13 Sun-Kissed European Summer Alternatives

These European-style venues will have you living La Dolce Vita down under in no time.

Desperately missing those dreamy Mediterranean days? Don’t fret, mon amour. With summer fast approaching it’s too easy to recreate your own European summer 2.0 at these stunning bars, restaurants and stays around Australia.

1. Rolling Seas, Billinga Beach, Qld

Create the European girl’s trip you’ve never had on the southern Gold Coast, with this luxury stay. The Rolling Seas holiday home has European charm in spades for 12 residents, across its two villas: The Residence and The Cottage.

a charming al fresco dining with a hammock at Rolling Seas, Billinga Beach, Qld — Chill in the charming outdoor terrace at Rolling Seas.

Instead of trying to get all your friends over to Europe (with your sanity and friendship in one piece), spend your days chilling in the infinity pool or wandering down to the water at this beachfront property.

the pool deck at Rolling Seas, Billinga Beach, Qld — Embrace a slower pace of life.

Address: Bilinga Beach, Qld

2. St Siandra, Mosman, NSW

Make like you’re back on the Amalfi Coast, with one of Sydney’s newest waterfront restaurants: St Siandra at The Spit.

a waterfront restaurant at St Siandra, Mosman, NSW — Find the prettiest spot to dine at St Siandra. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

With a private beach and jetty access, you can arrive by water taxi to the North Shore restaurant for a long lunch of seafood or indulgent dinner, all created by Head Chef Sam McCallum of Nomad restaurant-fame.

a cocktail drink at St Siandra, Mosman, NSW — Laze away the afternoon sipping cocktails.

Address: 75 Lower, Parriwi Rd, Mosman, NSW

3. Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage, Parkes, ACT

If you think summer in Europe is incomplete without at least some time in the French Riviera, we have just the place for you.

an al fresco dining at Margot — Transport yourself to the beautiful European-style al fresco dining at Margot.

The fresh-faced Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage (or Margot for short) awaits next to Lake Burley Griffin for all your sidewalk sundowner needs. Cheeses, gourmet-style toasties and other nibbles are available besides local and French wines at this Canberra eatery.

dining outside Margot — Margot awaits next to Lake Burley Griffin for all your sidewalk sundowner needs.

Address: West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, ACT

4. Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic

If the rugged Basque country in northern Spain has captured your heart, make for Sebastian at Williamstown Beach, Victoria. Named after the coastal Spanish town of San Sebastian, Sebastian is housed in a thirties heritage-listed bathing pavilion.

the dining space at Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic — Dine at Sebastian and gaze out at the picturesque Williamstown Beach.

You’ll recognise traditional regional food like Gilda pintxos and serrano jamon plates on the menu, as well as Australian flavours like Spring Creek barramundi with asparagus and borlotti bean estofado.

Exterior of Sebastian in Williamstown, Vic — Sebastian is named after the coastal Spanish town of San Sebastian. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)

Address: 26 Esplanade, Williamstown, Vic

5. The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg, SA

Get the Greek island experience, without the crowds, at the Moseley Beach Club , Glenelg Beach. Set up on one of Adelaide’s most popular beaches each summer, the island-style bar pop-up is still going strong, offering a heady mix of DJs, summer cocktails and shaded beach chairs. Watch out. Combine this with a Greek-style food menu that includes halloumi bowls, lamb shoulders and garlic-chilli fried squid, you might find yourself there all day.

people chilling on beach chairs at The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg Beach — Feel the sunshine at The Moseley Beach Club. (Image: Nathan Godwin)

Address: Glenelg Beach, Glenelg, SA

6. Si Paradiso, Highgate, WA

Gather your friends and order a round of camparis: it’s time for a Sunday sesh at Si Paradiso . Beloved for its pastiche personality as a bar meets restaurant meets dancefloor, the eatery’s vintage-style Italian vibes bring out the best in any occasion.

a vintage-style Italian dining at Si Paradiso, Highgate, WA — Si Paradiso evokes vintage-style Italian dining.

If you’re more into dining than checking out the DJ, this Perth restaurant has you covered, with delectable pizzas and pasta, as well as small plates of blue swimmer cab, steak tartare and gruyere croquettes.

food and drinks on the table at Si Paradiso, Highgate, WA — Taste your way through the menu at Si Paradiso.

Address: 1/446 Beaufort St, Highgate, WA

7. Oyster Bar, Darwin, NT

The Top End is generally more known for its tropical fare and dramatic landscapes than it is for Europe vibes — why compete with others when you have your own spectacularly unique style?

the restaurant exterior of Oyster Bar, Darwin, NT — Snag a spot at Oyster Bar.

