23 Ways to Wine and Dine In Australia Part 2: Coast to Coast

Posted on: February 21st, 2018 by Lizandra Santillan No Comments

The Best Australia Food and Wine for a Coastal Vacation

The food and wine scene across Australia is constantly setting trends and becoming a bucket list destination for foodies everywhere.

On the east coast you’ll find an abundance of the world’s fresh seafood and waterfront dining with a tropical flair. You’ll also find that Hunter Valley and the Barossa are not Australia’s only premier wine regions. The Margaret River wine region in Western Australia is a must-do for any wine lover.

In Part I of our 23 Ways to Wine and Dine in Australia blog, we showcased the top spots for food and wine in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide. But exceptional gourmet food and wine experiences are also found in tropical Queensland and Australia’s enchanting west coast.

Stop at these 23 spots for the best wining and dining in Noosa, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and surrounding wine regions.

Noosa

Noosa is a bit of a hidden secret in Australia. With fantastic beaches, lush national parks, world-class dining and shopping, this is the place Aussies go for a beach holiday close to home.

The food and wine scene in Noosa is quickly becoming one of the best in all Australia. You’ll find everything from award-winning waterfront dining along the Noosa River to a motorcycle-themed bar serving craft beer and coffee.

Treat yourself in this beach city gem and indulge in one of our must-do restaurants while in Noosa.

Sails – No local can deny that Sails is a Noosa institution. Framed by the serene views of Noosa Main Beach, vibrant seafood delightfully presented and an extensive wine list – pure tropical bliss.

Sails Noosa

Wasabi – Some of the best views of the Noosa River are found at Wasabi. A sunset sitting is perhaps the best complement to its traditional Japanese cuisine. Their Omakase degustation menu features a seven or nine course meal highlighting ingredients sourced from their own local farm, Honeysuckle Hill. You’ll find tried and true favorites like sashimi and nigiri along with regional dishes such as Moreton bay oysters and sake steamed spanner crab.

Locale– Wander down to the end of Hastings Street to perhaps the most down-to-earth restaurant in Noosa: Locale. Sleek and sophisticated Italian cuisine meets lush alfresco dining in this local favorite. Their prawns and zucchini flowers are popular starters, but you’ll be dreaming about their squid ink pasta for days. Their wine list is also a dream, ranging from champagne to shiraz and everything in between.

Season Restaurant– Attentive and professional service with a charm as relaxed as its beach setting, Season is another Hastings Street favorite. Book ahead for a beach side table, but don’t fret if you don’t get that coveted seat – the real star of Season is the seafood curry.

Season Noosa

Season, Noosa

Noosa Beach House – If you’re coming to Noosa Beach House, you’re coming for the signature Sri Lankan Snapper curry. Can’t decide from their small menu? Opt for the degustation menu and delight in six courses featuring roasted pork belly, wagyu sirloin, local spanner crab along with an Amuse Bouche. A little bit of everything with a little something extra!

Brisbane

As the capital city of tropical Queensland, Brisbane combines urban city living with beachside relaxation. And as the third largest city in all of Australia, there no doubt Brisbane is becoming a contender for some of the nation’s best food scenes.

Here are the top Brisbane restaurants to stop at for world-class wining and dining.

Sono Restaurant – Looking for the best sushi in Brisbane? Or perhaps the best seafood, period? Look no further than Sono. Boasting Brisbane’s freshest sashimi, exciting teppanyaki and amazing views of the Brisbane River, this Japanese and seafood dining experience is unreal. And with Moreton Bay just a little ways down the river, their Moreton Bay Bugs are a must.

Sono Restaurant, Brisbane

Sono Restaurant, Brisbane

Urbane – If you have an entire afternoon free, that may be just enough time to dine at Urbane. Here, it’s all about dining at your own leisure where friendly and personable attendants will remember your name. The service is definitely one of the top reasons Urbane is listed as the top restaurant in Queensland. Their five and seven course degustation menus featuring Australian and vegetarian cuisine undoubtedly contribute to their well-deserved awards.

Bacchus – This is perhaps the best place for that first dip into Australian fine dining. Extremely knowledgeable and approachable staff will dash away any qualms you have about asking what exactly is on your plate. That’s just a testament to the impressive presentation. And with a menu detailing the exact region where each dish is sourced, you’ll soon become an expert on your own meal. Pair your seven course degustion meal with wine or choose a decadent dish from their a la cart menu. The venison main dish is a popular hit.

