These are the #1 fish and chips in each state

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We quizzed our readers on where to find the best fish and chips around the country. Here, we crown the winners in each state.

The humble chippo is an Aussie staple. We’re blessed with vast stretches of coast that give rise to a bounty of seafood that’s among the best in the world.

What’s the recipe for fish and chip perfection? It looks something like this: golden chips, a decent portion of fish (always battered over grilled), a potato scallop or some calamari to mix it up, a wedge of lemon, tartare sauce, lots of butcher’s paper to wrap it up and a nice spot to enjoy it all.

If you’re curious to see where to get the best fish and chips around Australia, our well-fed readers have given us the lowdown on the best chippys in each state.

Best fish and chips in NSW

New South Wales is renowned for its stunning stretch of coastline – made all the better with a parcel of fish and chips in hand. But the best chippo in the state is actually on the far-flung Lord Howe Island. Benny’s Fish Truck can be found in a different spot each day, serving up juicy, local catch battered to perfection. Wherever the truck is parked for the day, it’s worth tracking down for a great feed and excellent views.


Honourable mention

Out of the Blue in Clovelly, Sydney is a classic Aussie chippy with a flavoursome French twist. Run by French-born duo Jean and Sophie, this cozy takeaway has earned a loyal following, particularly for its mouthwatering fish burgers. Small but always buzzing with activity, it’s a cherished staple of the community.

 

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Other chippos we love:

Mollymook Beach Hut Cafe on the South Coast and Bobby’s Cronulla in Sydney’s Shire.

Best fish and chips in Tasmania

Down in Tasmania, the pristine environment and passionate local producers makes the state an ideal place to hit the coastal road and indulge in its best local bounties.

Fish Frenzy opened on Hobart’s Elizabeth Street Pier in 1998. In the years since, its quality seafood, fast service and innovative presentation have won accolade after accolade. The chippy is located in an old warehouse overlooking the pier, providing a side of great views to a delectable feed.

 

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Honourable mention

Oysters are technically the focus at Freycinet Marine Farm. But these briny bivalves make a great addition to a classic plate of fish and chips that you can enjoy on the deck or for takeaway. And with the water sparkling just metres away, you know the seafood hasn’t come far.

Other chippos we love:

Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods in Bicheno and Rupert and Hound in Launceston for a fancy feed.

Best fish and chips in Victoria

According to our readers, the Great Ocean Road provides the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy a humble serving of fish and chips. And the crème de la crème was singled out as a feed at Fishos Torquay. Here, produce here is about as local as you can get. Potatoes come fresh from the farm and are hand-cut onsite. Seafood is locally sourced. There are also elevated twists on classic fish shop fare, such as kingfish crudo and mussels cooked in parsley butter. Yum.

Fishos Torquay fish and chips
Fishos Torquay is about as local as you can get.

Honourable mentions

Apollo Bay is the Victorian capital of the southern rock lobster and the Fish and Chip Co-Op is where it’s done best. Drop by and try the latest fresh catch while watching the crays being offloaded from the boats.

San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op has serviced the needs of the seafood-loving Gippsland community since 1948 – and they were a name that up came up frequently with our readers. The locally caught gummy shark is a menu highlight.

Fish and Chip Co-Op.
The latest catch at Fish and Chip Co-Op.

Other chippos we love:

Hunky Dory in Melbourne and Peninsula Fresh Seafood on the Mornington Peninsula.

Best fish and chips in WA

Western Australia is blessed with beautiful beachside breaks stretching right along the magnificent mainland coastline. If you don’t mind doing a bit of the food prep yourself, the state’s back of boat crayfish sales are booming.

wild-caught WA crayfish
Wild-caught WA crayfish are a highlight of the region. (Image: Rachel Claire)

Swap out your fish for a half crayfish at Dynamite Bay takeaway, an oft-cited favourite gem tucked away in Green Bay between Geraldton and Perth. Expect succulent fish, delightfully stringy calamari and a tempting dessert cabinet.

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Other chippos we love:

Grand Lane Fish House in Perth and Frankie’s On Rotto on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

Best fish and chips in SA

If our readers were anything to go by, you’d think The Stunned Mullet was the only fish and chip shop in South Australia.

Meet you at Henley Beach.

Each summer, a line of fish-and-chip-lovers winds out the door of Henley Beach’s favourite store. Most are in search of the decadent King George whiting, accompanied by an excessive amount of chips. If you prefer your bounty on a budget, the butterfish is another winner.

Other chippos we love:  Vivonne Bay General Store on Kangaroo Island, Fish Out Of Water in Adelaide and Flying Fish Restaurant & Café in Port Elliot.

Best fish and chips in Queensland

Unsurprisingly, our readers couldn’t get enough of fish and chips in Queensland. The standout favourite was Vellas on Sydney, a family-owned chip shop that embodies everything a great chippy should offer: fresh produce, hearty portions, and warm, welcoming service.

Honourable mentions

It’s not quite classic chip shop fare, but the ocean-side dining institution Rick Shores does a highly Instagrammable (and delicious) Moreton Bay bug roll that we simply can’t fail to mention.

waterfront dining at Rick Shores, Gold Coast
Rick Shores is an upscale eatery which has built a cult following for its Moreton Bay bug roll. (Image: Mathilde Bouby)

Other chippos we love: Three Girls Fishing in Brisbane and Burleigh’s Red Hot Cod.

