SOUTH AUSTRALIA
BEST BEACH Port Willunga Beach
Hidden in the Fleurieu Peninsula, this quiet little cove could be mistaken for an idyllic stretch of the Adriatic. Framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs, the brilliant white sand and calm waters of Port Willunga Beach evoke a sense of tranquillity. Even though it’s located only 40-minutes’ drive south of Adelaide and close to the wineries of McLaren Vale, the concealed location ensures an absence of crowds. For lunch, walk to the clifftop Star of Greece restaurant for white-cloth dining with a glass of Burgundy or takeaway calamari and chips.
BEST GELATO Bottega Gelateria
Old-school philosophy dictates at Bottega Gelateria, the star offering among a cluster of ice-cream shops at Henley Square. This small gelateria represents the culmination of Adriano Macri’s 15-year dream to serve “real gelato as art”; it’s why the big churn sits at the entrance, where he demonstrates his artisanal touch. Make sure to try the whipped gelato made from Tonda Gentile delle Langhe hazelnuts, sourced from Piedmont in northern Italy. 249a Seaview Rd, Henley Beach, SA, (08) 7080 7625
BEST FISH AND CHIPS SeaSalt
Within sight of Henley Beach’s lapping waves, SeaSalt is the ideal spot to watch a blazing sun set into the St Vincent Gulf. Pull up a stool at high benches beneath umbrellas, order a cocktail and enjoy big plates of fish and chips. There’s the expected garfish, yellowfin whiting and butterfish, but you’ll also find Singapore-style chilli fish wings with crisp shallot, and an irresistible snack of Ortiz anchovy soldiers topped with grated salted egg yolk. Takeaway options are also available. 269 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach, SA, (08) 8465 5005, seasalthenley.com.au
BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Yorke Peninsula
The southern tip of Yorke Peninsula – the boot of productive farming land that protrudes from the middle of South Australia – is an easy four-hour drive north-west from Adelaide that traces vast tracts of unspoiled coastline. After passing a procession of holiday shacks, the prize is the wild beauty of Innes National Park, a sprawling reserve dotted with camping sites. The park offers access to beaches, surf, wreck diving and abundant fishing opportunities for keen anglers. Nearby, Hillocks Drive Ocean Pods add a dash of drama and comfort to the coastal camping experience. Situated in rugged bushland with magnificent views overlooking Butler’s Beach, the clifftop art deco-inspired cabins have plenty of charm, offering a simple way to enjoy splendid isolation. For fresh fish, try the dining room in the funky Marion Bay Tavern, or catch your own and stock up on pantry supplies such as local salts and seasonings from local chef Caroline Bonnett’s MBC Foods store. visityorkepeninsula.com.au
BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Mornington Peninsula
The lure of the Mornington Peninsula has never been stronger, particularly with its ease of access, diverse eating options, multiple wineries and farm gates, and an increasing number of good accommodation options for those sans beach house. The Jackalope Hotel does a great line in sleek, starry accommodation while also offering some of the best casual dining in the region with its Rare Hare bistro. There’s more good eating to be had at Pt Leo Estate where executive chef Phil Wood oversees three venues, including the award-winning Laura, against a backdrop of one of Australia’s best sculpture collections.
At Red Hill, chef Brigitte Hafner has opened her osteria Tedesca, which has a focus on cooking with woodfire, and the gorgeously designed Euro-style B&B accommodation Graceburn, while at Main Ridge Dairy, there’s excellent cheese and unbelievably cute goats to gawk at. Those who like to swim should head to St Andrews, Point Leo or Sorrento Back Beach. Or the walk to beautiful Bushrangers Bay is an excellent way to spend a few hours before heading to the Peninsula Hot Springs to soothe a tired body. visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
BEST GELATO Pidapipó
There are Pidapipó outlets in Windsor and the CBD but it’s hard to beat the Carlton original. Joining the queue on Lygon Street on hot summer nights has become something of a Melbourne rite of passage but it’s only that way because the gelato is so darn excellent. This is traditionally made stuff using nothing artificial, only fresh fruit, with everything made on site and stored in pozetti. The flavours change seasonally.
There is a Nutella fountain. There is a gelatolamington cake. Join the queue. 299 Lygon St, Carlton, Vic, (03) 9347 4596, pidapipo.com
BEST FISH AND CHIPS Paper Fish
The Stokehouse’s boardwalk kiosk is the epitome of the smart modern fish and chippery. For starters, it only serves sustainable fish, which is cooked in vegetable oil in an admirably light, lacy tempura batter. Then there are other options – prawn tacos, fritto misto served in a paper cone, a more-than-decent Greek salad – and very good, well-seasoned, crinkle-cut fries. There are also granitas available, you can get a beer or a glass of rosé, and the packaging is all recyclable.
It’s modern but with old-fashioned charm. Beachside, Stokehouse Precinct, 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, Vic, (03) 8691 6830, paperfish.com.au