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The battle of Australia’s 18 best summer ice creams

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
These cult-favourite ice creams prove Australian summers are built on nostalgia, loyalty and strong opinions. 

There are many ways Australians mark the start of summer. Swapping jumpers for thongs. Complaining it’s already too hot. And standing in front of a freezer, debating ice cream like it’s a life decision.  

Every summer, the same cult favourites rise to the top, sparking fierce loyalty, friendly rivalry and the occasional “sorry but that one’s overrated" hot take. From supermarket legends to scoop shops with lines out the door, this is the annual, unofficial battle for Australia’s most beloved summer ice cream, ranked only by how fiercely I love them. 

18. Paddle Pop

A cornerstone of Australian childhoods. Creamy, simple and deeply nostalgic, Paddle Pops are proof that you don’t need fancy flavours to win hearts. Still elite, still dependable and still best eaten on a hot afternoon when you probably should’ve had lunch. 

17. Drumstick

drumstick
Drumstick comes in new flavours.

Ice cream with theatre. The chocolate-lined cone, the crunchy base, the way everyone saves the last bite for maximum satisfaction. It’s so iconic that it’s now part of Australia’s Big Things ice cream legacy, which feels entirely correct. 

16. Cow and the Moon

The gelato shop that turned pistachio into a religion. Known for balance, depth of flavour and queues that barely move, Cow and the Moon is for people who say “just one scoop" and then immediately order another. 

15. Lifesavers

The ice cream version of the lolly you used to sort by colour. Sweet, refreshing and gone in about 30 seconds. Still fun. Still nostalgic. 

14. Bubble O’Bill

A cowboy hat, a bubblegum nose and a personality all of its own. It’s chaotic, divisive and impossible to forget. An icon, whether you loved it or not. 

13. Zooper Dooper

Not technically ice cream, but spiritually essential. The freezer staple of Aussie summers, best enjoyed dripping down your wrist on the hottest day of the year. 

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12. Calippo

The squeeze, the slurp, the citrus hit. Calippos are refreshment first, dessert second, and perfect when it’s too hot for anything creamy. 

11. Cornetto

The sophisticated cousin to the Drumstick. Chocolate tip, crunchy cone, creamy centre and just enough drama to feel indulgent. 

10. Cyclone

A tropical throwback that tastes like swimming carnivals and beach kiosks. Bright, fun and instantly nostalgic. 

9. Icy Pole

Simple, effective and still undefeated in extreme heat. Sometimes you don’t need bells and whistles, just cold, sweet relief. 

8. Milo Scoop Shake

Comfort in a cup. Chocolatey, creamy and deeply familiar, this one feels like a hug from your childhood pantry. 

7. Connoisseur

The freezer staple you buy “for guests" and then eat yourself. Rich flavours, smooth textures and quietly luxurious without being flashy. 

6. Frosty Fruits

Peak nostalgia. The kind of ice cream that lives in grandparents’ freezers and tastes like backyard summers. Sweet, refreshing and deeply sentimental. 

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5. Splice

The perfect balance of creamy vanilla and icy fruit. One bite and you’re instantly transported to holiday mode. 

4. Messina

You might not be able to find these in your local corner store, but no ice cream list is complete without the juggernaut. Weekly specials, experimental flavours and queues that prove Australians will wait patiently for exceptional gelato. Love it or roll your eyes at it, Messina has earned its cult status.

3. Magnum

Decadent, indulgent and unmistakable. Thick chocolate shell, rich centre and zero apologies. This is ice cream as a treat.

2. Weis Mango and Ice Cream Bar

A national treasure. Real mango flavour, creamy vanilla and the confidence of an ice cream that doesn’t need gimmicks to be perfect. 

1. Golden Gaytime

The undisputed legend. Biscuit bits, caramel, vanilla and nostalgia all working together in chaotic harmony. If summer had a flavour, this would be it. 

Will this spark debates? Absolutely. Should it. Definitely. Because in Australia, summer isn’t just about the heat. It’s about standing in front of the freezer, arguing passionately, and knowing deep down that the best ice cream is the one you’re eating right now. 

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Your summer events guide to Australia’s cultural capitals

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Explore the best that Sydney and Melbourne offer over summer, when busy event-packed days stretch into fun-filled nights.

    As summer unfolds, Sydney and Melbourne are at the forefront of the most exciting events in Australia. Whether your tastes run to culture, sport, shopping or dining, both offer a host of things to do and places to stay. Discover the best Accor hotels to explore from and how to spend your days to make the most of the warmer months in Australia’s vibrant capitals.

    Sydney

    Where to stay

    suite at Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection
    Relax beachside at Manly Pacific. (Image: Manly Pacific)

    Sydney has no shortage of fabulous hotels to choose from when attending events in the city, often within reach of either the harbour or the beach.

    The glamour and European style of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is hard to beat, whether for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. It’s within walking distance to the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, so everything the city offers is at your feet.

