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.

There’s nothing like the freedom and flexibility of a road trip – made all the better with local knowledge.

From the rugged coast to the spiritual centre of the country, Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to legendary drives. And hitting the road and meeting locals who can share their favourite spots along the way is one of the best ways to get to a destination’s heart.

These six epic road trips are a good place to start, basing yourself at locally run Quest Apartment Hotels to take advantage of insider travel tips and convenience aplenty.

1. Journey along the Murray: Mildura – Echuca – Wodonga

Paddle steamer on the Murray. — Explore the Murray. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Australia’s longest river is dotted with charming towns. In Mildura, a brew from Brother Chris will energise you for a day exploring Mungo National Park, featuring 240,000 hectares of lunar-like landscapes, ending with a restful night at Quest Mildura.

A day cruising with Murray River Paddlesteamers is a must-do. And make sure you visit Two Lads Brewing; Quest Echuca business owner Brendan Du Kamp says its crisp lager “has a wonderful reputation for converting even the most devoted traditional beer lovers”. Unwind at the centrally located Quest Echuca.

In Wodonga, Miss Amelie delivers the region’s best gourmet finds, and Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works offers fishing, swimming and picnic spots. End the day on a high note with a night at the spacious Quest Wodonga.

2. Through the heart of Australia: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin

Stay close to Adelaide's best attractions at Quest on Franklin. — Stay close to Adelaide’s best attractions at Quest on Franklin.

Venturing through Australia’s spiritual heart is an unforgettable experience. Starting in Adelaide, check into Quest on Franklin, a convenient base for discovering the best activities – including Adelaide Central Market and the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike.

Further north, Quest Alice Springs owner Sherry Li recommends you “take the time to explore the galleries and cafes, chat with the locals and venture beyond the town centre”. The culturally significant Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm) and Alice Springs Desert Park beckon to be explored; afterwards, beat the heat with rooftop cocktails at Quest Alice Springs.

Up north, golden sunsets and barramundi await at Darwin Sailing Club, as does the pet-friendly Quest Palmerston, loved for its outdoor swimming pool and proximity to Palmerston Markets.

3. Northern explorer: Brisbane – Rockhampton – Mackay – Townsville

Sunrise hike with views of the city below after checking in at Quest Apartment Hotels. — Greet the day from Castle Hill. (Image: Katie Purling)

Head from the city to the tropics, starting with a Brisbane culture fix at the Queensland Cultural Centre before enjoying drinks overlooking the river at Howard Smith Wharves. Sleep over at one of 11 Quest properties conveniently peppered across the city, including Quest Woolloongabba.

After heading north to Rockhampton, explore the Dreamtime Cultural Centre then marvel at Mt Archer National Park and Fitzroy River views from Quest Rockhampton.

Next, venture to Mackay, where the picturesque coast and sugarcane fields are easily accessible from Quest Mackay on Gordon. Even further north, in Townsville, Alison Rayner, business owner of the perfectly placed Quest Townsville on Eyre, recommends enjoying the sunrise from Castle Hill and the ‘Just Feed Me’ menu from Shorehouse.

4. The Western Way: Fremantle – Rockingham – Bunbury

A bartender prepares handcrafted cocktails. — Experience Fremantle’s craft distilling scene. (Image: Tourism WA)

Checking into the pet-friendly Quest Fremantle is key to discovering the port town’s highlights, including the WA Maritime Museum and Republic of Fremantle distillery.

The Boya Kaarla (Cape Peron) Walking Tour, led by Whadjuk guide Steven Jacobs, is a Rockingham highlight, as is an oceanfront burger at Chandlers Kitchen – which is a stone’s throw from Quest Rockingham and its sparkling swimming pool.

Quest Bunbury puts you steps from Bunbury’s Koombana Bay, home to over 100 wild bottlenose dolphins. Make sure to also visit the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG), found inside a historic former convent.

5. Follow the vines: Griffith – Orange – Singleton

Quest Orange Monty's Restaurant & Bar — Don’t miss the steak frites at Monty’s.

Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Riverina viticulture. In Griffith, sip montepulciano at Calabria Family Wines and the award-winning Noble One Botrytis Semillon at De Bortoli. It’s all easily accessible from Quest Griffith, where modern rooms are flooded with natural light.

Amy van de Ven, Quest Orange business owner, recommends visiting family-owned ChaLou Wines and Printhie Wines in Orange. “Finish with a long lunch or dinner at Quest Orange’s newest onsite restaurant, Monty’s Restaurant & Bar, where the steak frites are hard to beat, and you’ll find arguably the region’s best tiramisu,” she says. Make life easy by cocooning yourself at Quest Orange.

In the Hunter Valley, bed down at Quest Singleton, where tasteful rooms feature deep soaking baths and you’re well-placed to sip world-class drops at Brokenwood Wines and dine at two-hatted Muse.

6. Goldfields to Great Ocean Road: Geelong – Ballarat – Warrnambool

Drinks from Little Mallop Street in Geelong. — Taste Geelong’s delights. (Image: Visit Victoria)

This diverse adventure takes you from port city to historic town to rugged coastline. Begin in Geelong, brimming with culinary delights, culture and natural beauty that’s ready to be discovered at Little Malop Street and the rooftop patio at Quest Geelong.

Ballarat’s colourful Gold Rush history can be explored at Sovereign Hill, and the region’s top produce can be sampled at popular spirit and wine bar Roy Hammond. Quest Ballarat Station and its luxe rooms is the perfect place to hole up during your stay.

For an unforgettable Aussie experience, Naomi Slape – owner of Quest Warrnambool – recommends visiting Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a dormant volcano where you can spot koalas, emus and wallabies in the wild. Quest Warrnambool is just steps from the idyllic McGennans Beach and across the road from the Warrnambool Art Gallery.

Start planning the ultimate road trip, with insider knowledge along the way, at questapartments.com.au.

12 of Australia’s best unknown food towns