Great Australian bites: 23 bars with great food

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A bar without snacks is borderline criminal. Luckily these bars have come to the party.

The best bar bites demand to be paired with a round of drinks. Be it a textbook version of a toasted sanga or a contemporary take on tapas, here is our guide to Australian bars that are as serious about the food as the drinks.

Vic | NSW | Qld | NT | WA

1. The Botanical Hotel, South Yarra, Vic

Best for: Oscietra caviar, traditional fries or Guindilla peppers with a spicy margarita.

Although you can choose your own adventure at the Botanical Hotel – there’s a Brasserie, Winestore and Bar – you will be primed to party when you start out in the main bar of this refurbished hotel. The Botanical Hotel has been a haunt for South Yarra locals since the mid-1800s.

caviar and happy hour drinks at Botanical Hotel
Head to The Botanical Hotel at happy hour.

Address: 169 Domain Rd, South Yarra, VIC

2. Apollo Inn, Melbourne, Vic

Best for: Martinis and gnocco fritto and making friends with strangers.

Ask Melburnians which restaurant is a must when visiting the Victorian capital and the Gimlet will get a guernsey.

Can’t get a booking at Andrew McConnell’s oh-so-glamorous Gimlet at Cavendish House? Never mind. Corral your friends and get thee to Apollo Inn  instead, which is just 50 metres away.

the dimly lit bar interior of Apollo Inn
The Apollo Inn is perfect for date night. (Image: Earl Carter)

The menu of snacks and share plates at Apollo Inn is designed with drinking in mind. Order a tray of martinis to start. Follow with raw tuna with grapefruit and fennel seed or the crab bun, which deserves its cult following. Finish with more martinis.

a candle-lit dinner at Apollo Inn
An intimate candle-lit dinner awaits at Apollo Inn. (Image: Jo McGann)

Address: 165 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC

3. Mill Place Merchants, Melbourne, Vic

Best for: A classic bikini sandwich with mortadella, mozzarella and bush tomato relish paired with a classy opera cocktail.

Heading out for a bite to eat has never been so fun. Smooth down your linen ‘fit and order some small bites at Mill Place Merchants , a classic candle-lit speakeasy tucked away in a 19th-century sandstone building in Melbourne’s CBD.

small bites with a drink at Mill Place Merchants
Order some small bites at Mill Place Merchants.

Turn your eye to the salt and vinegar crisps and a glass of something fizzy.

classic bikini sandwiches with a classy Opera Cocktail at Mill Place Merchants
Sip a classy Oopera cocktail with classic bikini sandwiches.

Address: 2 Mill Place, Melbourne, VIC

4. Re’em, Yarra Valley, Vic

Best for: Hainan chicken, puffed rice and pickled cucumber with a glass of 2022 Re’em Chardonnay.

Helen and Joey Xu have leant into their Chinese heritage at their new restaurant Re’em  at Helen & Joey Estate in the Yarra Valley. Forget nibbling on Nobby’s Nuts. Culinary consultant Mark Ebbels (ex-The Fat Duck, Bacchanalia) has designed an elevated selection of cellar door snacks such as shiitake mushroom dumplings and lamb belly skewers.

food on a plate beside a wine glass and bottle at Re’em, Yarra Valley, Vic
Choose from an elevated selection of cellar door snacks at Re’em.

Address: 12-14 Spring Lane, Gruyere, VIC

5. Pipi’s Kiosk, Albert Park, Vic

Best for: Salt cod croquettes with a Pipis spritz.

Pipi’s Kiosk  is somewhat of a quiet achiever. Anchored to the Kerferd Road Pier on the Albert Park foreshore, the venue will evoke childhood memories of going to the beach and doing the pipi shuffle.

a char-grilled baby octopus at Pipi's Kiosk
Enjoy chargrilled baby octopus at Pipi’s Kiosk. (Image: Jana Langhorst)

The bartenders here make a big impact with cocktails categorised under A Glass of Something Special.

a plate of raw fish in salted plum with wine at Pipi's Kiosk
Don’t pass up the chance to try their raw fish in salted plum. (Image: Jana Langhorst)

Address: 129A Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, VIC

6. Backroom Bar, South Yarra, Vic

Best for: Empanadas with vegan pork mince and plantain.

Delete all your dating apps. Instead, pop on a pair of scarlet wedges with your high-waisted jeans and enter the clamorous Backroom Bar  where there’s a high chance you will meet your vegan soulmate IRL.

