Does the Illawarra need more coffee shops?
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They're on every main street (and some back streets) of every suburb, but we've still managed to pinpoint a handful of places where there's not a flat white or smashed avo in sight.
What would you add (or remove) from our list?
WOLLONGONG COURT HOUSE
Court staff, lawyers and clients only get a morning tea break of 20 minutes - barely enough time to run down to the mall for a latte. Surely it's a capital offence not to have something in-house or close by - after all, swift justice is good justice. Call it Reasonable Grounds.
WOLLONGONG BOTANIC GARDEN
A cafe overlooking the duck pond is part of council's 20-year plan for Wollongong Botanic Garden. According to the plan, the cafe "could have a cultural focus" with bush tucker and seasonal flowers decorating the table. And coffee, lots of coffee. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Call it the Sipping Duck.
LITTLE LAKE, BARRACK HEIGHTS
The delightful Elliott Lake - aka Little Lake - between Warilla and Barrack Point is packed in summer, with the gentle waves making it the perfect spot to swim and paddleboard. The crowds are already there - just add coffee. Call it Hit the Heights.
WOMBARRA
Aside from Headlands Hotel and Scarborough Pub, can you think of a cafe between Austi and Otford where you can sit and drink in those expansive ocean vistas? There are council kiosks and some great coffee shops along the main road, but what about something with a view? Wombarra, near the beach and football grounds, could be a contender. Call it Barra.
CLIFTON
Put a cafe near the Clifton School of Arts and world-famous Sea Cliff Bridge and crowds will flock there. Call it The Art of Coffee.
SHELLHARBOUR BEACH
Sure, a coffee van rolls up in the summer, but not since the clubhouse ceased service has there been any permanent food and bev fixture at Shellharbour Beach. Windang and Port Kembla beaches could do with a few more options too. Call it Shelling Beans.
WINDANG ROAD
Just off the main drag at Primbee there's the lovely Rosy Lea Cafe and further south at Windang the cleverly named Oh Dang! Espresso. But when it comes to coffee, it's a dry run between Warrawong and Warilla. Something along the Lake Illawarra foreshore could work. Call it Rilla' Good Coffee.
Read more: 32 hidden Wollongong spots the locals love