great pick for a daytime catch up or a casual date night.

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6. Otto’s Market (Warrina)

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3 (705+ reviews)
Location: 10/3/5 Illuka St, Currajong
Open: Mon – Sat: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm | Sun: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Best for: Artisan goods, deli treats, coffee, and foodie browsing

Otto’s Market is a food lover’s paradise and an essential stop during your time in Townsville.

With two locations (Warrina & The Precinct), Otto’s is your go to for freshly baked artisan bread, gourmet deli meats, local produce, and sweet treats that are very hard to walk past.

Otto’s Kitchen, the cafe within the market, serves up some seriously good meals.

They offer both made to order and pre-made gourmet sandwiches and takeaway options, perfect if you’re on the go.

Don’t miss the famous Bretzel subs, they’re ridiculously addictive.

While you’re there, swing by Annee’s (inside the market) for a Vietnamese iced coffee, They are sooo good! 

Bonus: Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4 (1,030+ reviews)
Location: 37 Thornton Gap Road, Herveys Range
Open: Wed – Mon: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Best for: Freshly baked scones, garden tea breaks, and historic charm

This cafe isn’t in Townsville itself, but it’s definitely worth the short drive if you’ve got the time.

Visiting Herveys Range Heritage Tea Rooms is one of the best day trips from Townsville.

Set inside a historic building from the 1860s (the oldest in North Queensland)  this charming spot is surrounded by natural beauty and feels like a step back in time.

We loved bringing our family here while they were visiting.

It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, sip a coffee in the garden and enjoy a home style toasted sandwich in the fresh mountain air.

But the real star? The freshly baked scones with homemade jam and cream, they’re a must! 

Map of Cafes in Townsville

Wrap up: Townsville Cafes

From cafes with oceanfront views to hidden laneway gems and vibey spots, Townsville has a great cafe scene that’s diverse and now you’ve got a locals approved list to help you explore it.

Whether you’re after a quick takeaway coffee before work, planning a brunch date or after something a little different like homestyle favourites, there’s something here for every vibe and appetite.

Here’s what we’d keep in mind:

• You really can’t go wrong with any of the top picks, we’ve personally tried and loved them all.
• Use the quick round up or the map section if you’re short on time or need something nearby.
• And if you’re heading beyond the city, spots like Herveys Range or Magnetic Island are absolutely worth your time! 

Still planning your Townsville trip? Check out these helpful guides to make the most of your visit:

👉 Ultimate 5-Day Townsville Itinerary
👉 Magnetic Island Day Trip Guide
👉 Best Things to Do in Townsville

Got a question about any of the cafes we mentioned? Or a local favourite we should try next? Reach out to us here, we’d love to hear from you.

Happy eating! 

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