If you’re the type of person to spend more than 2 hours in the car to try a specific pastry, then travelling for you is all about the food. But you don’t have to get on a long-haul flight or search the world for interesting cuisine and fresh ingredients; everything you could ever want is in your Aussie backyard.
As a self-professed food lover, these 10 spots are a dream destination. From homemade mustard in Victoria’s High Country (yes, it’s really that good) to a winery on the South Coast that 100% worth the drive, there’s an abundance of recommendations for you to add to your next Aussie itinerary. While some are more obvious (looking at you, Margaret River!), there are a few hidden gems that many miss out on.
Bilpin
NSW
Find bushels, baskets, and boughs full of apples in the Blue Mountains town of Bilpin, NSW. Or wet your whistle with apple cider at the Bilpin Cider Co or Hillbilly Cider. Travel past great sandstone walls and beautiful mountain scenery before stopping at the orchards. Take home a bottle of cider, freshly pressed apple juice or a bag of apples to share.
Where: Take the historic Bells Line of Road to reach Bilpin. It’s only a 90-minute drive from Sydney.
When: Visit in autumn for an abundance of apples. While you’re in the area, head west to Mount Wilson to see the golden autumn foliage.
Try: Visit Shields Orchard (above), Bilpin Fruit Bowl or one of the many other orchards for apple picking.
Where to stay:
Ferngrove Cottage
Bilpin farm stay
Nungaroo cottage
Greendale Farm Stay
East coast
TAS
Meander down Tasmania’s east coast to enjoy spectacular ocean views, bays, inlets and, above all, seafood! Find plump Pacific oysters at Lease 65 in St Helens, blue mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm (above) in Coles Bay, and lobster rolls at Lobster Shack in Bicheno. Explore local bakeries to taste a Tassie scallop pie – the ones at Blue Edge Bakery in Bicheno are famous!
Where: Drive for 2–3 hours down Tassie’s east coast from St Helens to feast on all these regional delicacies.
When: Autumn (Mar–May) has mild weather and colourful foliage.
Try: While you’re there, journey to Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet National Park for the views. Pick up a
takeaway from Géographe Restaurant Espresso Bar in nearby Coles Bay.
Where to stay: Bicheno or Coles Bay are the perfect middle points for day trips along Tassie’s east coast. If you’re looking to go on a road trip, you can also do it over a longer day in the car.
Milton
NSW
Milton, NSW, is a coastal town turned gourmet paradise with fine wines, country bakeries, artisan pubs and award-winning restaurants. Spend the day hiking nearby Pigeon House Mountain or swimming at Mollymook Beach before heading into town.
Where: Milton is on the NSW South Coast, a three-hour (230km) drive south from Sydney.
When: Shoulder seasons of autumn (Mar–May) and spring (Sep–Nov) offer warm, mild weather and fewer crowds.
Try: Have a beautiful breakfast at Milk HAUS, a converted 19th-century cheese factory turned garden-to-plate eatery. Try authentic sourdough for lunch at Flour Water Salt cafe. To end the day, enjoy a cold beer at The Milton Hotel, which houses Dangerous Ales Brewery.
Where to stay: The region and towns surrounding Milton are great for quiet, peaceful accommodation. If you’re looking to stay on a vineyard, Cupitt’s Estate (pictured above) offers villas for couples to enjoy. Or, head to nearby beachside town Mollymook and stay at the iconic Bannisters by the Sea. Worlds Apart has a Coolcations offer for winter (June 1 – August 30), where guests can enjoy the beautiful Bannisters by the Sea, including breakfast and daily Coolcations experiences.
Atherton Tablelands
QLD
Head to the lush rainforests, woodlands and tropical savannah of the Atherton Tablelands, Qld. There are incredible views, tumbling waterfalls and lots of tropical produce – from mangoes, bananas and limes to coffee beans – in Queensland’s food bowl.
Where: This foodie region is a bit over an hour’s drive south-west of Cairns. It’s home to incredible natural features, including limestone caves, lava tubes and volcanic crater lakes.
When: May–October has warm, dry days and cool nights – ideal for seeing the Millaa Millaa Falls, or Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls on the Waterfall Circuit.
Try: Visit Skybury Farms (above), just outside Mareeba, to grind your own coffee blend or buy boxes of their fresh red papaya.
Where to stay:
Tarzali Treehouse
The Highlands House on Avodah Estate
Malanda Guest Suite
Malanda River Retreat
Margaret River region
WA
Margaret River, WA, is one of Australia’s top foodie destinations. Home to truffles, artisanal produce and vineyards galore, this is the ‘it’ spot for food and wine. In between coastal cliffs and undulating plains, you’ll find indulgent restaurant menus and farmers’ markets to explore.
Where: It’s a three-hour (270km) drive south of Perth.
