From farm-to-table feasts to succulent seafood and crisp wines, foodie trails offer a smorgasbord of tasty bites. Get set to jump in the car and sample Australia’s top produce straight from the source, amid spectacular scenery.
Grampians Wine Region, Victoria
Sip sparkling wines and spicy shiraz as you journey through the southern end of the Great Dividing Range. Producing wine since the 1850s, the Grampians offers history on a backdrop of undulating hills. Pop into Seppelt Cellar Door in Great Western to dine deep underground in the historic cellars and discover multiple award-winning Grampians Estate. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to tuck into locally-grown olives, cheeses and artisan products.
The Swan Valley vineyards
The Swan Valley, Western Australia
The 32-kilometre loop that encompasses the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail offers much more than 150 or so wineries. Start at the Guildford visitor’s centre and pick up some snacks from fresh food stalls for the drive. As you wind through vine-draped hills, delve into world-class art galleries, hand-feed kangaroos and enjoy mouth-watering, homemade dishes from quaint restaurants and cafes. Don’t miss out on sipping the region’s specialities of Verdelho, Liqueur Shiraz and Cabernet.
Though recently devastated by the bushfires, the Blue Mountains region is open for business.
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Though recently devastated by bushfires, the Blue Mountains region is open for business and investing your valuable tourist dollar here goes a long way towards recovery. Hop from boutique vineyards to historic breweries and restaurants on a backdrop of soaring mountain views. Opt for fine-dining in Katoomba and savour handmade chocolates as you admire the iconic Three Sisters and the panoramic Cliff Drive route.
Tuck into Sydney rock oysters on the NSW south coast.
Oyster Coast, New South Wales
Tourists have been given the green light to return to communities affected by the bush fires on the New South Wales south coast. For seafood fans, this is the home of the Sydney rock oyster, and the Shoalhaven Coast wine region brings the perfect pairings for succulent feasts. National parks, rivers and sparkling lakes accompany you on this 300-kilometre route.
The Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland
You could spend weeks following your nose around the Gold Coast Hinterland, all the while cocooned within lush rainforests and charming towns. Start your morning off with scones fresh out of the oven, before hiking to waterfalls through the pristine Gondwana rainforests. Visit artisan galleries and antique stores on Tamborine Mountain, then tantalise your taste buds at Canungra Valley Vineyard and Cedar Creek Estate.