Khaizuran RashidAustralia is an epicurean playground brimming with diverse culinary adventures. From artisanal farm-to-table delights in the countryside to contemporary fusion fare in vibrant city districts, there’s always something delicious to discover.
Ready to give your tastebuds an unforgettable treat? Here are eight tantalising food experiences spanning all eight states and territories that should definitely make the cut for your foodie bucket list. Let the ultimate Aussie food challenge begin!
1. Hunt and feast on the freshest truffles
Image credit: The Truffle Farm, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia
Truffles are considered a luxurious delicacy, known for their earthy flavour and aroma that can elevate any dish. For avid foodies eager to sample some of the freshest truffles in Australia, head to the annual Truffle Festival in Canberra, held in the middle of the winter season.
During this time, you’ll be able to go on an exciting hunt to unearth fresh truffles on a farm, accompanied by specially trained truffle dogs sniffing out the buried delicacy. Along the way, you’ll also learn more about these prized ingredients and what makes them so special and delectable – a perfect and fun activity for the whole family.
To go straight to the part where you simply treat your tastebuds to a truffle feast, there are a ton of farms and restaurants in Canberra that offer seasonal truffle menus and dishes. Truffle pizza, in particular, is quite popular during this season.
2. Be spoilt for choice with seafood at the famous Sydney Fish Market
Image credit: Sydney Fish Market, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Sydney Fish Market in New South Wales is a seafood lover’s paradise, brimming with everything from live lobsters to freshly filleted tuna. As the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers an authentic glimpse into Australia’s thriving seafood industry, complete with a working wharf and bustling wholesale auction.
Here, you can feast on prawns, oysters, and more at one of the many cafés or restaurants. If you’re curious about how seafood goes from catch to plate, book a Behind the Scenes tour for insider insights into the daily auction and a peek at dozens of different species. Or, take the Taste of Sydney Fish Market Tour to sample seasonal delicacies – think just-shucked oysters, crisp calamari, and sashimi sliced straight off the bone. Visit this iconic market before it closes – or look forward to the brand-new Sydney Fish Market opening in August 2025.
3. Sample traditional bush tucker with an Aboriginal guide
Image credit: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Helen Orr
Australia boasts a plethora of incredible culinary experiences that reveal the treasured stories of the world’s most ancient cultures. If you’re seeking a true, authentic experience of Australia’s native bush foods, then we suggest giving bush tucker a try.
For the uninitiated, bush tucker refers to food native to Australia. For tens of thousands of years, Aboriginal communities have nurtured a deep connection to the land, and this knowledge is reflected in their traditional cuisine. Bush tucker fare relies on foraging for ingredients that grow wild, offering a unique and sustainable way of living.
In Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, you can join a guided safari tour to wander through the bush with an Aboriginal guide as you learn about Australia’s ancient cultures and cuisine. You’ll forage for edible fruits, vegetables and other ingredients which you can cook up over a campfire as you watch the sun dip under the horizon.
4. Indulge in delicious local delights in Brisbane
Image credit: Eat Street Northshore, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
How about a foodie adventure in Queensland? For the liveliest gastronomic scene, Brisbane‘s Eat Street Northshore is a culinary enthusiast’s dream come true, housed in historic docking site that was refurbished and transformed into a foodie haven. This vibrant food spot boasts an electrifying atmosphere and a vast array of international and local cuisines, with vendors operating out of shipping containers fitted out into food stalls.
Set against the backdrop of the Brisbane River and adorned with Insta-worthy decor, Eat Street Northshore is the perfect place to sample mouthwatering street food from around the world, sip on craft cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment. After your meal, you can even hop on a ferry to the Northshore Hamilton terminal to view the dazzling city lights from out on the water.
5. Dive into South Australia’s fantastic wines
Image credit: Eden Valley Road, Barossa, South Australia © Tourism Australia / South Australia Tourism Commission
For wine lovers, South Australia is a paradise, especially famous for its Shiraz and Grenache wines! Home to world-renowned wine regions, you’ll find your perfect place to visit, from historic, family-owned vineyards to modern wineries.
A visit to Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale is a must. The former is known for its world-class wineries, including Artisans of Barossa and Jacob’s Creek, where you can indulge in wine-tasting. McLaren Vale, on the other hand, is home to the unique d’Arenberg Cube, an architectural marvel offering immersive wine-tasting experiences, and time-honoured winemakers like Hardys Tintara. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide Hills and sample some of the greatest wines the country has to offer, too!
6. Sample some of Australia’s finest dairy products in Tasmania
Image credit: Pyengana Dairy Farm, Tasmania © Tourism Australia
If you love cheese, ice cream and all things dairy, then one foodie experience in Australia you’ll absolutely love is a trip to Pyengana Dairy Farm in Tasmania. Located in the lush Pyengana Valley, the family-owned farm has a long history of producing some of Australia’s finest artisanal cheeses, dating back to the 1880s.
Enjoy a day visiting the farm and taking in the picturesque scenery, punctuated by wide open pastures and rolling hills. Remember to check out the prized cattle and learn about the cheese-making process here.
After that, it’s time to sample some of these delicious cheeses (we highly recommend their cloth-bound cheddar, which boasts a robust flavour) and some of the farm’s artisanal ice cream.
7. Go on an epic food tour at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne
Image credit: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Victoria © Tourism Australia / Visit Victoria
Prepare for a multi-sensory feast at Queen Victoria Market, in Melbourne, Victoria, fondly known as the “Queen Vic”! Sprawled across seven hectares, this historic hotspot has been the beating heart of Melbourne’s culinary scene since 1878. With over 600 traders, you’ll discover everything from just-picked produce and gourmet cheeses to melt-in-your-mouth hot jam doughnuts all under one lively roof.
For the ultimate adventure, sign up for the 2-hour long Ultimate Foodie Tour, where an expert guide will lead you through bustling food halls laden with irresistible treats. Also, you’ll get to mingle with friendly stallholders as you sample lip-smacking goodies and learn about the market’s storied past.
Oh, and if you time your visit right, swing by on Wednesday evenings for the electrifying night markets, where the aromas of bratwursts and freshly fried doughnuts swirl in the evening air. Trust us: once you’ve tasted the Queen Vic experience, you’ll see why it’s an essential stop on any Melbourne food itinerary!
8. Catch and cook fresh seafood aboard a scenic sightseeing cruise
Image credit: Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
One of the main selling points of Australia’s food culture is freshness. While Australia’s local markets serve up an abundance of top-quality seafood, it doesn’t get any fresher than catching and cooking your own seafood, does it?
On Rottnest Island (the home of the famous quokkas), about a 90-minute ferry ride away from Perth or 30 minutes from Fremantle, you can board a scenic sightseeing cruise where you head out into the water. Once there, apart from enjoying the cool breeze and the picturesque surroundings, you can also dive into the water to catch your own western rock lobsters.
Then, once you’re back on board, pass your prized catch to the chefs who will then prepare a five-course seafood banquet for you. While digging into the fresh seafood on your plate, don’t forget to look out into the water now and then. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few dolphins!
Australia’s foodie scene has something for everyone, from street-food lovers and market-hoppers to wine connoisseurs and fans of foraged delights. Ready to eat your way through this incredible land? It’s time to pack your bags and embark on an Aussie food challenge like no other – come and say g’day, and bring a hearty appetite!
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Brought to you by Tourism Australia
