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 feeling rested and reconnected after your holiday

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

    Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

    Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

    Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

    1. Practice mindfulness

    Hamilton Gallery, the grampians
    Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

    Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

    If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

    2. Indulge in self-care

    two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains
    Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

    Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

    Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

    For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

    3. Embrace nature

    Boroka Lookout, the grampians
    Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

    Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

    To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

    Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

    4. Prioritise Rest

    outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill
    Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

    Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

    For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

    For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

    5. Engage Your Senses

    Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down
    Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

    For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

    If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

    6. Connect and reconnect

    The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria
    Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

    Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

    Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

    Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

    For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

    Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.