    Pullman Sydney Quay Grand is equally central and offers luxury apartment-style accommodation, featuring fully equipped kitchens and laundries. It’s ideal for family stays. Also in the CBD, Swissôtel Sydney gives easy access to some of the city’s top shopping, including the historic Queen Victoria Building.

    For beachside vibes, head to Manly or Brighton, where there’s something for everyone. Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection is all about coastal elegance, ocean views and fresh seafood. Hit the rooftop pool or the beach to cool off, or go snorkelling at nearby Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Take the Manly ferry for a scenic trip to the city.

    Peppers Manly Beach offers stylish accommodation literally across the road from famous Manly Beach. Grab a free e-bike, take a surfing lesson, walk the foreshore or browse the surf shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes.

    For a luxury stay that’s closer to both the city and airport, choose The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Hotel Collection . Hugging the shore of Botany Bay, the hotel is just 20 minutes by train to the CBD, and a 10-minute drive from Sydney airport. Soak up the sea air, or dive into the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor pool.

    Events and sightseeing

    two people at Sydney Festival
    Time your Sydney trip to visit the Sydney Festival. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Sydney loves a party and there are few bigger than Sydney Festival , which has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for 50 years. Running from 8–25 January in 2026, it’s a city-wide celebration of culture and creativity encompassing music, dance, comedy, visual art and edgy experimental performances.

    Westpac OpenAir Cinema opens for the summer season on 20 January. Set on the waterfront at Mrs Macquaries Point, with a backdrop of the harbour and city skyline, it features classics and new movies. Grandstand seating (BYO cushion) provides perfect viewing.

    A cool oasis of green in the heart of the city, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers much more than just plants and flowers. Escape the heat with a stroll through themed areas, including the romantic Palace Rose Garden and lush Palm Grove, and stop at the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden to learn the story of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Best of all, it’s all free.

    Where to eat and drink

    Arches on Market bar in Accor SwissôtelSydney
    Stop for drinks at Arches on Market. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

    Fancy a taste of Italy? Flaminia is the new restaurant coming to the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour in November 2025, and it’ll make you feel as though you could be in Portofino – but with the freshest of Sydney’s produce.

    Arches , at Swissotel Sydney, is the perfect spot for a classic martini. Head there for afternoon tea or pre- and post-theatre dining delivered with old-school charm. You can even let the bartenders choose your drink for you, based on your mood.

    With a $20 lunch menu and a leafy covered terrace, Wentworth Bar , on level five of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, delivers a sophisticated escape from the hustle of the city. An extensive champagne list and Vietnamese-inspired bar menu complete the stylish scene.

    Melbourne

    Where to stay

    view from Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers by accor
    Enjoy a luxurious stay at Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers.

    Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is the epitome of style, elegance and luxury. Appropriately at the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street in the CBD, the Sofitel combines French flair with Australian hospitality.

    Like many of the best discoveries in Melbourne, Pullman Melbourne City Centre is tucked away in a laneway. Five-star luxury is the hallmark here; enjoy stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and the city’s best food and fashion finds just steps away.

    On the historic South Wharf promenade, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is a contemporary beacon that opens up to everything the precinct has to offer – shopping, dining, entertainment and the arts.

    Pullman Melbourne on the Park , on the city’s threshold at East Melbourne, is a ball toss from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne and Olympic Parks. Naturally a favourite with sports fans, it’s only minutes from the CBD by tram and right next door to the cool of Fitzroy Gardens.

    The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments of Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers offer stunning views and easy access to the city and Southbank’s dining and shopping district. Head to the rooftop garden or relax in the outdoor heated pool.

    Events and sightseeing

    spectators watching Melbourne Cricket Ground
    Cheer on your team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    As the ‘sporting capital of Australia’, Melbourne is the place to catch the best of your favourite game. Whether it’s the Boxing Day test cricket or all the action of the Australian Open tennis in January, book tickets early to ensure the best vantage points.

    Find the Summer Night Market, a feast for both the body and the senses, in the Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights in the warmer months. Savour street food from 30 stalls and shop for locally made fashion, jewellery, art and homewares, and pause to watch performances by talented buskers.

    The work of two of the most influential fashion designers in history – Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo – are on show at the National Gallery of Victoria  over summer. You can also wander through free exhibitions of First Nations art, colonial paintings and European masters.

    Where to eat and drink

    Melbourne’s laneway culture and rooftop bar scene set it apart from others. Where better to enjoy extended twilight hours or cheeky cocktails atop one of the city’s tall buildings, or while away long summer evenings in a cosy bar tucked far from the crowds in a hidden alley.

    Head to Cleo on the rooftop at Hyde Melbourne from December 2025. Enjoy a cocktail with sweeping views of the skyline, and choose nibbles from a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

    Under a 15-floor mirrored canopy at The Atrium on 35 , in the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, sip cocktails in an intimate but playful setting. This is the place for l’aperitif hour before or after a night out at the theatre.

    Start planning your summer getaway of events, culture and food with at ALL.com.