The Black Sheep Coffee Shop Hay

Inside The Black Sheep Coffee Shop Hay

The Black Sheep Coffee Shop Hay sits quietly on Lachlan Street, offering a welcoming spot for early risers, travelers, and locals alike. Opening as early as 3:30am, it serves those who need a reliable coffee fix before the sun fully wakes the town or sets off on a long drive through this rural stretch of NSW.

Inside, the vibe is friendly and unpretentious, shaped by the personable owner who often takes the time to chat with visitors and locals. This creates a low-key, community feel that’s rare to find in a highway-side cafe. For many, it’s more than just a coffee stop—it’s a chance to connect briefly with the town, whether that means sitting in the front garden with your dog or sharing a quick toastie at the counter.

The menu is straightforward but well suited to light breakfast or snacks rather than hearty cooked meals. The Special Customers Iced Coffee and French Toast with Berries come recommended by regulars, but the humble toasties and premade sandwiches also do the job for those on the road or starting their day early. The coffee leans toward approachable rather than overly strong, making it easy to enjoy whether you’re gearing up for work or a long ride.

Best times to visit are early morning for a relaxed start or midday when you can soak up some sunshine in the outdoor seating area and watch Hay’s quieter streets roll by. The Black Sheep fits neatly into the flow of small-town life here, catering to farmers, truckers, travelers, and locals who appreciate a friendly face and solid coffee without fuss.

Whether you’re passing through on the way between Sydney and Adelaide or stopping in for a low-key breakfast, The Black Sheep Coffee Shop makes the slow moments of a journey feel a little more connected and calm.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Great coffee

Great tea selection

Popular for

Breakfast

Lunch

Solo dining

What they serve

Coffee

Healthy options

Quick bite

Small plates

Best for

Breakfast

Brunch

Lunch

Dessert

Seating

Table service

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

03:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Tuesday

03:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Wednesday

03:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Thursday

03:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Friday

03:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Saturday

03:30 AM - 09:30 AM

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

160 Reviews

Tony Hollingsworth

02 Jan 2026

Suzanne was so charming. We stopped for “no breakfast” yet enjoyed a toastie, cake and coffee. Talking with the locals was a bonus. Will definitely return when back in Hay.

Rhys

20 Dec 2025

Great little cafe that opens really early. Perfect for the early starters. Coffee was nice and they have a nice selection of pre-made sandwiches and hot food. Will definitely be stopping in again on the next trip through.

Ruth Holfter

17 Dec 2025

Have often driven past Hay on way from Sydney to Adelaide, but this time hubby and I were on motorbikes and wanted a brekkie stop after staying the night in Balranald. Two minute drive off the highway for the BEST and FRIENDLIEST and quaintest experience. No 'cooked' brekkie but light foods (yummy toasties) and treats available and the coffee is great. Open super early to cater for a diverse clientele (workers, travellers, locals-so you know it's good), Susan turned on aircon(heat) in the vehrandah area as it was a chilly winters morning and she gave us one drink free. This is what country hospitality is all about. Will stop here every time we go this way from now on.

Kate Totaro

28 Nov 2025

Lovely service and personable owner. Fantastic that its open from 3.30am for travellers and workers!

Stephanie P

05 Nov 2025

Stopped in for a coffee and snack. The toastie was delicious. Coffee whilst not as strong as we are use to was delicious. The lovely owner made another coffee for free after we spilt one of our first. Brought out water for our dog too. A lovely spot in the sun, in the front garden watching the world cruise by. Soo thoughtful, and worth the stop! Thankyou!!

David Trounce

05 Nov 2025

Just brilliant. Great coffee and friendly service. Iespecially love the early hours.

Nicolai Bangsgaard

25 Sep 2025

Great coffee, cute & interesting interior decor, and very kind service. Highly recommended! And a huge ‘thank you’ to the café owner for making my day

Fran

21 Sep 2025

If you stop nowhere else on your journey, make sure that you make the effort to go here. Wonderful service, amazing owner, really good coffee-a Godsend at this time of the morning and fresh, wholesome snacks. One of the nicest places I’ve called into in my many road trips around Australia Well done, and lucky you Hay folk for being able to drop in here anytime that you like

Inside The Black Sheep Coffee Shop Hay

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

160 Reviews

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