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

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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

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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

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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

Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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8 towns in Victoria’s Heartland that will delight your tastebuds

(Image: Visit Victoria)

    Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
    Get out of the city and close to nature in Victoria’s Heartland, one of Australia’s finest food-producing regions. 

    This fertile area is abundant in natural beauty, rich volcanic soils, mineral-rich waters, artisan producers and farm fresh produce. In towns spanning the Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges and surrounds, just a short drive or easy train ride from Melbourne , you can taste a plethora of incredible food and world-class wine in these best of Victoria’s Heartland food regions. 

    1. Daylesford

    Lake House Restaurant, Daylesford
    Dine on the multi-course fare served at the elegant and light-filled Lake House Restaurant. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    Warm and inviting, fans of Japanese cuisine should make a beeline for Kadota . Settle in for Japanese flavours, in cocktail glasses and on the plate, that have been carefully produced using seasonal local ingredients.

    For those who love a farm-to-table moment, Sault is the place to be. Fresh ingredients – directly from the restaurant’s kitchen gardens, or from regional organic farms and producers – are crafted into a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Hat-awarded Head Chef Jack Powlay.

    Boasting gorgeous water views from its location on the banks of Lake Daylesford, Boathouse Restaurant is perfect for an elevated dining experience.

    For a special treat, a visit to the two-chef-hatted restaurant  at the Lake House is a must. Savour beautiful views and a seasonal menu championing small-scale local suppliers and their own farm just 10 minutes away. 

    2. Hepburn Springs

    If you're exploring Victoria food regions to visit, Surly Goat is one restaurant you won’t want to miss.
    Tuck into hearty, farm-fresh flavours. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Taking cues from its Swiss-Italian roots and the area’s produce, the picturesque Lavandula Farm  houses a seasonal trattoria, rustic wine bar, and a new deli and larder inside the original Shepherd’s Flat Post Office. 

    For another dining destination immersed in the area’s history, visit The Hepburn Pavilion  café at Hepburn Bathhouse. Brunch, lunch, scones and house-made cakes are served under the vaulted ceiling of this Edwardian heritage-listed building. 

    And while The Surly Goat  may have a farm-like ring to it, it’s in fact a homely restaurant that takes seasonality seriously. Chef David Willcocks heads up an ever-changing set menu celebrating local and small-scale regenerative producers. 

    3. Trentham

    Add Sisko Chocolate to your list of Victoria food regions to visit for a sweet stop along the way.
    Satisfy your sweet cravings with handcrafted treats. (Image: Sisko Chocolate)

    No trip to an Aussie regional town is complete without a stop at the pub. Pig & Whistle Hotel sits surrounded by farmland. Soak it in from the locally beloved beer garden. Here, pub classics include a parmigiana with an Irish twist.  

    For a more refined experienced, dine at du Fermier , where chef and owner Annie Smithers crafts a weekly menu of French farmhouse-style dishes, often sourcing ingredients from her nearby farm in Lyonville. 

    And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave town without a cheeky stop at Sisko Chocolate Studio , where owner Christina Tantsis has built a chocolate-lovers wonderland inside a stunning architectural space. Her handcrafted creations use couverture from Valrhona, a certified B Corporation, and the hot chocolates are positively sinful. 

    4. Woodend

    Kuzu Izakaya in woodend, daylesford
    Taste incredible Japanese cuisine at Kuzu Izakaya.

    Taste local drops in town at the family-owned Woodend Cellar and Bar  – complemented by tapas and artisan platters featuring sourdough from the local bakery – or at 600 Above , a wine bar with a sunny courtyard and cosy fireplace serving small and large plates.  

    Nearby, Kuzu Izakaya  is the go-to place for Japanese dining. Chef Eriko Pannam has crafted a moreish menu of creative and traditional dishes; think miso cream scallops and everyone’s favourite, Japanese fried chicken. 

    Mount Macedon Winery  is another must-visit for wine connoisseurs. Enjoy a glass and wood-fired pizza on the deck, or opt for fine dining at their Cellar Door Restaurant.

    5. Kyneton

    Piper Street in Kyneton is overflowing with top-notch eateries. Take Prato , specialising in traditional Greek dishes and pinsa (a lighter, crispier version of traditional pizza); or the upscale Midnight Starling , where chef Steve Rogers serves French classics inside a historic building with bluestone cellar. 

    A little further down, The Piper Street Wine Company is a European restaurant and wine bar inside a gorgeous heritage building. Their evolving menu highlights one European country or region at a time, so there’s always something new to discover. Further along, Fook Shing  delivers a flavour-packed Southeast Asian menu using local and regional Victorian produce.

    6. Castlemaine

    Blue cheese from Long Paddock Cheese.
    Discover rich, creamy cheeses crafted by a certified cow’s milk artisan cheesemaker. (Image: Long Paddock Cheese)

    Cafes, bars and restaurants have taken up residence inside this former Gold Rush town’s historic buildings. At The Mill Castlemaine – an 1870s woollen mill turned creative hub – you’ll find Long Paddock Cheese , a small-scale artisan cheesemaker that uses certified-organic cow’s milk from a nearby family-owned farm; and Das Kaffeehaus , a Viennese cafe serving traditional Austrian food with coffee from their small batch roastery. 

    Meanwhile, inside the Midland Hotel you’ll find the chef-hatted Bar Midland , founded by locals Loudon Cooper and Alexander Marano. Their monthly set menu celebrates Victorian producers who focus on sustainable land management, and often utilises indigenous food, introduced wild animals and weeds.

    7. Lancefield & Romsey

    A flatlay of food from Lost Watering Hole.
    Savour beautifully plated dishes in a relaxed setting. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Art meets food and wine at Mount Monument , located just outside of Romsey. The beautiful vineyard is home to a sculpture park, cellar door and restaurant with a menu shaped by the Macedon Ranges’ rich seasonal produce.  

    In town, The 1860 Romsey  has reimagined a 160-year-old hotel. Here, country pub charm meets modern bistro, with a menu that supports local at every opportunity (their Central Victorian Oakdale Black Angus steak is a winner).  

    A few minutes’ drive north, the Lost Watering Hole  in Lancefield is a family-friendly brewery and restaurant crafting 100% naturally brewed beers. Their unusual names – No Dodo, Flightless, Big Roo – make sense once you learn Lancefield is the location of one of the richest deposits of megafauna fossils in Australia.

    8. Harcourt

    Lovely pastries from Hartcourt Produce & General Store.
    Treat yourself to buttery, house-made Danish pastries. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Harcourt is famous for its apple orchards and cider production, and there’s no better place to visit than The Little Red Apple . At this roadside store, you can stock up on fresh crisp apples, ciders, vinegars, juices, and other gourmet products. 

    To taste more local delights, pop into the Harcourt Produce & General Store , renowned for their house-made danishes, or stop at Sutton Grange Winery  where winemaker Chris Smales crafts wines using their organically grown estate fruit. Open on Sundays, it’s an idyllic spot to slow down over wine, pizzas and share plates. 

    Start planning your next outdoor adventure at victoriasheartland.com.au.