Bacchus Brisbane

Bacchus, Brisbane

Malt– Satisfy any cravings for duck at Malt, where this consistent favorite is cooked to crispy perfection. Add in generous wine pours, a rustic-chic setting and live piano performances for an evening of utter romance.

Gerard’s Bistro– Tantalize your taste buds with Brisbane’s take on Middle Eastern cuisine at Gerard’s Bistro. Get cozy with your dining partner as these dishes are made for sharing. And you’ll want to get a little taste of everything, with tasty dishes such as coal-grilled octopus, suckling pig and fried cauliflower.

Gerard's Bar Brisbane

Gerard’s Bar, Brisbane

Gold Coast

Mount Tamborine and Surrounding Wineries

The vacation never ends when you’re in the Gold Coast. Sunny beaches, wild theme parks and a buzzing nightlife – it’s got everything you need to wind down and get loose.

But for a more quiet retreat, the Gold Coast Hinterland will enchant with its lush national parks, waterfalls and charming towns.

In this region you’ll find Mount Tamborine, known as the “Green Behind the Gold.” And with breathtaking scenery, clean mountain air and award-winning wineries, we feel their gold is well deserved.

O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard– With a fabulous picnic lunch on offer to complement their gorgeous grounds, this is the winery of your fantasies. That is, if you dream about a gourmet picnic by Canungra Creek, sipping on a glass of wine while looking out to the turtles in the water. If you’re lucky you may spot the elusive resident platypus!

Canungra Valley Vineyards

Canungra Valley Vineyards

Witches Falls Winery– If you’ve only got time for one winery visit while in the Gold Coast, Witches Falls Winery is the place to go. Passionate and friendly service, local cheeses and six wine tastings for $6 – it’s hard to go wrong here.

Ocean View Estate– For a boutique winery with serious food, Ocean View Estate is a must. It’s difficult to say which is their main draw – their superb wines or their extensive and carefully curated menu. And for the non-wine lovers out there, they do their own craft beer as well!

Albert River Wines– Got a special occasion coming up? Albert River Wines provides the perfect setting for any celebration. High quality dishes such as barramundi and veal provide an impressive dining experience, surrounded in the colonial charm of a historic home. Add in a taste of their sauvignon blanc or their popular red blends for a splendid day in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Albert River Wines Restaurant

Albert River Wines Restaurant

Perth

Most people only experience Australia’s east coast on their first vacation Down Under.

But Australia’s west coast offers an otherworldly charm that shouldn’t be missed. Repeat visitors from around the world are drawn to Western Australia’s surreal national parks, a burgeoning food scene and fantastic wine regions.

Perth, the nation’s sunniest capital city is the main base for exploring the best of this region’s food and wine. Chic eateries and European-style bars are tucked in its inner city laneways, and fine dining is found within the CBD.

Here are the top spots in Perth worth a stop for a little indulgence.

Wildflower – The tasting menu at Wildflower not only offers exceptional Australian cuisine but also rotates according to the six seasons of the indigenous Noongar calendar. Each dish celebrates local ingredients throughout the changing of the seasons. This is the sort of attention that makes Wildflower a local favorite. The stunning views of the Swan River definitely help.

Wildflower Restaurant Perth

Wildflower Restaurant, Perth

Petite Mort – Petite Mort is a bit of a hidden secret, where French and Australian cuisine meet in a three or ten course menu. Ingredients full of color and flavor are paired together on elegantly presented dishes. The ten course degustation menu is a favorite for its corned silverside and quail egg dish along with its signature dessert – “Death By Chocolate.”

C Restaurant in the Sky– It’ll be difficult for anything to top the views at C Restaurant. Literally. This upscale restaurant is located in the slowly revolving 33rd floor of St. Martins Tower, lending to incredible 360 degree views of the city. What better way to spend an evening than indulging in fresh seafood or tender pork belly while looking out onto the Swan River and city lights?

C Restaurant Perth

C Restaurant, Perth

Varnish on King– This hidden gem of a whiskey bar is quickly becoming a Perth institute. The Bacon Flight – four generous cuts of bacon matched with whiskey – is a bucket list item for true Perth foodies. And if you’re not into whiskey, they have a Rose and Bacon flight as well!