But if you’re up in the NT and missing slurping down shellfish (just like you did in the beach towns of Portugal or on the coasts of Ireland), we’d recommend the Oyster Bar . Located in the Waterfront Precinct in Darwin, the waterview restaurant serves up oysters all the way from raw to baked.

a bucket of cold beer and oysters at Oyster Bar, Darwin, NT — Beat the Top End heat with cold beer and oysters.

Address: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City, NT

8. Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair, Tas

More of a fan of Scandi-summer? Make Pumphouse Point your destination. This unique and adults-only Tasmanian hotel is built on the famous Lake St Clair, right at the end of the jetty. Overlooking the lake from the heritage-listed industrial buildings that make up the accommodation, you’ll feel like you’re suspended a Norwegian fjord or Central European lake at this luxury property.

the lakeside pathway to the Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair, Tas — The adults-only Pumphouse Point retreat is set on the edge of Lake St Clair.

Address: 1 Lake St Clair Rd, Lake St Clair, Tas

9. Guestlands, Arcadia, NSW

If you literally want to trick your friends and family into thinking you’re in Italy, simply take some photos at the Guestlands BnB . Located an hour north-west of Sydney, the creators of Guestlands have endeavoured to recreate a medieval Tuscan village, complete with villas. And boy — have they succeeded.

the pool gardens at Guestlands, Arcadia, NSW — Lounge by the pool at Guestlands.

Book a romantic getaway in one of the villas, reserve a private chef or make your own pizzas in their woodfire oven in the La Cabana and relax by the pool. Most importantly, don’t forget to pose with Azzurro and Ombra, the friendly resident cats.

a Vespa scooter in Guestlands, Arcadia, NSW — Explore the Italian-inspired village.

Address: 10 Blacks Rd, Arcadia, NSW

10. OPA Bar + Mezze, Brisbane, Qld

Tucked away from the bustle of Eagle St Pier, the waterfront OPA Bar + Mezze is a pastel lovers’ dream of a Greek restaurant in the Brisbane CBD.

Dotted with hanging plants and overlooking Storey Bridge, take a seat here in one of its booths to try out oysters with tomato, tabasco sauce and ouzo, scampi caviar, watermelon salad, souvlaki and lamb fricassee.

an al fresco dining setup at Opa Restaurant — Dine with a view of Storey Bridge at OPA Bar + Mezze.

Address: 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City, Qld

11. Studley Park Boathouse, Kew, Vic

Head to this historic boathouse for the rarest European summer experience of all: a sunny British day. Overlooking the Yarra River, the Studley Park Boathouse has been open to Melbourne residents for 160 years and gives a distinctly English summer vibe.

an al fresco dining at Studley Park Boathouse, Kew, Vic — Studley Park Boathouse gives a distinctly English summer vibe. (Image: Studley Park Boathouse)

Today, you can book in to eat brunch among the English elm trees in its conservatory or choose to sit outside in the sun by the river.

a spacious outdoor setting at Studley Park Boathouse, Kew, Vic — Enjoy brunch at Studley Park Boathouse. (Image: Studley Park Boathouse)

Address: 1 Boathouse Rd, Kew, Vic

12. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop, Coogee, NSW

Who doesn’t love that holiday feat of spending the morning at the beach, and the afternoon at the bar? When it comes to combining the two, it doesn’t get much better than the Coogee Pavilion Rooftop in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

an alfresco dining at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop — Soak up the sun in at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop. (Image: Yaya Stempler)

The top floor of the beachside complex is decorated akin to a botanist’s conservatory, with bars devoted to serving up Mediterranean-style cocktails and mezze. With an open-air layout, sun yourself here with a drink or two, overlooking the sunbathers and sand below.

an aerial view of the beach at Coogee Pavilion Rooftop — The beach is just a stone’s throw away.

Address: Level 3/169 Dolphin St, Coogee, NSW

13. Stefano Lubiana Wines and Osteria, Granton, Tas

What’s summer in Europe without some homegrown grapes to go with it? Down in Tasmania, Stefano Lubiana Wines Cellar Door serves up varieties of wine it grows in its certified biodynamic vineyard, which is also found in Burgundy, France.

a classic dining interior at Stefano Lubiana Wines and Osteria, Granton, Tas — Dine on a seasonal degustation menu at Osteria Vista restaurant. (Image: Dearna Bond)

Moving over to their Osteria Vista restaurant, the small farmhouse-style eatery keeps things local with a seasonal degustation menu, inspired by regional Italian fare. Best enjoyed with incredible views across the Derwent Valley.

the cellar door entrance at Stefano Lubiana Wines — Slip into the cellar door for a wine tasting.

Address: 60 Rowbottoms Rd, Granton, Tas

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

13 sun-kissed Aussie hideaways for a taste of European summer