Newcastle council has lodged an application to fit out the new Blackbutt Reserve cafe.
The council obtained development approval for the building last year and started construction in March with a view to opening the cafe by Christmas.
The council development application to fit out part of the building as a cafe proposes opening hours of 6am to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday and 6am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The $3 million building includes an education and event space and an undercover dining and seating area.
The cafe is the last project in the council's 10-year master plan for the Carnley Avenue nature reserve, which attracts about 150,000 people a year.
The council awarded the construction tender to local building company Kingston Building.
The council will call for expressions of interest for a business to run the kiosk.
