Grab a cuppa at the best country cafes near Brisbane

Escape the hustle with a day trip outside of Brisbane city. A cluster of outstanding eateries populate south East Queensland's rural region, from classic country bakeries to modern coffee haunts. When it comes to where to spend your time, here are the best country cafes near Brisbane.

Kenilworth Country Bakery, Kenilworth

Say hello to one of the most famous eateries in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, a spot that’s well-deserving on any guide to the best country cafes near Brisbane. This classic bakery sitting in historic Kenilworth has embraced the mantra ‘bigger is better’ among its goods - which include a 1kg donut challenge, and Australia’s first 'coffee in a donut' offering.

Mill Creek Café, Dayboro

If rustic is what you’re craving you’ll find a friend in Mill Creek Cafe, a fellow inclusion on the best country cafes near Brisbane list. If the quality coffee doesn’t entice you here the menu will, with dishes ranging from truffle poached eggs and mushrooms to vanilla panna cotta with muesli.

The Old Storehouse, Dayboro

Just around the corner lies fellow best country cafe near Brisbane, The Old Storehouse. Housed in an idyllic Queenslander, this Instagram-friendly dining destination is well worth the drive, selling pantry provisions, deli goods, handcrafted homewares, and a seriously tasty brunch among more.

Little Tree Bake and Brewhouse, Samford

Closer to Brisbane’s centre is Little Tree in regional Samford. The artisan bakery and cafe is committed to supporting local, with locally grown and sustainable produce sourced for everything possible on the menu. Drop by for a hearty brunch, or takeaway some baked goods like their award-winning pies and pastries. Savour the surrounds a little longer with this guide to a weekend in Samford Valley.

Community Grounds Café, Laidley

A social enterprise cafe that seeks to empower its neighbourhood, Community Grounds is deserving of any mention among the best country cafes near Brisbane. This space is part of the Laidley Community Centre to the west of Brisbane, and offers not only a place for people to connect over quality brews, but somewhere to provide training for young locals.

Little May Espresso, Montville

Coffee snobs don't want to miss out on a chance to drop by self-described coffee specialist Little May Espresso in quaint Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Quality coffee here is guaranteed, and served alongside hefty breakfast plates, like Braised Pork Benedict, and French Toast.

Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation

Among the picturesque Scenic Rim you’ll find a number of the best country cafes near Brisbane. Like Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation, the coffee growers, roasters, and cafe in one know everything there is to know about the bean. Drop by for a seriously smooth latte (or two), followed by an educational plantation tour.

Wild Plum Kitchen, Tamborine

A modern Australian take on breakfast is what you’ll find on the menu at this Tamborine resident. Specialising in fresh, wholesome fare (alongside coffee from QRoasters), picture a menu serving eggs benedict tucked into croissants among more. This place is also as eco-friendly as it is delicious, with Wild Plum committed to sourcing produce locally and using only recycled and compostable packaging when possible.

Ground Up Espresso Bar, Toowoomba

Sibling to Baker’s Duck, Ground Up Espresso Bar is also well-worth a visit and a fellow inductee of the best country cafes near Brisbane. This trendy laneway coffee haunt has become a must-visit destination among Toowoomba’s edible offerings, thanks to its specialty coffee and handful of creative dishes, the ‘loaded benny’ included.

Baker’s Duck, Toowoomba

Any list of the best country cafes near Brisbane should include a mention of Baker’s Duck in Toowoomba. The destination houses a talented crew of artisan sourdough bakers and pastry chefs, who craft flakey and yeasty goods the week through - nibble on pistachio and rose scrolls or pork sausage rolls while in-store, or take home a loaf of fresh olive and rosemary bread.

Arthur Clive’s Family Bakehouse, Boonah

Tuck into a slice of history with a visit to Arthur Clive’s Family Bakehouse in the Scenic Rim. Named in ode to grandfather Arthur, the bakery is a culmination of 80 years of family recipes, and has grown into a three-venue business, based across Aratula, Kalbar and Boonah. Drop by for a pie, a pastry, or a Di Bella coffee.

Featured image: @kenilworthcountrybakery