These Are The Best Regional Bakeries Around Australia

We quizzed you, our readers, on where to find the best regional bakeries in Australia – and your responses did not disappoint.

Australia’s regional bakeries have become destinations in their own right, with loyal locals and visitors raving about their flaky pastries, fresh sourdough and creative cakes. From creamy vanilla slices in Tasmania to award-winning pies in Victoria, these bakeries are worth the road trip. Here are 28 reader-approved bakeries you need to add to your foodie bucket list.

Reader-approved bakery bliss! You, our readers, have spoken – these are the best regional bakeries around Australia. Worth the road trip? You bet!

1. Sunday Sustainable Bakery, Byron Bay, NSW

At the top of the list, this Byron Bay gem champions sustainability with organic ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Sunday Sustainable Bakery is famous for its croissants and artisan breads that draw queues of hungry locals and visitors.

Address: 101 Jonson St, Byron Bay

2. Lagom Bakery, Burrill Lake, NSW

pastries at Lagom Bakery — This artisanal bakery serves irresistible goods. (Image: @olamoszumanka)

Nestled on the picturesque NSW South Coast, Lagom Bakery offers the perfect balance of sweet and savoury treats. Their pastries, cakes and loaves have earned them a devoted following.

Address: 98 McDonald Parade, Burrill Lake

3. Baker and Daughters, Mullumbimby, NSW

This family-run bakery in Mullumbimby on the NSW North Coast is a local treasure. Known for its wholesome approach, Baker and Daughters serves up an array of baked goods infused with love and tradition.

Address: 28 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby

4. Ket Bakery, Wallington, Vic

sourdough bread at Ket Bakery — Their buttery sourdough is mouthwatering. (Image: Victoria Content Hub)

Tucked away on the Bellarine Peninsula, Ket Bakery is celebrated for its impeccable pastries and buttery sourdough croissants. It’s a must-stop for anyone exploring regional Victoria.

Address: 377 Grubb Rd, Wallington

5. Racine Bakery, Orange, NSW

brioche bread at Racine Bakery — One of the best organic rolls you will ever taste. (Image: Destination NSW)

This elegant bakery in the heart of Orange wine country pairs beautifully with the region’s stellar vintages. Racine Bakery’s sourdoughs and delicate pastries are the talk of the town.

Address: 142 Summer St, Orange

6. Barnett’s Bakery, Crescent Head, NSW

A coastal favourite, Barnett’s Bakery is known for its hearty Aussie pies and fresh bread. Surf and snack your way through this charming destination.

Address: Shop 2/12 Main St, Crescent Head

7. The Baker’s Duck, Toowoomba, Qld

croissant at The Baker's Duck — The handcrafted pastries taste as good as they look.

Creative croissants, cruffins and cakes are the hallmarks of The Baker’s Duck . This Toowoomba institution has foodies driving for hours to stock up on its imaginative treats.

Address: 124 Campbell St, Toowoomba City

8. Black Cockatoo Bakery, Blue Mountains, NSW

Making bread at at Black Cockatoo Bakery — Stop by Black Cockatoo Bakery in either Katoomba or Lawson.

Rustic and inviting, Black Cockatoo Bakery specialises in artisanal sourdoughs and pastries. Its two picturesque settings in the Blue Mountains add to its appeal.

Address: 165 Katoomba Street, Katoomba and Shop 1/1 Staples Crescent, Lawson

9. Hayden’s Pies, Ulladulla, NSW

pies at Hayden's — Their picture-perfect pies are thoughtfully made.

This South Coast staple is a pie-lover’s paradise. Hayden’s Pies offers traditional fillings with a modern twist, making it a must-visit for road trippers.

Address: Shop 2/166 Princes Hwy, Ulladulla

10. Peach and Wolf, Coffs Harbour, NSW

signage of Peach Wolf Family Bakery — This family bakery whips up long fermented pastries.

Peach and Wolf is an up-and-coming favourite, delivering a fresh take on baked classics. It’s fast becoming a Coffs Harbour icon.

Address: The Equinox Building, 29/87 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour

11. The Bakery, Alice Springs, NT

The Bakery goodies — This local favourite knows how to satisfy every craving. (Image: Tourism NT/Neil Rilatt)

Outback adventurers swear by The Bakery in Alice Springs. Known for its hearty bakes and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect pit stop in the Red Centre.

Address: 4/11 Todd St, Alice Springs

12. Sourdough Bakery at Balabudgee, Mudgee, NSW

Sourdough from the Sourdough Bakery at Balabudgee — The one-day-a-week bakery is located just outside of Mudgee.

