Are you craving a short trip away to indulge in delectable food and bevs?
Well, we're so lucky to be living in foodie paradise!
From incredible meat and seafood to the finest wines and refreshing beers, Australia has it all. But besides the great eats, there are also unforgettable experiences that will let you savour the flavours while taking in the stunning sceneries. There are heaps of great destinations and experiences just waiting to be discovered. Get a head start with our top picks:
Tasmania
Who says all the great food is just in the mainland? With its quality air, water, and soil, Tasmania consistently produces world-class produce and wine, which is why it’s home to some of the best restaurants in the country and a staple in Australian food culture. While you’re in the state, visiting the farmers markets, like Hobart’s Salamanca Market, is an absolute must.
No visit to Tassie is complete without trying out its fresh seafood. And what better way to indulge in delectable lobsters, oysters, and salmon than with a scenic cruise down the Derwent River? You can take in the views while sipping on wine and eating sea urchin for the ultimate experience.
Hunter Valley
For wine enthusiasts, spending a day at Hunter Valley is a no-brainer. The oldest Australian wine region is home to award-winning Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz varietals, and it’s all thanks to the Mediterranean-like climate, generally warm yet cool enough for the grapes to grow in the best quality.
Why settle for only a wine tasting when you can pair it with gourmet dishes prepared by a professional chef? On this Hunter Valley food and wine tour, enjoy various wines from three boutique wineries complemented by authentic Australian delicacies. You’ll also get a chance to shop at the Sydney Fish Markets and have breakfast while taking in the view of the Hawkesbury River.
Barossa Valley
When it comes to Australian wine, you can’t go wrong with South Australia. Declared one of the Great Wine Capitals in the World (alongside Napa Valley and Bordeaux), it has proven to be top of the class and the Barossa Valley is the jewel in its crown. Reds from the region, like Cabernets and Shiraz, are simply phenomenal.
For the ultimate day at the premium Australian wine region, embark on the Barossa Food and Wine Tour and experience the best of what the valley has to offer. From your Adelaide hotel, learn about the art of winemaking before enjoying a full-course lunch and wine tasting session at Lambert Estate. Then, end the day on a sweet note with some chocolates and wine at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.
Besides the awesome food and wine, there are also incredible places to visit in Adelaide. Find out more here:
Mornington Peninsula
Just an hour away from Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is an easy and quick day trip that will satisfy the cravings of any foodie. From fresh and locally-sourced produce to rave-reviewed pinot noir, it’s all about the quality. Then, there are the views…Where else can you dine by a vineyard that overlooks the ocean or a lake?
Can’t be fussed to sort out your trip?? It’s a piece of cake on this Mornington Peninsula wine and food tour. All you have to do is to bring your appetite and the rest will be taken care of. With convenient round-trip transportation included, you’ll be taken to five different wineries to sample various types of wines paired with food, and have lunch at Merricks before heading back to Melbourne.
Keen to learn more about the great wine region? We’ve handpicked 11 of the best Mornington Peninsula wineries to help you plan for your next tasting.
Brisbane
To get a good sense of Australia’s food culture, you have to visit one of its up-and-coming food destinations—and there’s no place better one than Brisbane. The Queensland capital is no slouch when it comes to providing premier and casual dining experiences. From beloved classics to experimental dishes, you’ll find it all at Brissie.
Upgrade your regular meal and try out the wine and food pairing experience. Each course is paired with expertly-chosen wine to bring out all the flavours for an unforgettable gastronomical adventure, perfect for date nights and special occasions!
Sunshine Coast
Another QLD city with a vibrant food scene, Sunshine Coast has plenty to offer beyond its gorgeous beaches, pristine blue waters, and fantastic weather. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Asian, or vegan food, the city will not disappoint.
Quench your thirst on this Sunshine Coast tasting tour where you’ll sip on the best gins, beers, wines (and food) from four different breweries and distilleries. You’ll also get a behind the scenes look at the production process of the drinks and learn how to truly experience wine from an expert.
What’s better than a great meal? A great meal with the views to match! Check out our selection of 10 restaurants that serve delicious food and boast stunning sceneries.
Sydney
We can’t talk about the food culture in Australia without mentioning Sydney. The great seafood, diverse cuisines, and pub culture make it one of the premier food destinations in Australia. You don’t even need to board a plane to get delicious and authentic dishes from around the world. Whether it’s Brazilian, Vietnamese, or Italian, you have a ton of choices at the Emerald City.
Have a beach day like no other on this oyster farm tour. Ride a boat and see how expert farm oysters at Broken Bay Oyster Farm, then indulge in a luxurious seafood lunch by the water. Did we mention that it’s on a secluded beach? This is a gourmet lunch you won’t want to miss.
Melbourne
Calling all coffeeholics! Melbourne is the place to be. Voted as the city with the best coffee in the world, it offers innovative takes on classics, fantastic cafes, and creative brewers. Coffee has not just evolved into an art form but it has also become part of Melburnians’ daily life.
Immerse yourself in Australian food culture with a walking tour of Melbourne’s cafes. An expert local will take you to the most iconic spots, as well as hidden gems, to get a full insight into the famous coffee scene. In addition to the excellent coffee, you’ll also enjoy lunch, chocolates, tea, and other treats!