An appetite to drive
Roadtrip your way to memorable meals in every state, writes Amanda Woods
Many of us are ready to hit the road again and in Australia we’re spoiled for choice. Coastal getaways, rustic jaunts or urban immersions are all at your fingertips, especially when you’re behind the wheel of a car. No matter if you’re piloting a rickety rental or an electric-powered Tesla, the wide open road, stellar scenery and fresh air are available to everyone. To whet your appetite, we’ve compiled some of our favourite food destinations, so you can take your tastebuds on tour and discover the magnificent unknown.
Barossa Valley, SA
Home to some of the world’s oldest continuously producing vines, the Barossa has more than 80 cellar doors to swirl, sniff and sip your way around. Join a four-hour signature tour at the Yalumba winery in Angaston for a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic vineyard, including a peek at the Hill Smith family’s private cellar, before lunch paired with Yalumba’s Rare and Fine collection.
Alternatively, slowly work your way along nearby country roads as part of Yalumba’s Book a Table, Embrace Australia campaign. Enjoy modern Vietnamese dishes with a focus on local organic produce at FermentAsian at Hentley Farm, or sample the finely tuned elegant fare at Appellation at The Louise and then sleep it off at one of the property’s 15 smart suites, each with a private terrace overlooking picturesque vineyards. yalumba.com
Launceston, Tas
Whether you’re zipping over from the mainland on Spirit of Tasmania, or heading north from Hobart, the Apple Isle’s second major city is a vibrant hub for food and wine. Some of our favourite stops include Rupert & Hound, renowned for its sustainably sourced seafood, and Cataract on Paterson, where meals are cooked at your table on a 400-degree volcanic stone. At Stillwater, you can try Tasmanian wallaby paired with knockout local wines, before heading to your room equipped with a pantry full of artisanal goodies at Stillwater Seven. cataractonpaterson.com.au; stillwater.com.au
Gold Coast, Qld
It’s “Broadie” to locals but your navigation system might prefer Broadbeach. This bustling suburb on the Gold Coast is home to a slew of excellent eateries. At Social Eating House, knockout dishes include a 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder and five-spice panna cotta. Its sister restaurant, Orzo, serves coastal Italian specialties, such as black linguine with octopus, pipis and bottarga. If you’re looking for an all-day dining option, Miss Moneypenny’s is open from midday until seven days a week. Or venture 20 minutes down the road to Burleigh Heads for
Rick Shores, where the Moreton Bay bug rolls have cult appeal. Then check into a stylish apartment at Bon Sol, with inviting interiors by Anna Spiro. socialeatinghouse.com.au; bonsol.com.au
Northern Beaches, NSW
If you’re visiting Sydney, head north. Trick your senses into thinking you’re on a Mediterranean island with a long lunch at Sardinian fine-diner Pilu at Freshwater,
and order the slow-roasted suckling pig. Or head 30 minutes further to Newport. Settle into a booth at Bert’s Bar & Brasserie. The manicured space, top-notch service and executive chef Jordan Toft’s coastal European menu will also transport you. No Northern Beaches visit is complete without a stopover at Jonah’s. Take a deep-dive into a list of more than 1600 wines, then forget drawing straws for designated driver when you spend the night in one of its Ocean Retreat rooms. pilu.com.au; merivale.com; jonahs.com.au;
Broome, WA
If you have the time, as in several days, Perth to Broome is one of the most impressive roadtrips in the country. A cultural melting pot awaits you in the beach resort town in WA’s Kimberley region. The Aarli serves up a modern Asian-Australian menu, Little Indian blends regional and traditional Indian cuisines, and Land of Pharaohs serves Egyptian-style kebabs.
Visiting the most remote brewery in Australia is easy if you have wheels. Matso’s Broome is celebrated for its ginger beer, mango beer and ice-hot chilli beer. Pick up a curry next door at Curry Hut, or head to Cichetti Club at Cable Beach Club for Venetian-style share plates. club. cablebeachclub.com; theaarli.com.au; themangoplace.com.au
Melbourne, Vic
Set your GPS for the heart of the city where Melbourne’s love affair with food has created an abundance of topnotch choices. In the new W Melbourne’s restaurant Lollo, creative culinary director Adam D’Sylva has turned a comfort-food staple into a $52 duck mince luxe lasagne. High in the sky on the Rialto’s level 55, former Noma chef Hugh Allen transforms native ingredients into unforgettable dishes, while down in a city basement at Ishizuka you can experience the artistry and intricacy of a kaiseki set menu.
And if you’re craving steak, the premium beef is grilled to perfection at three Rare Steakhouses outlets around the CBD – surely you’ll find a park near one. ishizuka.com.au; raresteakhouse.com.au
At Bert’s the manicured space, top-notch service and chef Jordan Toft’s coastal European menu will also transport you
Canberra, ACT
Enjoy a lake life escape in the middle of Australia’s capital city at The Boat House. If you’re in a solitary mood you can dine in one of the three private dining rooms surrounded by parkland beside Lake Burley Griffin. Another Canberra institution, Ottoman, offers classic Turkish dishes alongside new creations in an elegant Art Deco pavilion, while one of Canberra’s brightest stars, Aubergine, updates its menu daily to highlight whatever local produce is finest on the day.
Meanwhile, at Ovolo Nishi the visual feast that comes when you step into the hotel is accompanied by a seasonal and creative plant-based menu at Monster Kitchen. theboathouse.restaurant; ottomancuisine.com.au