The subterranean South Yarra Bar is all Art Deco charm and anti-conformist vibes. It’s also a great venue for a #girldinner or pre-theatre tipple.

hands reaching for food on a plate at Backroom Bar
Backroom Bar is your place to be for a vegan girl dinner.

Address: 234 Toorak Road, South Yarra, VIC

7. Non Disclosure, Geelong, Vic

Best for: Caviar and oysters and a coupla Business as Yuzu-Al cocktails.

Full disclosure: we haven’t made it to Non Disclosure . But we have heard amazing things about this Geelong bar located in the lively Little Malop St precinct. The bar brought to you by the team behind the 18th Amendment Bar and Manhattan Bar has an old-timey feel meant to evoke the glory days of The Great Gatsby of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel. Bring your main character energy to the seductive space.

a table-top view of food and drinks at Non Disclosure, Geelong, Vic
Bring your main character energy to Non Disclosure.

Address: 2/71 Little Malop St, Geelong, VIC

8. Georgie Wine Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: A martini and steak frites after a shopping trip to the QVB.

Hey there, Georgie girl. Say ‘hey’ to a buffed and polished New York wine bar in Sydney’s CBD. By day, the ground-floor bar on the corner of George and Bond streets draws pretzel and bagel aficionadoes to its casual streetside window. But as day turns to night, the 60-seater with the checkerboard floor morphs into a moody bar giving neighbourhood Manhattan vibes. The wine bar – all marble, velvet and accents of gold – serves classic martinis and manhattans in vintage glassware, which sets the tone and pays homage to the building’s handsome Art Deco heritage.

Plates of food laid out on a table with chicken wings and oysters and terrine.

Don’t miss the surf and turf skewers threaded by chef Gil Ghidalia (ex Shell House and Aria) which entice commuters and local office workers to pop in for a quick and casual lunch. There’s also its great Australian bites. The bar menu at Georgie is rooted in provenance with a focus on humble share plates such as devilled eggs, terrine du jour and a classic cheeseburger with wagyu and bacon slathered in a secret sauce.

Beautiful backlit bar with a marble countertop and aubergine-hued stools at Georgie's Wine Bar in the CBD.
Georgie’s is all marble, velvet and gilt-edged Art Deco glamour.

Chef Gil also has plans to serve a mystery snack from the streetside window such as Rockefeller toasties or Reuben eclairs. Watch this space.

9. Bottega Wine Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Casual bar bites with a memorable glass of wine in a stunning location.

The Restaurant Pendolino  is one of Sydney’s best restaurants. Now those wanting to pop in for a bite to eat pre-dinner or post-theatre can enjoy the more casual offering from Bottega Pendolino , the new wine bar at the front of the restaurant in the Strand Arcade.

the dining interior of Bottega Wine Bar
Book a table for two at Bottega Wine Bar.

Like its big sister, the wine bar is reflective of its downtown Sydney locale in the charming heritage-listed Victorian-era building.

Choose from an array of casual share plates such as king prawn rye cocktail sandwiches, eggplant fritters and oysters.

a spread of dinner plates on the table at Bottega Wine Bar
Pick from the casual share plates on offer.

Address: Level 2, The Strand Arcade, Sydney, NSW

10. Nick & Nora’s, Parramatta, NSW

Best for: Oysters and Champagne darling.

Have your leopard-print jacket and oversized sunglasses at the ready. Nick & Nora’s at SKYE Suites Parramatta is an Art Deco-styled cocktail and Champagne bar that serves magnificent morsels matched with lively libations for party-ready Parra types.

the dining interior of Nick and Noras with dim mood lighting
Nick & Nora’s is a cocktail and Champagne bar with a heritage feel.

Think oysters, caviar, local and imported cheese and cured meats as well as one-bite canapes. The rooftop bar owned by the Speakeasy Group (Mjolner, Eau De Vie) has uninterrupted views across the city skyline from the 26th floor of SKYE Suites Parramatta. It’s a fantastic place to perch and ponder how sophisticated Sydney’s second CBD has become. Book a stay-cay and explore all that Parra has to offer, including the new PHIVE, the award-winning new landmark library and community hub and Parramatta Aquatic Centre.

a spread of food and drinks on the table at Nick & Nora’s, Parramatta, NSW
Dine on cured meats, caviar and more at Nick & Nora’s.

