Best Road Trip Food in Australia – Ranked

It’s the heated debate that divides Australians each summer. What are the top road trip snacks?

Partners to exes, friends to enemies, happy families to estranged loved ones: nothing divides Australians like what food to stop for on a long summer road trip.

But it’s time for this terrible split in our society to end! As my Silly Season gift to you, here is my ranking of the top road trip food in Australia (don’t come for me or my family, please).

15. Red Bull

Honestly, you probably shouldn’t be driving if you are reaching for a can of the red stuff.

a hand grabbing a can of Red Bull — Grab a can of Red Bull before heading out on a road trip. (Image: Wells Chan)

14. Chiko Roll

If you’re into heavily processed foods that don’t taste good and are usually dry, please go ahead. Plus, its inclusion of beef tallow means it’s not even vegetarian (which I thought it was for an embarrassingly long time).

13. Vanilla slice

Honestly, this flaky pastry with custard turns me into a hot mess express. I know a lot of people love the vanilla slice, and how it very much fits into the iconic Aussie road trip snack category, but I can’t see the appeal. I usually just end up getting crumbs and vanilla custard all down my front and feeling quite car-sick. Not a good look with limited clothes packed.

flaky vanilla pastries on a plate — Get a hold of these flaky vanilla pastries.

12. Maccas

I’ll admit I am a bit of a McDonald’s snob. But when my partner suggests it (pretty much every time we drive down from Sydney to Wollongong to see family), I find myself channelling my politician alter ego. I neither confirm nor deny my desire for the strawberry thick shake and hash brown, as my partner knowingly orders it for me.

Minus points for my almost inevitable stomach-ache, and the fact it’s not exactly a one-of-a-kind stop.

Mcdonalds branch in Australia — Don’t forget to do a Maccas run. (Image: Thabang)

11. Jelly Snakes, Haribo Tangfastics, Allen’s Jellies – any jellied lollies will do

Love the taste and the feeling like you are an eight-year-old again (and one who can drive, at that). A relatively kid-friendly road trip snack until the sugar rush kicks in. Points are knocked off for the queasiness and uncontrollable thirst once you have eaten them. No one needs more bathroom breaks on a ten-hour drive, do they?

Allen's Jellies in different colours — Munch on Allen’s Jellies if you ever need the sugar rush.

10. Sausage roll

The Australian sausage roll is a classic for a reason. While there are some rather fancy options available at select bakeries these days, like pork and apple, or lamb and harissa, part of my pleasure is with the ambiguity of the ‘meat’ in the sausage roll. Gorgeous and greasy in a way that makes the paper bag it comes in go see-through, and cheap to boot.

a close-up shot of sausage rolls — Drool over greasy sausage rolls.

9. Icy pole

Draw straws for which one of you has to leave the air-conditioned safety of the car to bring back cool relief from the servo freezer. Magnums are also a firm crowd favourite. But on a day that is a true scorcher, it doesn’t get much better than a refreshing lemonade icy pole.

a hand holding an icy pole — Beat the heat with an icy pole. (Image: Chris Reyem)

8. Dare Iced Coffee/chocolate milk

Not my personal favourite because I like my caffeine hot and bitter – as I aspire to be so in life. But in honour of all those people who have driven me up and down the roads of Australia, with a carton of cold, sweet, milky produce loyally at their side, it gets a higher ranking.

cartons of chocolate oat milk on white background — Not a coffee lover? Drink chocolate oat milk instead. (Image: Madalyn Cox)

7. Servo coffee

Australia hands-down has some of the world’s best coffees. Everywhere you go, gourmet cafes have lab-like conditions for making your brew just the way you like it. And a servo coffee just ain’t it. However, there’s nothing like splashing $2 for that comforting warmth (black and bitter, please) and a little pep in your step as you blearily set off at 5am.

a person holding two cups of Servo Coffee — Sip a warm cup of Servo Coffee before you hit the road.

6. Scallop pie

My first entry in what I call ‘The Boujee Category’. This rare species of Aussie road snack is commonly found in the state of Tasmania. We’re talking curried scallops and veggies in a puff pastry. Originally from Hobart, scallop pie is now served at coastal bakeries around the island. Best eaten in scallop season, from April to the end of July.

Scallop pie truck in Hobart Tasmania — This rare species of Aussie road snack is commonly found in the state of Tasmania.

5. Farm fruit

When I see a farm fruit stand, my city woman persona immediately morphs into a simple country girl. Olives that are farmed just up the road? Strawberries nurtured to life by an elderly farmer? Mangoes where I can literally see where they are picked if I squint really hard? I don’t care if any of it’s true: take my money.

a fruit stall in Australia — Stock up on fresh fruits.

4. Hot chippies with chicken salt

Because you’ll need to cleanse your palette after all that healthy fruit. And with chicken salt, because ordering chips without it is an Australian crime.

a close-up shot of chicken salt chips — Snack on chicken salt chips during long road trips.

3. Oysters

Second entry for Boujee. With plenty of road trips at this time of the year concentrating on the busy coastal roads, it’s a real treat to stop for some oysters, which are far cheaper and fresher than you’ll get in the cities.

All up the NSW coast (particularly on the South Coast), Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Coffin Bay in South Australia, and Freycinet in Tasmania you will find some of the best places for them at oyster farms and seafood eateries. (I’ll admit that for some people, oysters just aren’t their thing. But it’s my list.)

a close-up shot of oysters — Slurp on freshly caught oysters. (Image: Edoardo Cuoghi)

2. Meat pie

This used to be lower on my list, but in recent years has skyrocketed to second place. Last year, on a road trip back from Woodford Folk Festival on the Sunshine Coast, I was ravenous with hanger. And that thick gravy goodness with meat chunks inside a mashed potato-topped meat pie? It literally brought me back to life.

meat pies on the table — Savour indulgent meat pies.

1. Spinach and ricotta roll

She’s the inclusive vegetarian queen of bakery options. And for that, I thank her for her many years of service. Greasy pastry? Check. That little bit of vegetables so you don’t feel guilty? Check. Cheese? Check, check, check.

spinach ricotta rolls on a plate — Sink your teeth into these buttery spinach and ricotta flaky puff pastries.

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

Best road trip food in Australia – ranked