Best fish and chips in the NT

Frying Nemo Fish and Chips is consistently ranked as a finalist in national seafood awards, not just in the state, but in the entire country. This truly Territorian experience is positioned right on the waterfront at Tipperary Waters Marina.
Frying Nemo specialises in wild-caught produce – with a menu that runs the gamut of animals like crocodile, buffalo, camel and kangaroo, alongside the NT’s famous Barramundi. They’re also fully licensed, with a well-stocked fridge of Territorian brews.

Frying Nemo on the water is Darwin’s favourite fish and chippery.

Other chippos we love: Wulagi Fish and Chips and La Beach Fish & Chips, both in Darwin.

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Norwegian Spirit heads back to Australia with more Sydney departures than ever before

    Katie Dundas Katie Dundas
    Norwegian Cruise Line offers adult cruisers the ideal way to travel with unrivalled choice for a ship of her size, plus the dining, excitement and spa amenities typically found on a much larger ship.

    Cruising close to home with Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) has never been better. Norwegian Spirit® is returning for its biggest Australian season yet, and it’s ideal for adults seeking an elevated local cruising experience that packs a big punch with entertainment, personalised service and premium amenities.

    With convenient Sydney departures, these refined itineraries will equally appeal to cruise newcomers or veteran sailors. From enriching days in port leading into world-class dining at sea, here’s how Norwegian Spirit has been curated just for discerning travellers.

    About the ship

    NCL norweigian spirit in phillip island
    Explore Australia with Norwegian Spirit.

    Norwegian Spirit offers something not often seen: a smaller ship reimagined to appeal to adults. With numerous convenient Sydney departures, enjoy a boutique feel from the moment your holiday begins – from faster embarkation to plenty of open space onboard and plenty of special touches designed to make your holiday even more meaningful.

    In port, discover the delights of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. But sea days will be just as memorable. Norwegian Spirit has been tailored to suit the interests of adult cruisers, with splash pools and kids’ clubs replaced by elevated relaxation spaces.

    Get lost in a good book on a plush daybed within the adults-only Spice H2O, soak away the tension at the award-winning Mandara Spa® with Thermal Suite, or meet up with new friends for the evening’s world-class entertainment.

    Everything onboard has been crafted for calm and relaxation; an oasis at sea where entertainment, exceptional service and an array of upscale dining experiences.

    A culinary adventure at sea

    Onda by Scarpetta inside the Norwegian Spirit.
    Indulge in culinary excellence at Onda by Scarpetta.

    Onboard, enjoy unrivalled dining options with 14 dining options and nine bars and lounges. Freestyle Dining has tossed aside structured dining room meal times, so guests can walk in when it suits them, or use the NCL app to easily make a booking.

    Classic pub fare at The Local is perfect for a casual bite after returning to the ship, or plan a romantic dinner for later that evening, taking in the ocean views and golden sunset.

    International flavours delight when you try out Norwegian Spirit ’s specialty dining, including Onda by Scarpetta, Le Bistro and Cagney’s Steakhouse, each with a curated wine menu to enhance each restaurant’s signature dishes.

    All of the onboard specialty dining options have been enhanced to suit adult palettes who seek premium cuisine that incorporates the freshest local ingredients and modern design.

    New offerings

    The pool on Norwegian Spirit with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
    Swim in a cruise pool with ever-changing Australian coastal views.

    NCL has reimagined Norwegian Spirit to offer something innovative in the crowded cruising industry: premium cruising catered to adults, but on a smaller ship that doesn’t sacrifice on entertainment.

    Both the amenities and the ship’s itineraries were carefully planned to suit adult travellers drawn to the ease of departing from Sydney. During the 2026/2027 summer season, Norwegian Spirit will return with 10 Sydney sailings – more than ever before – including five round-trip itineraries.

    Get the most from a long weekend at sea or take an immersive East Coast adventure, with a selection of four- to 14-day itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Each taking curious travellers to a new destination almost every day.

    The long weekend of a lifetime

    The Mandara spa inside the Norwegian Spirit.
    Fall into relaxation at the award-winning Mandara Spa.

    Sometimes, a few days at sea can be just what you need to reset and recharge, which is why NCL has released its first-ever four-day Tassie taster cruise departing from Sydney. It’s designed as the ideal long weekend escape for adults seeking a reset, where guests can do as much or as little as they please.

    Sea days can be spent relaxing. Perhaps an Aroma Stone Therapy massage at the award-winning Mandara Spa, or an afternoon taking in the vibrant deckside energy at Waves Pool Bar.

    In Hobart, an array of shore excursions will showcase the rugged beauty and history of the island. From oyster and wine tasting, strolls through the eclectic Salamanca Market, or spotting the iconic Tasmanian devil, make the time in port your own.

    11 days around the country

    The Norwegian Spirit with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House.
    Wake up to Australia’s iconic sights.

    Explore some of the country’s most iconic locations, enjoying the comfort of your stateroom between stops on this unique 11-day itinerary. You’ll discover the beauty of South Eastern Australia, including Kangaroo Island, each delivered right to your doorstep.

    This sailing is designed to be completely relaxing yet immersive, with overnights† in both Adelaide and Melbourne. For tennis fans, the January departure is timed to pair with a day at the popular Australian Open.

    As a longer itinerary, find a great balance of sea and port days. It’s ideal for adults seeking serious unhurried exploration and foodies looking forward to the opportunity to try out more of Norwegian Spirit ’s many dining options.

    To book, contact your travel agent, call 1300 255 200 or visit ncl.com

    †Applies to select sailings.