9 irresistible food and wine getaways in Australia

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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)
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .