A Gourmet Guide To Spring In Australia

Fall into step with the flavours of the season. From breezy beachside bars to sun-dappled vineyards and places to stock up your picnic basket, here’s where to get your foodie fix this spring.

The forecast is sunny this spring with vibrant wining and dining experiences that shrug off the grey of winter and make the most of the season.

Pretty-as cafes

Cafe dining is a national pastime in Australia and springtime makes the proposition of embracing an early morning outing all the more inviting.

Hazelhurst Cafe

Hazelhurst Cafe screams spring, with bunches of blooms, pots of upturned paint and trailing plants setting the scene for the colourful cafe, an offshoot of Hazelhurst arts centre, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.

Sit on a lipstick-pink table on the terrace to enjoy a light lunch of crispy duck salad, spritzer on the side.

an al fresco dining setup at Hazelhurst Cafe — Hazelhurst Cafe has a chic and airy al fresco dining setup.

Little Bay

Beguiling from every angle, Little Bay is a light, bright cafe that is all swing chairs and sunshine just metres away from Perth’s Watermans Bay. Fill your keep cup at the coffee window and sit with your toes in the sand, or settle in for Turkish eggs and peach bellinis.

Laneway Specialty Coffee

Laneway Specialty Coffee is a microcosm of modern Darwin, with its motley mix of sunburned backpackers and laid-back locals. Much like Darwin itself, the cafe in Parap is surrounded by jungle-green foliage. Order the smashed avo on sourdough.

Gourmet restaurants

Springtime fare will be taking centre stage on menus around the country and now is the perfect time to try somewhere new.

Ippin Japanese Dining

Ippin Japanese Dining is the new 140-seater oasis in West Village in Brisbane’s bustling West End.

This temple to traditional Japanese fare overlooks lush gardens in a space that is as beautifully conceived as its bento boxes and sashimi platters.

a hand holding sashimi using chopsticks — Dine authentic Japanese cuisine at Ippin Japanese Dining.

The Source

Lunch or dinner at Mona’s swish restaurant The Source is as immersive as a visit to the museum itself.

There are living table runners made from moss and herbs, cutlery and chairs worth coveting and dreamy views over Hobart’s River Derwent. Best for dishes such as wallaby tartare and crab risotto that celebrate Tassie’s terroir.

a plate of food at The Source — Feast on healthy dishes at The Source. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Loulou Bistro

Join Lavender Bay locals at neighbourhood bistro Loulou to fantasise about your next visit to France over quiche du jour, salade frisée and a glass of rosé.

You can also procure provisions from the boulangerie (bakery) and traiteur (deli) for a chic-nic in nearby Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden .

the bar interior at Loulou Bistro — Pull up a chair at Loulou Bistro. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Restaurants with rooms

Once spring arrives the desire to hit the road and explore dials up a notch. Pair your dining with your accommodation and make it an even more memorable spring getaway at any of these restaurants with rooms.

Bangalay Dining

Visit Bundanon art museum (also home to Arthur Boyd’s Studio) on the NSW South Coast and then slow down on your way back to Sydney with a stay at Bangalay luxury villas.

Enjoy a set menu curated by executive chef Simon Evans at hatted restaurant Bangalay Dining or order a gourmet pasta pack.

a table-top view of Bangalay Dining — Bangalay Dining is a firm Shoalhaven fave.

The Wild Flower Bar & Dining

The abundant kitchen garden at Bells at Killcare informs the menu made up of ‘food of the sun’ at The Wild Flower Bar & Dining. Stick to the seasonal theme with a post-prandial walk to see the wildflowers in nearby Bouddi National Park.

Cocktails on the menu at Wild Flower Bar + Dining, Killcare — The cocktails are fresh and pack a punch at Wild Flower Bar & Dining. (Image: Nikki To)

Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel

See what degustation Robin Wickens and team rustle up from their kitchen garden’s spring harvest at Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel . Sleep well in one of the Dunkeld property’s luxe rooms or cottages at the foothills of Victoria’s Grampians/Gariwerd.

Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel — Dine at Wickens in the Royal Mail Hotel for a memorable meal this spring. (Image: Emily Weaving)

Beachside bars

Sundowners and warm spring nights are a match made in heaven which makes these beachside bars the perfect sunset setting.

Pavilion Mooloolaba

The framed views of Mooloolaba Beach make a bigger statement than any artwork at the Pavilion Mooloolaba . It’s the perfect place to perch and people-watch over cocktails at Sunset Hour (weekdays from 3–5pm).

55 North

Manly Pacific engaged Luchetti Krelle to mix things up in Manly with 55 North , the coolest new cocktail lounge on the east coast.

Bunker down in a banquette in the marvellously maximalist space, which is all soft mauves, terrazzo tiling and toast and terracotta tones.

the bar interior of 55 North at Manly Pacific — 55 North in Manly is the new beachside bar of our dreams.

The Shorehouse

It’s all seagulls and salty air at The Shorehouse , one of the best places for a bevvy in Perth. The Swanbourne locale gets kudos for its award-winning wine list and an in-between menu of small bites such as salted cod and potato croquettes. It’s a great place to bend the elbow while watching the sunset.

Agritourism

From farm-grown picnic hamper supplies to greenhouse production tours, agritourism is delivering fruit of the earth experiences that go down a treat come spring.

Upland Farm

Check into one of Upland Farm’s four serene cabins located on a working cattle farm in Western Australia’s emerging town of Denmark.

Order a picnic hamper, packed with goodies from local growers and producers, to enjoy under the property’s towering karri trees. Or roll out a blanket on the grass at nearby Singlefile Wines and graze over a wine tasting.

picnic at Upland Farm — Take advantage of the delicious product on offer. (Image: Rachel Claire)

The Agrarian Kitchen

Learn about no-dig methods, composting and greenhouse production during a tour of the walled garden at The Agrarian Kitchen , where patients at the former psychiatric hospital used to exercise. Enjoy the garden’s very ingredients harvested fresh for your lunch at this award-winning institution in the Tasmanian town of New Norfolk.

Finniss River Lodge

Time your visit to Finniss River Lodge to coincide with the start of peak barra-fishing season in September.

You can then enjoy a luxe stay on the working Top End cattle farm, which is defined by a gourmet dining experience overseen by head chef Lachlan Raineri.

a glass of cocktail on the table at Finniss River Lodge — Sip cocktails at Finniss River Lodge. (Image: Richard Lyons)

Rooftop bars

Where else can you see spring bloom from above? Position yourself in one of the country’s top rooftop bars and see the city change season before your eyes.

Charlie’s of Darwin

Finding the hidden doorway to Charlie’s of Darwin is half the fun. The NT capital’s first gin bar takes visitors on a wild ride, with creative dishes such as croc dumplings providing a true taste of the Territory. Order Charlie’s margaritas to enjoy on the terrace festooned with colourful lanterns.

W Brisbane – WET Deck

It’s not technically on the rooftop. But WET Deck on level 4 of the W Brisbane deserves a big-up for its views over the serpentine Brisbane River, which is emblematic of the city’s ongoing revival.

Aster

Cocktails under an open sky are quintessential in Sydney over the springtime.

Aster is the sky-high bar set atop the InterContinental Sydney , which has undergone a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and boasts views over all the icons of Sydney Harbour.

Vineyard lunches

A winery lunch is always a good idea and it’s an even better one in springtime. Where else will you get such a specialised wine pairing to your meal? Sign us up!

T’Gallant Vineyard

T’Gallant Vineyard has reopened its doors on the Mornington Peninsula after a refurbishment.

hands reaching for the pizza at T'Gallant — The menu here is designed to share. (Image: Griffin Simm)

Enjoy rectangular slabs of wood-fired pizza paired with a crisp white in the sun-soaked La Barraca dining space overlooking rolling hills embroidered with vines.

a group of people dining at T’Gallant Vineyard — Bond over pizza at T’Gallant Vineyard. (Image: Griffin Simm)

Lowe Family Wine Co

Lunch at the Lowe Family Wine Co estate is a lavish yet low-key affair relying on ingredients sourced from the kitchen garden and wines produced at the Mudgee region vineyard. All The Zin House dishes pair perfectly with drops bearing the Lowe Family Wine Co label.

Nepenthe

The best seat in the house for a tasting is in the Barrel Room at the newly reimagined cellar door at Nepenthe wines in the Adelaide Hills. You can also opt for a self-guided tasting paired with a plate of charcuterie on the estate’s lovely manicured lawns.

Foodie trails

You can taste the flavours of the season at any number of markets, food festivals, and local foodie trails around the nation but if you need somewhere to start, we have three top tips for you…

Kiama Farmers Market

Start your food tour of the NSW South Coast with a visit to the Kiama Farmers Market , which has a cult following. Pick up some pantry staples at this one-stop-shop or go further afield to visit producers such as The Pines Pantry or Buena Vista Farm, which runs a roster of cooking classes.

Noosa Country Food Trail

Pack your picnic hamper with everything from farm-fresh eggs to local wood-smoked bacon, oyster mushrooms, goat’s cheese and ginger beer when you devise your own self-drive itinerary along the Noosa Country Food Trail route.

Tasting Trail Tasmania

Connect the dots between some of Tassie’s artisan producers while road-tripping around the north-west of the island state. The producers along the self-guided Tasting Trail range from truffle farms to cider houses, dairy doors and a raspberry farm.

Raspberry picking — Find fresh raspberries on Tasmania’s foodie trail.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.