Whether you have a green thumb or want to enjoy a coffee surrounded by flowers instead of the noise of heavy suburban traffic, a trip to the right plant nursery can be a relaxing way to spend a morning. With enough space for the kids to run around and enough caffeine to keep the parents happy, these are North Shore mums’ top picks for garden-variety entertainment.
Tucked amidst lush greenery and blooming plants, Sydney’s North Shore is home to a few hidden gems… garden centres and nurseries that boast some of the best cafes in town.
These leafy retreats combine a love for nature with delightful culinary experiences, offering a perfect spot to unwind with coffee and cake. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or simply seeking a tranquil escape, discover the charming cafes where vibrant blooms and delicious bites go hand in hand.
Cafes in garden centres and plant nurseries around the North Shore
- The Palms, Terrey Hills
- Frankies Food Factory, Terrey Hills
- New Leaf Nursery, Ingleside
- Cafe Saligna at Cumberland State Forest, West Pennant Hills
1. The Palms
The Palms Nursery
With wood-fired pizzas, expertly crafted cocktails, and a diverse selection of enticing dishes, The Palms caters to various tastes and occasions. Guests can savour the vibrant flavours of a thoughtfully curated Mediterranean-inspired menu while soaking in the charm of its picturesque grounds and elegant interiors.
Prepared to be ‘wowed’ by their stunning nursery and homewares… you won’t be able to resist getting a little something for your home!
- Address: 327 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills
- Website: thepalmssydney.com.au
2. Frankies at Flower Power, Terrey Hills
The playground next to Frankie’s
After you’ve had a mooch around the incredible garden centre and been tempted by the stylish homewares, relax over coffee or lunch at Frankies while the kids can play. It overlooks a gated and shaded children’s playground within the grounds of Flower Power. There’s plenty of easy parking too!
- Address: 277 Mona Vale Road, Terrey Hills
- Phone: (02) 8401 7555
- Website: frankiesfoodfactory.com.au
3. New Leaf Nursery, Ingleside
New Leaf Nursery, Ingleside
New Leaf Nursery is the expert in edible plants, landscaping, and raised garden beds, but it is also a poultry specialist, with chickens and ducks available to buy at the nursery. The centre offers a petting zoo and free buckets of feed so kids can get up close and personal with cute critters like bunnies, guinea pigs and the famous ‘pink chickens’.
“New Leaf Nursery on Powderworks Rd is my all-time favourite. Very home-grown, hand-made and friendly with chickens wandering around the garden beds and old tricycles for your kids to play on. Go for the products they sell or just for a fun family excursion – you’ll definitely leave happy.” – Sophia
- Address: 224 Powderworks Road (Cnr Wilson Ave), Ingleside
- Phone: (02) 9913 3709
- Website: newleafnursery.com.au
4. Cafe Saligna at Cumberland State Forest, West Pennant Hills
Cafe Saligna – another name for the Sydney eucalyptus, or the blue gum- is situated in Australia’s only metropolitan state forest, Cumberland State Forest. The picturesque surroundings are the perfect place to enjoy the offerings at the cafe, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea with an assortment of cakes, cookies, raisin toast and croissants, plus heartier fare like salads burgers and pasta. Outside, pick up a native plant from the on-site nursery.
“After being at the nursery and cafe in the Cumberland State Forest today I would definitely recommend. Loads of space for running around, lovely bushland, decent coffee, and dog-friendly too.” – Sara
- Address: 95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills
- Phone: (02) 9873 2955
- Website: cafesaligna.com.au
