9 irresistible food and wine getaways around Australia

From celebrations of bounty in beachside locales to culinary experiences in remote reaches, let food and wine be your guide to extraordinary places.

1. Treat yourself at Pair’d in Margaret River, WA

Travelling with: Fleur Bainger

Pair’d is Margaret River on very classy steroids. The new wine festival marries the magic of tall karri tree forests with the purity of maritime breezes over vineyards – and provides that extra nudge you need to book a weekend away. The inaugural 2024 event saw former Noma head chef (and Margaret River resident) Ben Ing rub shoulders with Blur bassist Alex James (who spun a sunset soundtrack as crayfish rolls were served on the sand), along with Burnt Ends’ Dave Pynt and Attica’s Ben Shewry. The festival celebrates WA’s bounty, such as crayfish, and is one of the state’s most coveted foodie events.

plated crayfish at Pair’d, Margaret River — The festival celebrates WA’s bounty, such as crayfish.

2. Hop between two of SA’s top wine regions

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Compare tasting notes of two of the country’s best wine regions during the ultimate indulgent weekend. Stop by McLaren Vale first, with a Small Batch Wine Tour and a few nights at Beresford Estate. Request a visit to the historic cottage that houses Sherrah Wines, Bondar Wines and Lino Ramble, where you can meet the winemakers themselves. Ninety minutes away in the Barossa Valley, add Alkina Wines and Langmeil Winery to big-name estates, such as Seppeltsfield and Penfolds, before retreating to your eco-friendly accommodation at The Villas.

an aerial view of Lino Ramble — Sherrah Wines, Bondar Wines and Lino Ramble are housed inside a historic cottage.

3. Wild feasts in Kakadu National Park, NT

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Hungering for adventure? Head north to join a culinary safari hosted by acclaimed chef James Viles at luxury lodge Bamurru Plains on the fringes of Kakadu National Park. Wild Tastes of the Top End invites guests to forage and tuck into curated menus starring native ingredients and locally sourced produce (think wild duck, buffalo rib, threadfin salmon and crocodile) distinct to this unique Australian ecosystem. Or time your Top End visit for Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu – Taste of Kakadu , the ultimate bush food experience.

Wild Tastes of the Top End, Kakadu National Park — A hands-on culinary experience at Wild Tastes of the Top End.

4. Dive into the Sunshine Coast’s Curated Plate, Qld

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The Curated Plate draws foodies from around Australia for its annual 10-day celebration of culinary excellence on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The program includes pop-up panels, cooking demos, workshops, farm tours and one-of-a-kind feasts. This year, the debut of Mooloolaba’s Seafood Series sees fresh, sustainable and wild-caught seafood highlighted through events such as a First Nations-themed seafood experience with Saltwater Eco Tours and a Grape vs Grain degustation at Fish on Parkyn.

a Grape vs Graindegustation at Fish on Parkyn — A Grape vs Grain degustation at Fish on Parkyn.

5. Silversea’s S.A.L.T. program

Travelling with: Quentin Long

If travel is about special moments, then this is certainly one for the history books. Analiese Gregory, formerly of Michelin-starred Le Meurice in Paris and Quay in Sydney, is considered to be one of Australia’s most interesting chefs. Gregory recently teamed up with fellow Huon Valley local and food stylist Michelle Crawford to deliver an extravagant five-course lunch for the lucky ducks onboard Silversea’s Silver Nova.

the Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program — The S.A.L.T. program delivers exclusive food and wine experiences on land and at sea.

Hosted at Crawford’s studio, event space and B&B, The Bowmont, it was an exquisite affair, starting with platters of Tasmanian seafood stacked high with oysters, lobster, periwinkles, kingfish ceviche and locally harvested vegetables fashioned into crudites. Gregory toiled over a fire in the garden to produce scallops with wakame butter, grilled octopus and a leg of local lamb. A whopping trifle was wheeled out to finish off the feast. The lunch was part of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program, which delivers exclusive food and wine experiences on land and at sea.

scallops cooked over the fire, Silversea’s S.A.L.T. program — Scallops over a fire. (Image: Quentin Long)

6. National Wine Festival of Australia, ACT

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Raise a glass to the inaugural National Wine Festival of Australia , designed to showcase wines produced by some of the country’s most talented viticulturalists. The festival marks the 50th birthday of the National Wine Show of Australia and is set to attract everyone from glass-half-full travellers to serious oenophiles. The program will include masterclasses on everything from a beginner’s guide to wine tasting to Australian sparkling. Extend your stay to explore the scores of vineyards on Canberra’s doorstep, such as Brindabella Hills Winery .

the Brindabella Hills Winery, Canberra — The scenic Brindabella Hills Winery is set over a granite ridge. (Image: Tourism Australia/Martin Ollman)

7. Newcastle is NSW’s newest dining destination

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Bistro Penny, Frenchie, Susuru, Meat & Grain Steakhouse, The Del, LOLAS, Crumb and Roxanne are all new places to pin to your map app on your next visit to Newcastle. While most of the NSW city’s hotspots are showcased during its annual Newcastle Food Month in April, you can still build your own itinerary and connect the dots between venues such as Humbug, Flotilla, Jana and Elementa, all of which position Newie as an epicurean escape.

the food at Humbug, Newcastle — Humbug is renowned for Italian-leaning fare with Asian accents. (Image: Dom Cherry)

8. Visit the highest wine-growing region in the country, Qld

Travelling with: Lara Picone

Be blown off the course of the usual Queensland itinerary by exploring the highest wine-growing region in the country. Meander between wineries, quaffing well-crafted and rare drops in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, less than three hours south-west of Brisbane. There’s still shiraz and the like, but you’ll also find almost every cellar door – such as Balancing Heart Vineyard – decanting a much scarcer saperavi, fiano or carménère. Stay in a Girraween Environmental Lodge bush chalet, surrounded by Girraween National Park.

wine tasting at Balancing Heart Vineyard — Raise a glass or two over the glorious vines at Balancing Heart Vineyard.

9. Mark your calendar for Orange F.O.O.D Week, NSW

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The charming heritage town of Orange is surrounded by cool-climate vineyards and rolling farmland. The region is home to Australia’s longest-running food festival, Orange F.O.O.D Week (held annually in autumn), which includes highlights such as the Hillside Harvest lunch. All up, the region has more than 80 vineyards and over 30 cellar doors. It’s also considered one of the jewels of the NSW Central West for its abundance of boutique stays. The town is buttressed by Mt Canobolas, which attracts hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers.

a plate of food at Orange F.O.O.D Week — Farm-fresh local produce is the highlight of lunch at the Orange F.O.O.D Week. (Image: Kirsten Cunningham Photography)

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

9 irresistible food and wine getaways in Australia

From celebrations of bounty in beachside locales to culinary experiences in remote reaches, let food and wine be your guide to extraordinary places.

1. Treat yourself at Pair’d in Margaret River, WA

2. Hop between two of SA’s top wine regions

3. Wild feasts in Kakadu National Park, NT

4. Dive into the Sunshine Coast’s Curated Plate, Qld

5. Silversea’s S.A.L.T. program

6. National Wine Festival of Australia, ACT

7. Newcastle is NSW’s newest dining destination

8. Visit the highest wine-growing region in the country, Qld

9. Mark your calendar for Orange F.O.O.D Week, NSW

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Wine, art and good food: 15 ways to spend your time in Albury Wodonga

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.