Margaret River

When looking for things to do in Perth the most common response is a day trip out to Margaret River. With stunning natural beauty, craft breweries and countless wineries, this region provides so much more than one day’s worth of adventure.

Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, you’ll find just as delectable white wine varieties throughout the region.

Leeuwin Estate– World-class chardonnay, free tastings and amazing food – this is one of Wilyabrup’s finest wineries. Its sensational vintages also helped put this region on the wine map. Though there’s a fee to taste their Art Series wines, offering perhaps Australia’s best chardonnay, the price is totally worth it.

Leeuwin Estate Margaret River

Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River

Cullen Wines– Considered a gem of the region, this family-run winery is 100% biodynamic. The ingredients used in their sophisticated menu are all sourced from their gardens and local surrounds. That’s right – not only will you find exquisite red blends but you’ll also find a divine menu with dishes such as rabbit, duck and barramundi. Come for the wine, stay for the food.

Fraser Gallop– Like a scene out of a movie, the Fraser Gallop Estate grounds are undoubtedly the most beautiful in all of Wilyabrup. And their serious, built-to-last Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon is just as stunning.

Fraser Gallup Margaret River

Fraser Gallop Estate, Margaret River

Woodlands– Personal and friendly tastings make their elegant Cabernet Sauvignon all the more pleasurable. Friendly and knowledgeable staff create the cozy and family-feel atmosphere this cellar door is well-known for. An asset to the charm of Wilyabrup Valley.

Voyager Estate– A bucket list item for premier Margaret River wining and dining. Delectable degustation with wine pairings, rose gardens and wine and cheese flights – this is a slice of paradise. If you still aren’t impressed, perhaps their  flagpole – Australia’s second largest flag and flagpole – will do the trick.

Ready for a Little Indulgence in Australia?

Aussies love their food and drink, and love sharing the best places even more. For more recommendations on the best food and wine in Australia, your Destination Specialist can give you insider tips. We’ll make it all the more easier to plan your food and wine trail throughout your vacation Down Under!

I Want to Taste Australia’s Food & Wine!

Phone us Toll Free on 1-888-359-2877 (CT USA, M-F 8.30am – 5pm).


You May Also Like:

Australia Food and Wine

 

23 Ways to Wine and Dine Through Australia Pt. I

Amazing Sydney Restaurants

 

15 Amazing Restaurants to Try in Sydney

Things to Do in Noosa and Sunshine Coast

 

9 Amazing Things to Do in Noosa and Sunshine Coast


Things to do in Australia | Must-See and Do in Australia

Posted on: May 19th, 2016 by Melissa Maxwell No Comments

Our favorite ways to see all of the Australia Highlights on a short vacation

Last week we talked about how you can get the most out of a short vacation to Sydney.  This got us thinking…What if you only had time to visit one or two Australian cities? What can you do and see in order to create the perfect been-there-done-that Australian vacation? So we’re putting together a blog series that takes all the main reasons people visit Australia and compresses them into an epic vacation comprising of just 1 or 2 destinations.

Things to Do in Australia Sydney Vacation

Here at About Australia, we work with hundreds of clients every week.   Most Americans are aware that Australia is an amazing country with a vast diversity of beautiful sights, experiences and wildlife. They want to see the beaches, explore the Great Barrier Reef, experience Australian City life, see kangaroos and koalas, learn about the rich Aboriginal culture, check out the local food and wine and explore the Outback. Australia is on almost every traveler’s bucketlist.

What many people don’t realize is that Australia is a huge country – about the size of the United States to be exact. Once they wrap their heads around that fact, their next question is, “Do I have to travel all over Australia to see all the iconic sights?”

USA compared to Australia

The answer to that question is both yes and no. It all depends on which iconic sights you want to see.

Sydney Harbour and access to the Great Barrier Reef are at least 1,000 miles apart. That’s a 2 -3 hour plane ride or over 20 hours by car.  Then, if you have your heart dead-set on seeing Uluru (Ayers Rock), you’ll have to fly over 1,700 miles to the center of the country for a spiritual outback adventure.  A similar trip in the US would take you from Orlando to NCY to Denver.  So yes, if you want to see the Sydney Opera House, the reef and the Red Centre, you will have to do quite a bit of Australian Domestic Travel. And honestly, that’s ok!  As they say in Australia, “No worries, mate!”

