Australian Cuisine

23 Ways to Wine and Dine Through Australia

Australia’s food and wine scene is far more than Vegemite on toast. Across its cities and wine regions, you’ll find cutting-edge restaurants, world-class vineyards, and a passion for fresh, seasonal produce. Whether you’re sipping a bold Barossa Shiraz, savouring seafood straight from Tasmanian waters, or indulging in degustation menus that showcase native ingredients, Australia offers endless ways to satisfy your inner gourmand.

Here are 23 must-try experiences for the gourmet traveller.

Melbourne – The Culinary Capital

Often dubbed the “Paris of the South,” Melbourne blends European charm with an unmistakably Australian flair. Its laneways hide espresso bars, tiny trattorias, and fine-dining destinations that set the benchmark for the country.

• Attica – Consistently ranked among the world’s best, Attica delivers 17 imaginative courses featuring native Australian ingredients in surprising ways.

• Tipo 00 – A pasta bar with cult status, serving squid ink tagliolini and rabbit tagliatelle in a relaxed yet refined setting.

• Brae – Just outside the city, Brae offers a homely twist on fine dining, serving multiple dishes at once in a grazing-style feast from a seasonal, farm-driven menu.

Yarra Valley – Wine Country Indulgence

Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is renowned for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a food scene built around vineyard views.

• TarraWarra Estate – Pair outstanding Pinot with an afternoon of art at its on-site museum.

• Yarra Yering – A must for red wine lovers, offering tastings of current vintages at exceptional value.

• Oakridge Wines – Known for elegant wines, seasonal menus, and even a giant chessboard for a playful break between tastings.

Hobart – Tasmania’s Gourmet Playground

With pristine waters and clean air, Tasmania produces seafood, cheese, and spirits that rival the world’s best.

• The Source at MONA – A seasonal menu paired with wines from the museum’s own Moorilla vineyard.

• Mures – From casual bites to refined dining, this harbourfront institution serves seafood fresh from its own boats.

• The Glass House – Stylish dining on the Derwent River with exceptional cocktails and sashimi.

• Willing Brothers – A cosy wine bar with an extensive local and international list.

• Ettie’s – Rustic chic meets refined dining, perfect for a long, leisurely degustation.

Adelaide & Surrounding Wine Regions

Adelaide is the gateway to some of Australia’s most prestigious wine country – the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills.

• Penfolds Magill Estate – The home of a legendary name, just 20 minutes from the city.

• Rockford – Traditional winemaking in historic stone buildings, specialising in rich Shiraz.

• Two Hands – A Shiraz lover’s dream, with generous tastings and take-home glasses.

• Torbreck – Consistently ranked among the world’s best estates, known for its powerful reds.

• Ochota Barrels – A boutique Adelaide Hills producer with a punk-rock personality and a cellar door inside a 130-year-old church.

Sydney – Global Dining with a View

Sydney’s culinary landscape is as vibrant as its harbour, offering flavours from every corner of the globe.

• Quay – Multiple award-winning fine dining with harbour views, known for using native ingredients in inspired ways.

• Graze MCA – A modern Australian menu with uninterrupted Opera House views from the Museum of Contemporary Art.

• Hubert – A candlelit escape into 1930s Paris, offering French classics and live jazz.

• Saké – Contemporary Japanese dining, famous for its dragon egg dessert and fresh seafood.

Hunter Valley – Shiraz, Semillon & Scenic Views

Just three hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a wine lover’s haven.

• Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard – Sweeping views and classic Semillon in a historic 1866 setting.

• Piggs Peake – A quirky boutique winery with bold reds and plenty of personality.

• Mount View Estate – Multi-award-winning wines from one of the region’s most scenic estates.

Queensland – Sunshine State Flavours

Beyond its beaches, Queensland boasts fresh produce, creative dining, and boutique wineries.

• The Glasshouse Mountains & Sunshine Coast Hinterland – Farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and tropical fruit-driven wines.

• Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef – Seafood feasts paired with crisp whites, often served beachside with ocean views.