When a sea change – or tree change – calls and the busy city feels like too much, a small town getaway is just begging to be booked.
That doesn’t, and shouldn’t, mean you also have to sacrifice your tastebuds.
Australia’s best food towns pack a real punch when it comes to new, innovative and just darn tasty flavours to give your tastebuds just as much adventure as you.
And they might not be the towns you expected.
1. Denmark, WA
It might be a small town, but Denmark has its fair share of award-winning restaurants.
You’ll find it here whether you’re looking for bakeries and fresh coffee or fine dining.
Start with breakfast at local favourite, Mrs Jones Cafe. Satisfy your taste for craft beer, homegrown wine and satisfying eats at Denmark Brewpub. Spice it up with locally sourced produce turned into unique Fijian-Indian cuisine at Pepper & Salt Restaurant in Forest Hill Vineyard. Or dine on comforting dishes with lake views at The Lake House Denmark cellar door, restaurant and cafe.
Dining with a view in Denmark, WA. Photo: Tourism Western Australia
2. Broome, WA
This little town has a big reputation for its pearling history, but in recent years it has been doing the most with its food scene, from casual cafes and locally crafted brews and liquors (Matso’s Mango Beer, anyone?) to farmers’ markets and literally the best dinner views of Cable Beach.
Find out what pairs with Matso’s famous Mango Beer. Photo: Tourism Western Australia
3. Castlemaine, Vic
Move over Daylesford, new chefs and restaurateurs (many who have achieved fame in the big cities) have been making their way to the nearby regional town of Castlemaine.
Discover old favourites – like the classic meals served at Bar Midland and the beloved pizzas of Theatre Royal – to new inspirations from the Italian and French farmhouse meals being served at A Table Bistro.
Try some classic pub grub at Love Shack Public Bar And Bistro. Photo: Visit Victoria
Local makers are also in abundance, like the Love Shack brewery and attached Public Bar And Bistro for all your retro pub grub needs.
4. Torquay, Vic
Just about anything your tastebuds desire can be found – to a high standard – in beachside Torquay.
Enjoy a local tipple at local breweries and distilleries like Bells Beach Brewing, Blackmans Brewing and Little Big Things Cafe. Or drink in style at Mr Archer Wine Bar.
Get something more hearty into your stomach at casual eateries like Little Things Big Things Cafe, Bob Sugar‘s Asian-fusion or the classic Euro-style sandwiches of Mortadeli.
Squid ink linguine just a stroll from the surf. Photo: Pearl Torquay
Make it an occasion with the freshly made pasta and killer wine list at Pearl.
5. Mooloolaba, Qld
The rolling waves of Mooloolaba Beach are always hard to resist, but these days their food options are just as enticing.
Find a pick of the best casual local eats here, or, for those wanting to elevate the experience, these Mooloolaba restaurants are for you.
The crepe menu at The Velo Project is a must-try, any time of day. Photo: Velo Project
Once you’ve digested, discover these other things to do while you’re in this Sunshine Coast town.
6. Maleny, Qld
When it was established in the 1900s, Maleny was home to a butcher and a pub, and that was about it.
These days, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland town is thriving.
Named one of Australia’s most welcoming towns, you’ll find quaint places to stay, stunning nature and, of course, incredible eats.
The cheese and yoghurt for sale at Maleny Cheese has made a name for itself, which goes well with all the wine you can pick up from local vineyards like Clouds and Flame Hill.
Local beer and fresh grazing at Bruhaha Brewery. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland
For sit-down meals, you’ll find a world of cuisines from Indian to Thai, from German to modern Australian and even local Bruhaha Brewery.
Taste it all at once by timing your visit with The Curated Plate annual food and wine festival.
7. Alice Springs, NT
Something that the Northern Territory does better than the rest of Australia is modern Australian and traditional bush tucker.
In Alice Springs, that means going on a deep dive with a local Arrernte guide on a Cultural Immersion Experience at Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye.
You can also stock up in Kungkas Can Cook, an Aboriginal-owned-and-run business selling ethically sourced wild bush foods.
Saltbush takes contemporary Australian produce and bush food to fine dining levels.
There are plenty of other cuisines worth exploring here, too, though.
Bush tucker meets contemporary Australia at Saltbush. Photo: Tourism NT
8. Hahndorf, SA
Nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf provides a unique culinary experience in Australia.
As the name hints, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest-surviving German settlement.
Leaning into its heritage, Hahndorf is now one of the best places for an authentic Bavarian feed outside of Germany itself.
Get your fill at places like Hahndorf Kaffeehaus & Fine Foods, German Spoon and The Haus Restaurant.
A taste of Germany in the Adelaide Hills. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
Of course, you’ll also find just about every other cuisine in this town (Ernest Delicatessen is a local favourite for simple, delightful lunch fare and Vine And Essen is a favourite for creative, tasty dishes), but you’d be foolish to skip the German influences.
9. Willunga, SA
Heading further south, the Fleurieu Peninsula town of Willunga packs a punch for your tastebuds.
Classic Aussie comfort foods and pub grub galore, but these local restaurants are also doing interesting things to modernise the Australian palette and focus on local produce.
The locally grown and organic produce worked into unique modern Australian dishes (and a beautiful garden setting) at The Farm Willunga has to be one of your first stops.
Follow it up with working farm, orchard, garden and restaurant Papershell.
Don’t forget to stock up on fresh, local produce at Willunga Farmers Market.
Treat yourself to dessert at Papershell Farm. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission
10. Bruny Island, Tasmania
Let’s be honest, the whole of Tasmania could make this list. But Bruny Island stands out for a reason.
Chow down on hearty pub grub at Hotel Bruny, taste oysters literally just plucked from the sea at Get Shucked and load up on cheese at the famous Bruny Island Cheese Company.
This list barely scratches the surface.
Bruny Island oysters fresh from the sea. Photo: Tourism Tasmania
Get more foodie inspiration here. And while you’re on the island, why not try these other awesome things to do there.
11. Bilpin, NSW
An easy 1.5-hour drive from Sydney, Bilpin has something for every type of foodie – whether you like picking your own produce to whip up yourself at home, or letting top-notch chefs do all the hard work for you.
It’s also home to one of the most picturesque drives in the country.
Pick your own fruit, nuts and vegetables at places like Pine Crest Orchard, Shields Orchard and Bilpin Springs Orchard.
Stop into Lochiel House for hearty European fare, or keep it casual at the vibrant Hillbilly Cider brewery and restaurant.
Get a kick out of picking your own produce. Photo: Destination NSW
12. Jugiong, NSW
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River (3.5 hours from Sydney) sits a small town you’ve possibly never heard of, but it’s absolutely worth a long weekend to get your fill.
Your first stop has to be at the popular Sir George Restaurant And Bar.
It’s a local favourite with cosy seats by the fireplace, sleek decor and a menu showcasing fresh, local and seasonal produce. They also have homewares and pantry items on sale.
Another place to stock up is the Long Track Pantry shop and cafe.
Stock up on fresh made produce or sit down for a bite. Photo: Long Track Pantry
Find ready-made frozen meals, dressings, jams, chutneys and homemade cakes to take with you, or sit in for brunch and lunch.
This article first appeared in Australian Traveller. Read the original here