This type of trip is amazing! All of the once-in-a-life time experiences and amazing sights more than make up for the additional travel. But this type of trip takes time, a larger budget and quite a bit of patience, especially if you are traveling with young children.

Must-See and Do in Australia - Kangaroo

But, you say, “I don’t have a lot of vacation time. Can I still travel to Australia and see the highlights without spending a ton of time and money?”  Yes!  With a smaller travel budget and just 5-7 days downunder, you can still get a great overview of Australia’s highlights just by visiting one or two select cities.

Family on Beach Great Barrier Reef Taking the Family to Australia

Or maybe you’re thinking, “I want to take my kids on an Australian adventure. But after that long plane ride to the other side of the world, I don’t want the stress of packing up the kids every few days and flying across the country just so they can get the full Australian experience.”  You don’t have to!

Plan your trip to just one or two strategic locations and your kids will have an experience that is both educational and fun – one they will remember long after returning home to the rigmarole of everyday life.  It’s one thing to spend your family vacation on the beach with playgrounds, kids programs and free child care. It’s quite another to live in an Australian city for a week visiting beaches, learning about ancient culture and cuddling kolas. I’d argue that the latter is much more engaging and educational.

The 7 major highlights of Australia are Beaches & Aquatic Life, Modern Culture & Art, Wildlife, the Outback, the Rainforest, Food & Wine and Indigenous Culture. A piece of these can be found in all major metro areas. You just have to know where to look…

7 Highlights of Australia

…And thus the blog series has begun!  Every week we’ll show you how you can see all 7 highlights in one city (or the surrounds).  Browse through the series to help you pick a few cities which are best for you and your short vacation to Australia.

A word of advice:

Make sure you carefully plan every aspect of your trip. Know exactly what will be on your itinerary each day and book in advance.  A lot of people believe they can book the flights and hotels then figure out the rest on the fly. This is a bad idea. The logistics alone can be quite daunting and after investing a lot of time and money into something, you want it to go well.  We, of course, are proponents of you contacting us so we can use our expertise to help you plan the perfect trip.   Sure, may be able to do it yourself, but you can avoid a lot of stress and worry if you let us do it for you!
Get-A-Trip-Quote or Phone us Toll Free on 1-888-359-2877 (CT USA, M-F 8.30am – 5pm).

Things to do in Australia | A Sydney Vacation with All the Australia Highlights

Things to do in Australia | A Melbourne Vacation with All the Australia Highlights

Things to do in Australia | A Brisbane Vacation with All the Australia Highlights

Things to do in Australia | An Adelaide Vacation with All the Australia Highlights

Things to do in Australia | A Cairns Vacation with All the Australia Highlights

Things to do in Australia | A Perth Vacation with All the Australia Highlights.

The Dalai Lama’s Visit to Australia

Posted on: February 11th, 2015 by veronicap No Comments

Photo Credit: Dalai Lama in Australia

 

His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, is making a trip to Australia from June 4th to June 15th to share his incredible wisdom and knowledge with the public. The Dalai Lama is universally recognized as a man of peace and is the recipient of over 150 awards including a Nobel Peace Prize. Often referred to as an Ocean of Wisdom, his presence has awed and inspired millions.

Highlights of this incredible visit include: 7 days of exceptional Teachings and Initiations, Highest Yoga Tantra in the Blue Mountains, a visit to the sacred space of Uluru to offer respects to the Anangu people, a unique Multi-Faith Event organized by the Dalai Lama himself, and a very special Long Life Ceremony offered by the Australian Tibetan Community in celebration of his 80th birthday. View the full schedule below:

 

June 5-9: Teaching in Leura, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
June 6: Public Talk in Leura, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
June 11: Multi-Faith Event in Brisbane, Queensland
June 11-12: Teaching in Brisbane, Queensland
June 12: Public Talk in Brisbane, Queensland
June 13: Community Talk in Uluru, Northern Territory
June 14: Public Talk in Perth, Western Australia

To find out more information on the subjects and times of these events visit: https://www.dalailamainaustralia.org/

To find out more information on booking Australia Vacations to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event contact us here or call toll-free at 888-359-2877