Australia's best gourmet getaways

By Bonnie Jackson

From beach barbecues to sophisticated seafood, Australians love to enjoy food. Luckily, a gourmet getaway won’t just fill you up with unforgettable memories – it’ll also support the farmers, producers, distillers and winemakers that make Australia’s dining scene one of the best in the world. So take to the open road to eat and drink your way through some of Australia's best epicurean destinations on these foodie road trips.

Sydney to Shoalhaven

This three-hour road trip south of Sydney to the Shoalhaven region takes dining to the next level, from a high tea amongst the vines at Cambewarra Estate to a picnic suspended from a cliff. Or leave the car behind and head to a winery on horseback. Along the way be sure to stop off at the famous Berry Donut Van to stock up on the freshest cinnamon donuts you've ever had!

Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is known for being a mecca for foodies (would you expect anything less from a gourmet region just an hour from Melbourne?). In real life, it’s even better; a handsome seaside swathe crammed with big-hitting restaurant experiences like Pt Leo Restaurant and Doot Doot Doot, farmgate trails and wineries.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find the locals’ favourites. Take your dog for a picnic on the tree swing at Tucks Wine, take a farmgate tour with Green Olive at Red Hill, sip craft brews in the old stables at St Andrews Beach Brewery and pre-order a picture-perfect platter from Smell the Cheese to enjoy in your bell tent at Iluka Retreat.

Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills offers tasty tipples, rolling green hills and friendly locals, all just a short drive from Adelaide. Pick up artistic artisan cheeses from Woodside Cheese Wrights, have an idyllic pallet picnic overlooking the vines at Golding Wines, and perch up in front of the beautiful wooden doors with a glass of rosé at Bird in Hand.

Great Southern

Make tracks from Perth for cool-climate wines backed by dramatic mountains and forests, breaching whales and spring wildflowers. In the Great Southern region of Western Australia, you’ll find more than 50 wineries peppered through five sub-regions. Riesling (best paired with local oysters) and shiraz are the stars here, but there are a plethora of varieties, including organic small-batch natural wines by Oranje Tractor Wine. 

Huon Valley

Just half an hour from Hobart, the Huon Valley is best known for giving the island state of Tasmania its ‘Apple Isle’ title. Eighty per cent of the state’s apples are still grown here, but it has also emerged as a gourmands’ destination of choice. Don’t miss Home Hill Winery in Ranelagh for award-winning pinot noir, and Willie Smith’s Apple Shed for cider and pommeau.