Address: Level 26/45 SKYE Suites Parramatta, 30 Hunter St, Parramatta, NSW

11. Mister Percy, Pyrmont, NSW

Best for: MSC Cantabrian Anchovies with butter and toast and a Mandrake of the Lake gin highball.

The great custom of nibbling and drinking has got a whole lot more sophisticated in Pyrmont thanks to Mister Percy .

an elegant dining setup at Mister Percy
Elevate your wine game at Mister Percy.

A good portion of the menu at the neighbourhood wine bar is designed to share. And there’s a lot at the bar that will grab your attention. Keep it simple with the drool-worthy four-cheese toastie.

a look inside the wine bar at Mister Percy
This bustling wine bar is best for nibbling and drinking.

Address:  139 Murray St, Pyrmont, NSW

12. Bar Infinita, Gordon, NSW

Best for: Italian antipasti and Amalfi sours.

Nab a seat on the pavement outside Bar Infinita  in Gordon on Sydney’s North Shore to fill up on tasty bites made to order by ex-Firedoor and Ormeggio chef Francesco Iervolino.

a cosy bar with a fireplace at Bar Infinita, Gordon
Taste Bar Infinita’s wood-fired pizza. (Image: Chad Konik)

This buzzy neighbourhood bar is all about fire and char: enjoy the thrill of the grill with succulent octopus served with romesco, shishito peppers and nduja.

Italian dinner on the table at Bar Infinita
This buzzy neighbourhood bar is all about fire and char. (Image: Chad Konik)

Address: 10 St Johns Avenue, Gordon, NSW

13. Lumiere on Thirty Five, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Foie gras parfait and beetroot tartlet.

One thing will certainly lead to another at Sydney’s newest bar . Start with the Copper Moon, which will captivate your senses. It’s one of many artisan cocktails concocted by mixologist Jason Lau to be enjoyed over delicately crafted cheffy morsels such as wagyu skewers and the Native Flower Pot.

Lumière is French for light and the running theme for the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour bar overlooking Sydney’s twinkling skyline.

mixologist Jason Lau at the bar counter of Lumière on Thirty Five
Enjoy an array of artisan cocktails at Sydney’s newest bar.

Address: 12 Darling Drive, Sydney, NSW

14. Bar Lettera, North Sydney, NSW

Best for: Grilled black tiger prawns with Aleppo pepper and shellfish oil.

North Sydney residents are set to become even more insular with the opening of Bar Lettera . The modern Australian bar led by chef Ryan Perry (The Bridge Room and Momofuku Seiobo) skews toward Italian.

two people walking into Bar Lettera
Pop into Bar Lettera.

Pull up a stool at the modern Australian bar that conjures colours of the Australian landscape and has a kind of late-night supper club vibe.

The all-day menu includes light bites such as ocean trout and cobia crudo and rigatoni with Wollemi duck ragu with Davidson plum jam.

a table-top view of dinner plates at Bar Lettera
Bar Lettera serves light bites all day.

Address: Level 5, Citadines Walker North Sydney, 88 Walker St, North Sydney, NSW

15. Marble Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Lobster rolls and Born Lucky cocktail.

The Marble Bar  at Hilton Sydney is one of Australia’s most alluring and opulent venues. The name is a nod to the 35 varieties of marble used in the fit-out for the bar first established in 1893 and later rebuilt in the subterranean level of the Hilton Sydney.

the vintage interior or Marble Bar with dim lighting
Settle into the dimly lit Marble Bar.

Drape yourself over a lounge in the warm and cosy bar, which celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2023. Head here for wagyu beef sliders and whisky while admiring the stained-glass panels, timber archways, polished mahogany and Julian Ashton’s paintings.

Julian Ashton’s paintings on the walls of Marble Bar
Julian Ashton’s paintings are spread across the timber archways.

Address: Level B1 Hilton Sydney, 488 George St, Sydney, NSW

16. Penelope’s, Sydney, NSW

Best for: A bogan old fashioned with a vegemite caramel and prawn cocktail.

The Quay Quarter is shaping up to be one of the liveliest dining precincts in Sydney.  The food and drinks at Penelope’s  are inventive and fun. The diners’ eclectic. And the menu conceived to represent a new take on Australian cuisine.

the elegant dining interior at Penelope’s, Sydney, NSW
Penelope’s has an eclectic dining scene. (Image: Chad Konik)

Executive chef and owner Cuong Nguyen leans into both his Vietnamese heritage and his experience growing up in Sydney’s inner west.

