Ask TFG | Laptop-friendly cafés
Where’s a freelancer to go?
Updated 20 April 2022 Photography by Morgan Journal
Initial Reporting by Kelly Hawke
If you have a burning need for local recommendations, TFG Editor Phoebe Tully is here to help in a new column! Have your own question? Email it to info@thefieldguidetoowoomba.com
I work for myself and I’m always looking for cafés I can set up in for an hour or two just to get out of the house – but I don’t want to be rude or take advantage. Which cafés welcome freelancers?
We’ve all been there – desperate for a change of scenery but not sure where you’ll be welcomed with your laptop. Which is really fair enough, let’s be honest.
So, we’ve tested some local cafés that are happy to be your office away from the office – whether it’s working on your side hustle, uni studies or freelance gig. Just remember these rules:
don’t take a table bigger than you need
if there’s lines out the door, time to pack it in
it’s never OK to bring your own food and drink
order at least one thing per hour
Also, while it’s not technically a café, it’s worth noting that the Toowoomba City Library offers free WiFi for an hour as well as delicious, delicious air-con. There are power points for chargers, private desk spaces and comfortable armchairs. There’s also all the latest magazines and newspapers if you are procrastinating/need a break from the screen. Another bonus – there’s heaps of free parking underneath.
Sweet Talk
Not only can you enjoy a coffee while you type away on your laptop, Sweet Talk even gives you free WiFi. And if you want to time your meeting or work hours to coincide with breakfast or lunch you’ll be able to enjoy their delicious menu. There are ample tables inside, some with more privacy than others, as well as some courtyard seating for fresh air. There’s limited onsite parking available for one hour, and it’s just a short walk from the parking lot above the bus terminal.
The Finch
With its exposed brick walls, industrial décor and freshly brewed Fonzie Abbott coffee wafting through the air, The Finch will inspire you to kick some big career goals. They serve breakfast and lunch everyday and offer free WiFi for their customers. Set up at the counter for some distracting people watching.
Kingfisher Café
If you’re craving some winter sun, Kingfisher is the dream al fresco office – although potentially a bit glarey on your screen in the heat of summer. The cake cabinet is full of treats for morning tea, and you can choose from coffee, tea or a glass of wine, depending on how serious your deadline is.
Urban Grounds
Possibly due to the sheer size of Urban Grounds, this is a friendly place to pop open your laptop and bunker down for a couple of hours. On a cool day, find a spot by the fire inside and on a sunny day, there’s plenty of seating outside as well as on the verandah. So many options! You’ll need to hot spot, but it’s worth it.
The Bungalow & Basket
This dreamy homewares store/café offers free WiFi and limited seating alongside their ever-changing menu of housemade cakes. Seriously, the cakes alone are worth it. But the friendly vibe and the beautiful surrounds are what make this unlike any other café in town.
Urth Café
Early birds rejoice! Urth opens at 6.00am, one of the earliest cafés to open in Toowoomba. The WiFi is free, the dogs are welcome, and there’s a huge range of snacks, including gluten-free and vegan options. The al fresco area is a beautiful way to soak up some sunshine.
