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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Best road trip food in Australia – ranked