Weekend destinations for food lovers

New South Wales
Sydney
In a ranking that surprised even the most devoted Sydney-siders, our sunny city was recently voted the third best food destination in the world by a panel of travel writers and food critics from the UK.
Our tip? Do your research before tackling the city – there are more than a few signature dishes that are on the bucket list of some of the world’s biggest foodies!

Hunter Valley
Just a couple of hours drive north of Sydney lies the Hunter Valley – Australia’s oldest and most popular wine region. It’s not just about the grapes though, the Hunter is a cheese-platter-lovers dream come true, boasting some of Australia’s best cheese, chutney, jams, and more.

Victoria
Melbourne
Melbourne’s lane ways are filled with artisan breads, sweets, coffee, and so much more. Melbourne also has options for fine diners, pub lovers, and everything in between.
We love the city’s markets which are bursting with produce from all over the world.
Try a Melbourne Food Tour to discover the best the city has to offer.

Yarra Valley
Just an hour out of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley can be a great addition to a Melbourne girl’s weekend or a region worth visiting in its own right thanks to its array of incredible food, wine, and boutique beers.
Look out for the many foodie festivals in the region including the famous Grape Grazing Festival and make sure to visit the Yarra Valley Dairy for melt-in-your-mouth handmade cheeses and incredible views.

South Australia
Barossa
Barossa Valley isn’t Australia’s most famous wine region for nothing. This picturesque region is located just an hour from Adelaide and has a food culture as rich as its views.
You’ll find the best of everything in Barossa – butchers, bakers, pickled goods, and the freshest fruits. We love the unique mix of European traditions and Aussie innovation.

Clare Valley
Often described as the Tuscany of South Australia, Clare Valley has plenty to offer when it comes to food. Locally produced olive oils, preserves, pickles, and cured meats are the regions specialties and farm gate sellers, like Patly Hill Farm, will keep you in fresh produce.
If you can, visit on the last Saturday of the month to experience all the Sevenhill Producer’s Market has to offer.

Western Australia
Margaret River
With mild climate, beautiful seafood, and relaxed atmosphere in Margaret River make it a very Mediterranean-style getaway. Food lovers will love the huge array of award-winning restaurants and cafes as well as the many markets in the region.
If you have a sweet tooth, check out Candy Cow just outside of Margaret River. This charming confectionary store has live confectionary making demonstrations and all sorts of old-fashioned favourites on offer.
The Margaret River Gourmet Escape, held in November, is an event no food lover should miss out on!

Queensland
Gold Coast Hinterland
Just a half hour away from the madness of the Gold Coast lays the Gold Coast Hinterland, one of Australia’s newer gourmet hotspots. The food and wine circuit has it all – quaint villages, National Parks, rainforests, and farmland, not to mention an incredible array of locally produced food and wine.

Tasmania
Freycinet
The cool-climate wines of Tasmania’s Freycinet make the perfect accompaniment to the region’s famed fresh seafood and oysters. Try the luxury Freycinet Lodge for a first-rate dining experience that you won’t soon forget.

Fancy yourself a bit of a foodie? Check out Luke Mangan’s section on RESCU