Belly up to the bar to enjoy elevated offerings of dishes that show the diversity of Sydney neighbourhoods, from Lakemba spiced lamb shoulder to Bakar chicken complimented by wines from around the world.

a close-up of food on a plate alongside a wine glass at Penelope’s, Sydney, NSW
The dishes at Penelope’s are from Vietnamese origin. (Image: Chad Konik)

Address: Quay Quarter, Level 1, 50 Bridge St (enter from Phillip St), Sydney, NSW

17. Gildas, Surry Hills, NSW

Best for: The famous gilda snack, which arrive speared on a stick as a Gilda, Grillda or Aussie-fied Matilda.

There’s one thing about chef Lennox Hastie: he doesn’t gild the lily. Or in this case, he doesn’t gild the gilda, the name of the venue paying homage to the original pinxtos of the Basque region in northern Spain where the Michelin-trained chef worked for a time.

a look inside the Gildas bar and restaurant
The name Gildas is a homage to the original pinxtos of the Basque region in northern Spain. (Image: Nikki To)

Expect wildly flavourful dishes and an inspired drinks selection that has made Gildas  just as hot as sister venue Firedoor.

Like a proper pintxos taverna, Gildas embraces the Basque tradition of bringing locals together to snack on small plates, share a few yarns and enjoy a drink or two.

basque lomo with drinks and light snacks on the table at Gildas
Snack on small plates with a drink or two.

Address: 46-48 Albion St, Surry Hills, NSW

18. McRae Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best for: Chicken liver parfait with quince jam and dill pickle with a McRae Negroni.

Capella Sydney’s swanky McRae Bar named in honour of George McRae, the building’s original architect, redefines the classic hotel lounge. This is not the place for a post-punk after-party.

the elegant interior of McRae Bar, Sydney
McRae Bar was named in honour of architect George McRae.

The elegant bar has a carefully curated drinks list with contemporary twists on nostalgic-style cocktails that have stood the test of time.

Frock up for the Golden Age of the Cocktail complemented with elevated bar bites such as spring pea tartlets with ricotta and green chilli and bluefin tuna with smoked cream and kombu.

cocktails with bar bites at McRae Bar, Sydney
Pair indulgent bar bites with innovative cocktails.

Address: Capella Sydney, 2/4 Farrer Pl, Sydney, NSW

19. Lina Rooftop Bar, South Brisbane, Qld

Best for: Apero O’Clock cocktails with the girls and duck liver parfait.

Could this Brisbane rooftop bar be any more emblematic of the Sunshine State? While the menu at Lina  changes with the seasons, thankfully, the Byron Bay burrata has remained.

guests relaxing on sun loungers by the pool at Lina Rooftop Bar
Soak up the sun by Lina Rooftop Bar’s poolside. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Lina is more French Riviera than South Brissy. The nautical-themed pool deck bar is a draw for bronzed bods with a penchant for socialising in their triangle bikinis and boardies.

a hand touching a cocktail glass at Lina Rooftop Bar
Linger a little longer at Lina Rooftop Bar with a cocktail in hand. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Address: 74-80 Tribune St, South Brisbane, QLD

20. Bar Kokomo, Darwin, NT

Best for: A Raintree Park Swizzle with local wild-caught snapper served on crisp tostadas.

It’s a Top End truism that Bar Kokomo  is one of the NT’s best watering holes. Sure, the strength of the place has a lot to do with the colourful pilgrims who gather in the bar to exchange gossip. But the bar in multicultural Darwin also gets bonus points for being named after Kokomo, a song by the Beach Boys.

Lean into the lyrics – ‘There’s a place called Kokomo; That’s where you wanna go’ and get a taste of rum culture, past and present, with exciting tipples paired with food inflected with accents from the Caribbean, Spain and France.

a close-up shot of a seafood dish at Bar Kokomo
Pair exciting tipples with a savoury seafood dish at Bar Kokomo.

Address: 56 Smith Street, Darwin, NT

21. Havza, Rottnest Island, WA

Best for: Halloumi with honeycomb and a glass of something fizzy with friends.

Havza  is the Turkish translation of ‘Basin’, which is where you will find this rustic pop-up on Rottnest Island every summer.

al fresco tables by the beach at Havza, Rottnest Island, WA
Dine al fresco at Havza.

