Wining & Dining

New South Wales

Though Sydney is undeniably the hot destination for foodies – reaping the benefits of more than 140 different cultures, world-renowned chefs and great produce from all over Australia – wherever you go in New South Wales, youll find fresh flavours to suit all budgets and palates, from incomparable seafood to Asian-inspired cuisine and world-class wines.

Food & Wine in Sydney
A fusion of flavours, cultures and fresh food amid vivid scenery, Sydneys dining scene is one of the most buzzing in the world. And some of the most exciting tables to be had in the city are those with a view. Rated one of the worlds top 100 restaurants, Tetsuyas overlooks a Japanese garden and serves elegant Japanese-French food; Quay and Pier enjoy stunning harbour views. Just a 50-minute drive from the city, the restaurant at Jonahs sits above Whale Beach, serving a seafood-focused menu. Sydneys bar scene is also thriving. Surry Hills Vini and Yullis have become local favourites; Wine Odyssey in the Rocks district lets you help yourself to 44 delicious Australian wines in its Wine Journey Room; and the Water Bar at Blue Sydney, named one of the top 10 bars in the world, has a cocktail menu second to none.

Hunter Valley
Only two hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is Australias oldest wine region, with more than 120 wineries and superb cuisine that is more than a match for the remarkable libations. Rock Restaurant in Pokolbin is garnering rave reviews for its contemporary Australian cuisine with a classical French influence; and Bistro Molines in Mount View delivers a regional French menu against a captivating vineyard backdrop.

Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is at the forefront of the slow-food movement, and one of the best examples of this can be found at Vulcans (+61 2 4787 6899), an exceptional but tiny restaurant housed in an old bakery in Blackheath village. Much less modestly outfitted is Darleys restaurant at Lilianfels hotel in Katoomba, an award-winning dining establishment where modern Australian food is served in a romantic space featuring stained-glass windows, fireplaces and crystal chandeliers.

Queensland

Food and drink in Queensland is as diverse as the geography of the state and the people who live in it – but, wherever you go, you can expect a warm welcome, a diverse array of options and world-class food inspired by the surroundings. Whether youre looking for a fresh seafood platter, a smooth Semillon or a kangaroo steak, Queensland serves it up with style and panache.

Brisbanes hot spots
Brisbane offers many high-class restaurants and bars. For spectacular river views, theres Jellyfish, which serves eight different types of fish a day; or Aria in the Eagle Street Pier precinct, serving a contemporary menu using fresh Australian produce. Alternatively, head to South Bank for dinner, followed by a stroll along Riverwalk, a three-kilometre scenic path beside the Brisbane River. From here, you can take in the city skyline, the majestic Kangaroo Point cliffs and the citys famous Story Bridge.

Beyond Brisbane
Mount Tamborine, inland from the Gold Coast, is a stunning area and home to diverse artistic communities. Taste locally made, award-winning cheeses, handmade chocolates, fudge and local coffee. One place not to miss is Songbirds, home to an award-winning restaurant set in acres of lush rainforest. With more than 50 wineries and cellar doors (tasting venues), youll be sure to find something you love in the Granite Belt, three hours south-west of Brisbane. Here, in Queenslands leading wine region, opt for a Cellar Door Pass for a VIP experience through the regions premier wineries. Make sure to book a table at Restaurant Lurleens, too – its ranked one of Australias five best winery restaurants.

Fraser Island
If its authenticity and a true back-to-nature experience you crave, visit Fraser Island, a 45-minute flight from Brisbane. The eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a menu blending local produce, fresh seafood, bush tucker and island living at its award-winning Seabelle Restaurant – you can even dine outdoors, in the bush.

The Chefs Table on Hayman Island
Held once-weekly by Hayman resort on Hayman Island in the Whitsundays, the Chefs Table is a magnificent culinary experience. Hosted by Hayman executive chef Glenn Bacon or a Hayman master chef, the evening takes resort guests behind the scenes, into the kitchen, for a six-course dinner with matching wines, and includes a visit to the famous La Fontaine wine cellar and the Hayman chocolate room.