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.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood. Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach: aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro. Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar, one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail. Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm, find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

12 of Australia’s best unknown food towns