The eatery was handcrafted by owner Glenn Evans using timbers he sourced from his mother’s farm in WA and milled himself. Tuck into tapas-style dishes such as falafel with tzatziki and hummus on flatbread or spicy fishcakes at the pop-up, which operates in summer only.

a close-up of a dish at Havza, Rottnest Island, WA
Tuck into tapas-style dishes at Havza.

Address: The Basin, Rottnest Island, WA

22. Romulus, Leederville, WA

Best for: Snacks with heft such as ox cheeks bites and a glass of big bold red.

A new wine bar in bustling Boorloo (Perth) captures the big-city energy of the suburb of Leederville. Named after Rome’s founding father, the menu at Romulus  is a study of local food and wine sourced from farms and vineyards nearby.

As well as being a fine and dandy watering hole, you’ll find great food to match. Kick back on the turmeric-toned banquette for a glass of something funky alongside antipasto and crab bruschetta.

Address: Shop 1/224 Carr Place Leederville, WA

23. Shirley’s, Fremantle, WA

Best for: Taking your nan out for vegetable terrine and the Boozy Shirley cocktail.

Fremantle fave Manuka Woodfire Kitchen has opened a sidecar space named Shirley’s . Belly up to the bar at the new neighbouring venue that lures a cool energetic crowd of 20somethings in sneakers and jaunty hats.

the vibrant bar interior of Shirley's Fremantle
Take in the retro vibes ar Shirley’s.

There are pops of hot pink on the walls, whitewashed bricks, and cosy pockets surrounded by plants. We love the retro vibes with classic prawn cocktails, potato galettes and leek and feta quiches.

a close-up of a hand holding two cocktail glasses at Shirley’s Fremantle
Have a tipple at Shirley’s.

Address: 124 High St, Fremantle, WA

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Your guide to a gourmand getaway along the Murray River

Feast your way through Sun Country on the Murray – a beautiful and bountiful region in northern Victoria with gourmet delights galore.

Nestled on the lands of the Yorta Yorta People along the mighty Murray River, Sun Country is a truly extraordinary place. The northern Victorian enclave is a tapestry of meandering waterways, ancient forests, sandy beaches, enchanting country towns and an easy way of life.

Beyond its landscapes and bucolic charm, Sun Country on the Murray is a culinary paradise: think farm-fresh produce, family-run wineries and no shortage of places to feast.

If you’re a serious foodie or simply epicurious, here’s your ultimate guide to a gourmand Murray River getaway.

The Murray Farm Gate Trail

The self-guided Murray Gate Farm Trail lets you sample the area’s best produce while immersing yourself in the lush Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The trail has something to suit every palate and pace, but there are a few notable highlights.

1. Rich Glen

Rich Glen Provedore and Rich Glen Skin & Beauty
Stock up at Rich Glen. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Rich Glen is renowned for its award-winning olive oils. Everything is grown and created on the family farm in Yarrawonga, the results of which you can visit at Rich Glen Provedore – a treasure trove of gourmet foods, including that signature olive oil. Or explore Rich Glen Skin & Beauty, which stocks lush handmade skincare and wellness products.

2. How Now Dairy

A charming micro-farm producing ethical dairy, How Now Dairy , lets its baby calves remain with their mothers and its cows roam on rolling pesticide-free pastures. Try a selection of cheeses that do good and taste good, including a fantastic punchy blue, and velvety milk with a thick, creamy top.

3. Cactus Country

Cactus Country in the murray
Stop into Cactus Country. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Cactus Country is a 12-acre stretch of desert-like garden containing cacti of all shapes, sizes and colours. Naturally, it makes the most of its bounty at the on-site bar and restaurant, with a cactus-infused dessert menu alongside a vibrant line-up of Mexican snacks and mains.

4. The Olde Creamery

The Olde Creamery is a local icon, a former hobby farm that has flourished into a thriving purveyor of flowers and foods. The elderflower cordial and bramble gin and tonic jam are must-tries, and make for tasty mementoes of your trip.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries

The region’s sunny climate and rich soils make it a prime place for viticulture. If wine isn’t your thing, you’ll also find boutique breweries and distilleries producing top-notch beers and spirits.

