Spoonbill Cafe

1 Wetlands Pl, Shortland NSW 2307, Australia
+61 403 537 211
$$$ Cafe
(65 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Welcome to Spoonbill Cafe, a charming oasis nestled within the verdant beauty of the Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland, NSW. This delightful café transcends the traditional coffee shop experience, offering a perfect blend of delicious homemade meals and breathtaking views of the surrounding wetlands.

At Spoonbill Cafe, you can savor a range of delectable dishes that speak to a commitment to freshness and quality. Picture this: creamy prawn and avocado salad, bursting with flavor and beautifully plated, or perhaps an indulgent beef burger that has received rave reviews, described as the best burger many patrons have ever had. Each bite is complemented perfectly by golden, crunchy chips and expertly brewed coffee – whether it be a robust cappuccino or a refreshing iced latte. Don’t miss out on their renowned mango smoothies that have left customers speechless, proving that this café is a paradise for food lovers.

But it's not just the food that makes Spoonbill Cafe a true hidden gem. Customer experiences reflect a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a throwback, invoking the homely charm of the 1980s. Reviewer 'Chatty Rose' shares, "The staff try so hard to please and accommodate its customers; they are friendly and pleasant." It’s this authentic attention to service that turns a simple cafe visit into a cherished memory.

The location itself is worth the journey. With stunning views over the wetlands, diners can enjoy their meals while watching turtles and various wildlife. 'Natalia N' mentions how this enchanting backdrop made her visit with her little one unforgettable, allowing her to sip coffee in peace while her child explored the natural surroundings. It's an experience that invigorates the senses and connects you with nature.

Spoonbill Cafe is more than just a café; it's a hub of community and relaxation where every detail, from the food to the atmosphere, has been meticulously curated. Whether you're stopping by for a weekend coffee or gathering with friends for lunch, this café offers a slice of tranquility away from the bustle of daily life. With no entry fee to the wetlands, patrons can easily combine a delicious meal with a refreshing stroll within nature, making every visit to Spoonbill Cafe not just a meal, but a delightful experience.

If you're seeking a café that embodies warmth, mouthwatering food, and a picturesque atmosphere, make your way to Spoonbill Cafe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of the extraordinary in the heart of Shortland.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Sunday

8:30 AM - 2:30 PM

65 Reviews
chatty rose

05 Oct 2025

My favourite place to go. The spoonbill cafe staff try so hard to please and accommodate its customers, they are friendly and pleasant, I feel like I’m back in the 1980s . The food is great, fresh, homemade, a good variety and the view is magnificent of the wetlands. A hidden gem in a bustling town.

elizabeth stanczak

02 Oct 2025

Lunch was wonderful, beautiful outlook over the pond. Enjoyed prawn & avocado salad.

Natalia N

25 Sep 2025

I found this stop on the way to Nelsons bay which. It’s only open coffee on Sundays. Suddenly surprised with its excellent position, view, coffee and atmosphere. Definitely recommend to come for coffee. My 1 year old run around exploring exhaustion, turtles and snake allowing to enjoy my coffee with view

J. I.

19 Sep 2025

Yesterday we went to the Spoonbill Cafe at the Hunter Wetlands Centre. We ordered the beef burger which comes with chips and had a cappuccino and iced latte. This was the BEST BURGER we have ever eaten. The chips were also delicious and the coffee was fantastic. The service was fast, polite and answered all of our questions. There is no entry fee to enjoy the meal and the view from the cafe. There are lots of indoor and undercover outside tables available with heating provided on cold days. The view from the cafe is breathtaking and after few minutes you will become very relaxed. They do take away, reservations and walk-ins which is great. They also have great desserts which we will try next time. I can’t wait. They are also open for dinners on Fridays and Saturdays. Lots of parking outside. There is parking one, it’s the first one on grass, easily can be missed and the second one is close to the entry on gravel ground. They have disabled toilets as well close to the Wetlands entry.

Christine Armstrong

27 Aug 2025

Best Mango Smoothies i have ever tasted I had Seafood Basket .It was so fresh Chips and salad were fabulous Can highly recommend

Marina Sahm

28 Jul 2025

There is a good variety on the menu. Staff are friendly and attentive. The cafe offers a wonderful view of a very large pond with a variety of bird life. The surroundings are tranquil and peaceful. You have the opportunity for a wildlife walk around the wetlands. The is a gallery showcasing magnificent painting/photographic works by local artists including glassed enclosures of small local animals. Great place to visit.

Shekhar Gyanwali

19 Jun 2025

We enjoyed Grilled Barramundi and Roasted Veg Salad with coffee. Roasted vegetable had potato, zucchini, pumpkin, halloumi cheese and super tasty. Barramundi came with salad and chips and was super tasty with simple seasoning.

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