Blackboard Varsity is a restaurants & cafes in Varsity Lakes, NSW, Australia, with a price range of $$. It has a 4.6/5 rating from 1590 Google reviews. Contact: +61 411 683 423. Website: http://www.blackboardvarsity.com/.Listed on thegood.guide, the local's guide to Byron Bay.





Varsity Lakes · Restaurants & Cafes
(1,590 reviews)
$$
Multiple reviewers have landed on the halloumi, and one has declared it the best in Australia. Bold claim, but Blackboard Varsity at 5:30am on a winter morning earns a certain loyalty that doesn't come from mediocre food. The cafe is bigger than it looks from the carpark, bright and lake-facing, and runs with the kind of operational tightness that means clean tables, food that arrives before you've finished your first coffee, and staff who remember your order. The coffee is consistently strong, though occasional reports of reheated milk are worth noting if you're particular. Parking at peak times is genuinely difficult. Come early, or come mid-week. The egg dishes and banana smoothie get repeated mentions; the coffee art is a serious pursuit here.
Food was amazing - we have a new found love for renaissance herbs - red veined sorrel! Presentation and taste of eggs Benny and overnight oats was sensational. Staff very friendly and attentive to our needs. Thank you
Definitely my fave cafe on the GC. Very well managed, staffed perfectly at all times, so the tables are always clean when seated and the coffee and food always arrive with perfect timing. And hands down, Blackboard has the best halloumi in Australia. Special mentions to Taylah and Tegan for the 5:30am welcomes all winter this year, warming up my mornings. Taylah and Peta for tolerating my constant requests for more and more elaborate coffee art (looking forward to that giraffe), Tara for bringing the light and Grace for ensuring the sparkle is always up to standard.
What a great cafe in the heart of varsity. Really cool vide with great food and coffee. Parking can be a challenge at peak times but otherwise a definite must visit.

Currumbin
Window seats overlooking Elephant Rock book out fast at this Currumbin Beach institution. The $35 porterhouse and calamari earn their regulars, the views earn everyone else, and the prices keep whole families coming back week after week.

Mermaid Beach
The avocado on toast with halloumi has a loyal following, and the beachside patio explains why. BSKT runs a broad menu covering vegan, keto, gluten-free, and paleo without the joyless health-cafe energy. Open from 5am, kitchen closes at 2:30pm.

The humidity has broken, the valley mist lingers until mid-morning, and the hinterland is at its most atmospheric. This two-day itinerary for couples covers rainforest cafés, serious spa treatments, creek-side dinners, and a float tank session that resets everything. Autumn 2026 is the time to go. Here is exactly how to spend it.
The Gold Coast Hinterland food scene has moved well past devonshire tea and a view. From a sushi train at $4.80 a plate in Burleigh Waters to a lobster roll over Currumbin Creek and a plant-forward menu sourced from organic valley growers, these are the restaurants worth planning a day around.
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Three days in the Gold Coast Hinterland, done properly. This itinerary runs from Currumbin Valley rock pools to Springbrook rainforest to Beechmont estate dinners, with every stop worth the detour. Autumn is the best time to do it. Here is the day-by-day plan, including where to stay, what to book in advance, and which road to take home.
This cafe is much larger than I expected, also busier than expected but even though many tables were seated, meals were served very quickly. Service was friendly and best of all the meals were presented very well and delicious! Very happy with our experience there, thank you!
The coffee is usually excellent, but sometimes the milk tastes a bit burnt, the reason could be that it’s being reheated. I also feel there could be more breakfast options. On the other hand, the service is amazing, the staff are always smiling and happy to help. The space is large, well located in front of the lake, and very bright and airy.
North Tumbulgum
Australia's first agricultural rum distillery, making cane-to-bottle spirits on volcanic Tweed Valley soil. Stay for the Tasting Trail Tour, order the crocodile bites, and let staff talk you through the coconut rum. The drive from Byron takes 30 minutes and earns its keep.