1. Squires Winery

a couple sitting at the bar at squire's winery, sun country on the murray
Pop in for a tasting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its idyllic positioning on the Ovens River, Squires Winery is a lovely setting for a long, leisurely lunch or tasting. Enjoy a riverside sip of prosecco, rosé or cab sauv, complemented by seasonal bites and a backdrop of towering gum trees.

2. Cape Horn Vineyard

Cape Horn is one of the region’s most established vineyards. Its sparkling durif/shiraz is a crowd favourite and well worth trying on your foodie tour, especially if it’s served with one of the winery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas.

3. Byramine Homestead & Brewery

Byramine Homestead brewery
Enjoy a tipple at this historic homestead.

A top pick among beer, cider and history enthusiasts, Byramine serves a rotation of brews made on-site in the historic homestead. Wander through the venue and learn about its colonial past before sitting down to a freshly made Ploughman’s and cold local ale.

4. Monichino Wines

Monichino is a slice of la dolce vita in northern Victoria, producing classic Italian varietals like pinot grigio and aromatica. Drop by for a tasting at the cellar door (open weekends or by appointment) and explore everything from crisp whites to robust fortified wines, or pack a picnic and savour your glass in the picturesque gardens.

5. Corowa Distilling Co

Corowa Distilling Co
Sit down to a hearty lunch. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Corowa Distilling Co crafts an incredible variety of single-malt and blended whiskies, and is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for a tasting flight in the whisky room, or a hearty breakfast or lunch paired with a wee dram.

Farm-to-table dining

If you’ve got the time to linger over a gourmet spread, Sun Country on the Murray has an abundance of outstanding restaurants and cafes.

1. O’Reilly’s Food and Wine

O’Reilly’s feels much like stepping into a good friend’s home, albeit with a refined twist. The menu changes weekly and rotates through a selection of comforting yet elevated dishes – think lamb cottage pie, French-style moussaka, a perennially popular open steak sandwich and cakes that change flavours weekly.

2. Stock and Barrel

a couple eating at Stock and Barrel victoria
Soak in views of Lake Mulwala. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Tucked inside The Sebel Yarrawonga hotel, overlooking sparkling Lake Mulwala, Stock and Barrel does pub classics with a Sun Country spin. Order a perfectly seared steak and triple-cooked potatoes alongside a freshly poured pint, or try a regional highlight: local produce features abundantly across Stock and Barrel’s dishes.

3. The Bend

With spacious decks and panoramic views of the Murray, The Bend is ideal for a sun-soaked long lunch. Order a round of moreish share plates (like baja fish tacos and a warm-from-the-oven brioche loaf stuffed with cream cheese and herbs) or a signature cocktail and indulgent main – we can’t go past the slow-braised wagyu brisket.

4. Blacksmith Provedore

Black Smith Provedore
Taste Blacksmith Provedore’s delicious pizzas. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

If you’re after a slick yet relaxed dining destination, head to Blacksmith Provedore . Perched right next to Lake Mulwala, the venue is airy and elegant, with a minimalist-chic design. The pizzas are seriously good too, made with 72-hour fermented dough and toppings sourced from Italy’s finest producers.

5. Broken Willow

As soon as you enter Broken Willow ’s front doors, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality and a classic bistro menu that has something for everyone: succulent grilled meats, parmas and schnitzels, juicy burgers, and international dishes ranging from weekly curry and stir-fry specials to zippy banh mi.

While you’re there

Thompson Beach in sun country on the murray
Discover plenty to do between meals. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Got a few hours to spare? Make the most of your trip by exploring the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of your riverside surroundings.

Barmah National Park is a sanctuary of walks through majestic river red gums and serene wetlands. Here, a seat on board a Kingfisher River Cruise offers a different Murray experience, letting you see the vast river from the perspective of the Yorta Yorta peoples.

If you’re a watersport enthusiast, Lake Mulwala in Yarrawonga is a favourite for canoeing, cruising, fishing, kayaking and water skiing. While the silo murals at Katamatite, St James, Tungamah and more recently Waaia are essential stops in Victoria’s famed Silo Art Trail .

In Cobram Barooga, make sure to visit Thompson’s Beach, the largest inland beach in the southern hemisphere. Nearby, the Bullanginya Dreaming project is an award-winning 1.8km immersive art experience that immerses you in light and sound to tell a rich story of country, culture and connection.

Start planning a tasty getaway to Sun Country on The Murray at suncountryonthemurray.com.au.