When: Visit from mid-June to August for truffles, and 17-26 July for the Cabin Fever festival, with foodie events galore. Spring (Sep–Nov) is for wildflowers and whale watching.
Try: Pick up some bottles as souvenirs! Fraser Gallop Estate near Wilyabrup is the spot for a wine session, while Olio Bello, west of Cowaramup, is a must-visit for olive oil tastings.
Where to stay: Margaret River Town is the ideal central base for quick day trips and easy access to the region’s best food and wine. For coastal views and surfy energy, head to Yallingup. And for wine lovers, Cowaramup is your spot, with the closest entry to vineyards and wine country.
Bruny Island
TAS
Take a day trip to Tassie’s favourite produce spot, Bruny Island. Drive along the main road and stop off for cheese, whisky, preserved goods and bread (from vintage fridges!) on your way.
Where: Take a 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering, 32km south of Hobart, to reach this secluded island. Split into North Bruny and South Bruny, the narrow isthmus has a perfect photo stop, Truganini Lookout.
When: Summer has perfect weather, or go in autumn for fewer crowds.
Try: Collect all the fab food options from each place and make a final stop at South Bruny National Park for a picnic. Walk up to the Cape Bruny Lighthouse for an outstanding view of the whole island.
Where to stay:
Luxury Yurt Glamping at Littlegrove
The Hide, Private Waterfront Cabin
Henry’s Dream, Bruny’s Sauna by the Sea
The Hideout Cabin
High Country
VIC
The High Country of Victoria has all you’ll need for your next wine and cheese night. Stop off at Milawa Cheese Company (above) and Milawa Mustard for your antipasto. For your drinks, head south along King Valley’s Prosecco Road for wineries including Brown Brothers, then stroll through Beechworth for honey and exceptional baked goods.
Where: Victoria’s High Country is in northern Victoria, along the Great Alpine Road.
When: Shoulder seasons (Mar–May and Sep–Nov) are best for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Try: Follow the Pedal to Produce cycling routes for delicious detours to wineries and produce shops alike.
Where to stay: Bright is bustling with mountain biking crowds in summer and skiers in the winter, but the surrounding towns like Porepunkah and Harrietville are more peaceful. Plan your holiday with lots of day trips in mind.
Darwin
NT
The Northern Territory is everyone’s favourite place to visit for a more nature-focused, in-the-wild holiday. But it’s actually the perfect spot for a foodie to try laksa. Hit up Mindil Markets for a bowl of warming, spicy soup, and watch the sun set over the ocean.
Where: Mindil Markets are located on Mindil Beach, and the Darwin Laksa stall is the most popular choice for an evening laksa.
When: Visit during the dry season (May to October) for warm, dry weather without too much rain.
Try: Head 1 hr and 30 minutes outside of Darwin to Adelaide River to see huge crocodiles. Tours along the river will give you the best view of jumping crocs, including the famous Brutus, who’s over 100 years old.
Where to stay: Darwin’s CBD is your best bet for relaxed accommodation that has everything you need within walking distance. The Darwin Waterfront Precinct is a little further out, but offers a resort-style stay with lots of pools and ocean views.
Kangaroo Island
SA
Kangaroo Island is a foodie heaven, and the whiting burgers at Vivonne Bay General Store are just the start. There are wineries, a distillery, food producers, restaurants, pubs and cafes serving up outstanding seafood and other local fare. Visit Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co. for honey and to learn about organic beekeeping.
Where: Drive 90 minutes (105km) south from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, then make the 45-minute car ferry trip across to Kangaroo Island.
When: The summer months (Dec–Feb) offer the best beach weather.
Try: Make sure to have a wine-tasting day, with every vineyard just a short distance from the main town of Kingscote.
Where to stay:
Sea Loft Kangaroo Island
Sky House, Ocean View Villa
Off-Grid Tiny House by the Sea
Bramblewick Cottage
Fremantle
WA
This sleepy harbour city is the perfect spot for a foodie to taste their way through a holiday. Head to Fremantle Markets (open Friday-Sunday) for delicious tropical fruit and a hubbub of different food stalls, from momos to the famous Eggspot.
Where: Fremantle is a 30-minute drive from Perth’s CBD, and is ideal for a quiet day trip.
When: You’ll be able to enjoy sunshine and warm weather throughout most of the year. Make sure to swim at Bather’s Beach!
Try: After a morning at the markets, walk into South Fremantle for a tasty lunch at Percy Flint’s Boozery and Eatery. With natural wines and a seasonal menu, you’ll love the gastropub energy this restaurant brings. Finish off your day with a walk around the many breweries, including Little Creatures and the huge Gage Roads Brew Co.
Where to stay: Staying in Fremantle gives you easy access to ferries to nearby Rottnest Island (hello quokkas!). The Esplanade Hotel, Warders Hotel or Port Mill B&B are great options for weekend trips.
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