Australia’s baked desserts have come a long way since the lamington (no disrespect to the lamington). We’ve got gourmet croissants from the likes of Lune and Prove Patisserie to the best baked cheesecake you’ll ever taste at Pasticceria Papa’s. But one tasty treat is still not getting its just desserts: Australia’s best vanilla slice.
Every year, the French La Liste ranks the world’s best restaurants, including a category for the world’s best pastry shops, “from neighborhood bakeries to acclaimed establishments".
In 2025, 31 pastry shops and bakeries in NSW and 24 in Victoria made the list. As they should. But as Matt Preston pointed out in an article he wrote for Delicious , “…there were two glaringly obvious omissions: the two Aussie bakeries that hold the title for Australia’s best vanilla slice."
The vanilla slice at Casa Nostra in Alice Springs has a cult following. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)
While Preston concluded this means the humble vanilla slice is no longer an Australian favourite, I say that the more obvious answer is that the pure, messy pleasure of this delicious dessert is quite simply lost on the French, who prefer a more refined and delicate option.
Just last year, Banana Boogie Bakery in Belair, South Australia, won the title of Australia’s Best Vanilla Slice at the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph (the first time a South Australian bakery has received the honour). Victoria’s Sharp’s Bakery , located in the north-western town of Birchip, came second.
Meanwhile, Shepparton’s North End Bakehouse won Best Vanilla Slice for the second year in a row at the Baking Association of Australia’s 2024 Baking Show.
I would say the very fact that there’s an annual competition for Australia’s best vanilla slice is proof that it’s still a beloved Aussie staple. And the French need to pay attention. I would argue that a vanilla slice washed down with strawberry milk is the most elite road trip combination. I don’t care how old you are.
But beyond that, Australia’s bakeries aren’t just resting on tradition with vanilla slices. They’re shaking things up.
Banana Boogie Bakery might have won in the classic vanilla slice category, but they also have a deep-fried option (and as we know, everything is tastier deep-fried). Then they serve it up with ice cream, cream cheese and chocolate ganache. Plus, the bakery’s Chocolate Biscoff vanilla slice also won the ‘innovative vanilla slice’ title.
North End Bakehouse has invented a Salted Caramel Popcorn/Choc Top option. Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery in Cobram, Victoria, created a more subtle Lemon Wattle variation. In Alice Springs, Casa Nostra has earned a cult following for its vanilla slice that uses Sao biscuits instead of pastry.
All this to say, the vanilla slice is simply perfect as a traditional bakery dessert, but it’s also become an innovative queen of sweet treats. And the French better reflect and not overlook this Aussie icon again come 2026. Give a treat a red hot go!
The French need to learn the art of enjoying a vanilla slice. (Image: Getty/Christine McKim)
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.
The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.
If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.
Savour the summer dining scene
Pop into Fred’s After Hours.
The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.
Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.
Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.
Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.
And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.
Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.
Dive into ocean pools
The ocean pools beckon.
Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.
Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.
Experience local arts and culture
See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.
Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.
Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.
Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.
Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere
Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.
The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).
If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.
Get into nature
Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.
Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.
If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.
The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.
If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.
