Best cafes for early risers

Whether you’re fresh off the Spirit of Tasmania or looking to get an early start for a day of exploring, hit this list for cafes slinging coffees before 8am.

Chuck a left turn when leaving the Spirit of Tasmania terminal and a short 7-minute drive will get you to King of the Castle café on Pakington Street. Open early at 6:30am on weekdays and 7:30am on weekends, you can grab yourself a much-needed coffee or select from a long list of breaky faves. Also within minutes of the terminal are Bean and Base Café (6:30am weekdays) and Box Office Cafe (6:30am most days).

Venture into central Geelong and you’ll find early breakfasts at Café Go (7am weekdays), Overtime Espresso (6:45am weekdays) or Le Café at R Hotel (7am daily). For bay views with a side of eggs, stop by Pavilion Geelong (6:30am daily) located right next to the children’s pool and promenade.

After breakfast, take a leisurely walk along the Geelong Waterfront, spot the many bollards chronicling Geelong’s past and enjoy the views of Cunningham Pier and The Carousel. If you’ve got kids in tow let them burn off energy at the skate park or large playground.

Known for its coastal charm and boutique shopping, Barwon Heads is a town that’s well and truly awake by sunrise. For a 6am coffee or treat, head to Coffetti Gelato on the main drag – and yes, they make delicious Italian ice cream.

Another Barwon Heads institution, Annie’s Provedore is a destination on its own – serving coffee, delicious breakfasts and an overwhelming amount of produce to purchase from 6:30am each day. While you’re here, jump into the Barwon River for a splash, a calming SUP or lace up and walk Barwon Heads Bluff for stunning views around the bay.

On the other side of the river in Ocean Grove, fuel up early at The Driftwood Café (7am daily) on the main street and Garage (7am most days) slightly out of the town centre.

Queenscliff is home to the Searoad Ferries terminal, TARRA, and chances are the ferry may have something to do with your early morning. The new state-of-the-art terminal, which opened in early 2023, has its own café where you can grab a coffee, eggs your way or a loaded breaky wrap from 7am daily.

Wander to the other side of town and you’ll soon hit the Queenscliff General Store. Open 7am on weekdays, you’ll find perfectly plated dishes that are good for the ‘gram and even greater for your stomach. Wash it down with a latte and grab some treats for the road.

Piknik Café in Swan Bay offers the perfect pitstop as you travel through the Bellarine. Operating in a converted roadhouse in the heart of the farming precinct, it’s not surprising local produce is celebrated with each dish plated up. And it’s open from 7:30am Wednesday to Sunday.

While in the area a visit to Queenscliff Pier, Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, Fort Queenscliff Museum and the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse are a must to learn more about the region’s unique nautical history. While in Lonnie, as the locals call it, refuel at Pico Point Lonsdale (6am daily).