12 of Australia's Best Unknown Food Towns

What’s a getaway without a range of incredible treats for your tastebuds? Foodies, put these small Aussie towns on your bucket list.

When a seachange calls and the busy city feels like too much, a small town getaway is just begging to be booked. But 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 Fijiian-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.

patrons being served at The Lake House Denmark cellar door, restaurant and cafe in Denmark western australia — Dine with a view at The Lake House. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Broome, WA

This little town has a big reputation for its pearling history, but in recent years it’s been doing the most with its food scene, from casual cafes and locally crafted brews and liquors (Matoso’s Mango Beer, anyone?) to farmer’s markets and literally the best dinner views of Cable Beach.

table spread at Matso's brewery in Broome western australia — Try the famous Matoso’s Mango Beer. (Image: 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 nearby Castlemaine. Discover old favourites – like the classic meals served at Bar Midland and beloved pizzas of Theatre Royal – to new inspirations – like the Italian and French farmhouse meals being served at A Table Bistro – to local makers – like the Love Shack brewery and attached Public Bar And Bistro for all your retro pub grub needs.

patrons sitting at the bar at Love Shack Public Bar And Bistro in Castlemaine Victoria — Grab classic pub grub at Love Shack Public Bar And Bistro. (Image: Visit Victoria)

4. Torquay, Vic

Just about anything your tastebuds desire can be found – to a high standard – in 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 Big Things Cafe , Bob Sugar ‘s Asian-fusion or the classic Euro-style sandwiches of Mortadeli . Make it an occasion with the freshly made pasta and killer wine list at Pearl .

squid ink linguine at Pearl Torquay VIC — Try the squid ink linguine at Pearl Torquay.

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 our pick of the best casual local eats here, or, for those wanting to elevate the experience, these Mooloolaba restaurants are for you. Once you’ve digested, discover these other things to do while you’re in this Sunshine Coast town.

a hand holding two plates of food at The Velo Project — The crepe menu at The Velo Project is a must-try, any time of day.

6. Maleny, Qld

When it was first 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 win you can pick up from local vineyards like Clouds and Flame Hill.

For sit-down meals, you’ll find a world of cuisines from Indian to Thai to 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.

beer and food on table at Bruhaha Brewery in maleny queensland — Stop in for a fresh local beer and eats at Bruhaha Brewery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

7. Alice Springs, NT

Something that the Northern Territory does better than the rest of Australia is modern Australia and traditional bushtucker. 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 . Or stocking 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.

dish at Saltbush restaurant in alice springs — Taste contemporary Australian produce and bush food at Saltbush. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Hahndorf, SA

Nestled in the heart of 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 Barvarian feed outside of Germany, itself.

Get your fill at places like Hahndorf Kaffeehaus & Fine Foods , German Spoon and The Haus Restaurant . 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.

table spread of beer and food at The Haus Restaurant in Handorf South Australia — Wash down authentic Bavarian fare with a cold beer at The Haus Restaurant. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

9. Wilunga, SA

Heading further south, the Fleurieu Peninsula town of Wilunga 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. Followed closely by working farm, orchard, garden and restaurant, Papershell . Don’t forget to stock up on fresh, local produce at Wilunga Farmer’s Market .

desserts served at Papershell Farm restaurant Wilunga south australia — Treat yourself to dessert at Papershell Farm. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

10. Bruny Island, Tas

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. Get more foodie inspiration here. And while you’re on the island, why not try these other awesome things to do there.

oysters and wine at Get Shucked bruny island — Get Shucked with fresh oysters on Burny Island. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

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.

basket of freshly picked apples at Shields Orchard Bilpin — Get a kick out of picking your own produce. (Image: 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. Find ready-made frozen meals, dressings, jams, chutneys and homemade cakes to take with you, or sit in for brunch and lunch.

table spread of food with front counter in Long Track Pantry shop and cafe — Pick up homemade goodies at Long Track Pantry shop and cafe.

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .

12 of Australia’s best unknown food towns