This hidden gem near the Central West town of Mudgee offers simple yet delicious baked goods that keep its loyal customers coming back for more.

Address: Frog Rock

13. Icky Sticky Patisserie, Lorn, NSW

passionfruit meringue tarts at Icky Sticky Patisserie — Indulge in these passionfruit meringue tarts which just melt in the mouth. (Image: Destination NSW)

Renowned for indulgent cakes and picture-perfect pastries, Icky Sticky Patisserie has earned its spot on this list.

Address: 2/27 Belmore Rd, Lorn

14. The Pocket Storehouse, Bundaberg, Qld

The Poket Storehouse — This bakery is not to be missed by baked goods enthusiasts.

This Bundaberg bakery specialises in sourdough, using traditional methods to create flavourful, crusty loaves. The Pocket Storehouse is a must for bread lovers.

Address: 27 Elliott Heads Rd, Kepnock

15. Red Beard Bakery, Trentham, Vic

Red Beard Bakery homemade sourdough — Their handmade sourdough breads are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. (Image: Victoria Content Hub)

Set in a historic building, Red Beard Bakery is famous for its wood-fired bread and connection to traditional baking techniques.

Address: 38A High St, Trentham

16. Babinda Bakery, Babinda, Qld

If you’re in Far North Queensland, don’t miss Babinda Bakery’s legendary cream buns. They’re worth every calorie.

Address: 35 Munro St, Babinda

17. Wild Yeast FNQ, Trinity Beach, Qld

This sourdough haven in Trinity Beach offers the perfect blend of tropical vibes and artisanal bread-making.

Address: Rabaul St, Trinity Beach

18. Port Elliot Bakery, Port Elliot, SA

Port Elliott Bakery — Established in 1989, this family bakery surely knows how to nail baked classics.

Port Elliot Bakery’s pastries are as famous as its coastal setting in South Australia. Try their vanilla slice for a sweet treat with a view.

Address: 31 North Terrace, Port Elliot

19. Mount Barker Country Bakery, Mount Barker, WA

An award-winning bakery known for its pies and friendly service, Mount Barker Country Bakery is a highlight of Western Australia’s Great Southern region.

Address: 18 Mondurup St, Mount Barker

20. Kenilworth Country Bakery, Kenilworth, Qld

Donuts and baked goods at Kenilworth Bakery — Try Kenilworth Country Bakery’s doughnuts.

Kenilworth Country Bakery is Instagram-famous for its giant doughnuts, but its pies and other pastries are just as irresistible.

Address: 8 Elizabeth St, Kenilworth

21. Dunkeld Old Bakery, Dunkeld, Vic

This charming bakery in the Grampians combines history and flavour, offering a cosy spot to enjoy freshly baked bread and pastries.

Address: 97 Martin St, Dunkeld

22. Richmond Bakery, Richmond, Tas

Richmond Bakery’s vanilla slices are legendary. Stop in for a sweet treat while exploring this historic Tasmanian town.

Address: 6/50 Bridge St, Richmond

23. Tumby Bay Bakery, Tumby Bay, SA

Known for its hearty pies and friendly service, Tumby Bay Bakery is a staple in this coastal South Australian town.

Address: 11 North Terrace, Tumby Bay

24. Bruny Baker Bread Fridge, Bruny Island, Tas

Bunny Baker's roadside fridge — The bakery’s charm lies in its roadside fridge. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/James Vodicka)

Located on stunning Bruny Island, this bakery is actually a vintage roadside fridge that serves up fresh bread and pastries with a side of breathtaking views.

Address: Alonnah

25. Happy Baker, Yackandandah, Vic

Happy Baker’s creative approach to baking has earned it a devoted following in Victoria’s High Country.

Address: 6 Turntable Ln, Yackandandah

26. Country Cob Bakery, Kyneton, Vic

Country Cob's pies — Country Cob has got to have the ooziest pies we’ve tasted.

Home to multi-award-winning pies, Country Cob Bakery in Kyneton is a must-visit for anyone exploring regional Victoria.

Address: 130-132 Mollison Street, Kyneton

27. Franquette, Tamborine Mountain, Qld

baked goodies at Franquette — Help yourself to some delicately made and fresh breads.

Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Franquette’s refined take on baked goods makes it a standout. Their attention to detail is evident in every bite.

Address: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

28. Silver Creek Sourdough, Beechworth, Vic

Silver Creek Sourdough produces some of the best artisanal bread in Victoria, using natural fermentation to create loaves full of flavour.

Address: Boilerhouse Lane off Gilchrist Ave, Beechworth

Your next road trip just got a lot tastier. These regional bakeries prove that Australia’s best bakes aren’t limited to the city. Which one will you visit first?

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.