Smoke, BarangarooCredit: Destination NSW
You’ll enjoy great water views in Sydney’s Barangaroo dining precinct.
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If you’re a foodie you’ll love exploring Sydney’s unique dining precincts (Japanese-Nordic brunch in Chinatown, anyone?), checking out Australia’s only sake brewery, visiting local food markets and experiencing spectacular waterside dining.
Exploring central Sydney and surrounds
For a guided tour of Sydney’s culinary precincts, sign up for Ultimately Sydney’s The Taste of Sydney experience. It’s a six-hour epicurean delight, taking in Barangaroo, a waterfront precinct in the city centre serving everything from Japanese burgers to sustainable seafood; Tramsheds in the Inner West; and Rosebery to the east of the city centre — and features a slice of Black Star Pastry’s Instagram-famous strawberry watermelon cake as a highlight.
For seafood by the harbour, head to Sydney Fish Market to pick up local school prawns, scallops and lobsters — or drop by the market’s eateries to eat fresh oysters or fish and chips by the water. To truly experience Sydney’s flavours, buy local fruit and vegetables from the Carriageworks Farmers Market in Eveleigh. Originally a 19th-century site for railway workshops, this inner-city location comes to life on Saturdays, when growers and producers from across New South Wales set up stalls and sell everything from mushrooms from Kemps Creek to organic blueberries from Oberon.
Still have room for dinner? Explore the charming finger wharf at Woolloomooloo. Otto is a famous celebrity haunt that’s also known for its brilliant Italian dishes, while China Doll is an acclaimed spot for modern Asian cuisine on the water. The finger wharf’s Ovolo Woolloomooloo hotel is home to vegan eatery Alibi, which offers such delights as radish cucumber pinwheels, orange and grapefruit jelly with cardamon mousse and free-flowing prosecco as part of its plant-based high tea.
Or if you’re in town on the weekend, for dinner head to Luke Nguyen’s Botanic House, which incorporates native Australian ingredients into his Asian dishes: salt and pepper squid is seasoned with native spices and tempura is crafted from saltbush. It’s located right in the leafy heart of the Royal Botanic Garden, between Woolloomooloo and the city centre.
Have a tipple before dinner
To experience Sydney’s craft beer scene, join Dave’s 3 in 3 Brewery Tour or create your own self-guided trek through the Inner West’s many breweries, such as Young Henrys, Wildflower Brewing & Blending, Wayward Brewing Co. and Batch Brewing Co. Many of these breweries are found in the Inner West’s Marrickville and surrounding suburbs such as Newtown.
If spirits are more your style, head to Surry Hills, on the fringe of the city centre, to infuse your own rum at Brix Distillers's rum school or become a cocktail-making pro at Four Pillars’s gin masterclasses, also in Surry Hills.
Discover Sydney’s cultural hubs
Savour burek and many other multicultural flavours in the Western Sydney suburb of Liverpool, a 40-minute drive from central Sydney. Book a Taste of the World walking tour, hosted by Ultimately Sydney, and you’ll sample everything from Middle Eastern falafel to Indian dosa. For Lebanese charcoal chicken, Georgian khachapuri and Italian pizza, head to The Paper Mill.
In Bankstown in southwest Sydney, a 40-minute drive from the city centre, you can grab banh mi and slurp bowls of pho, then experience a microbrewery tour and try tasting paddles at the Basement Brewhouse.
In Chippendale, on the fringe of the city centre, browse the many Asian street food stalls at Spice Alley, or visit the nearby Chinatown dining precinct of Darling Square, which features everything from Japanese-Nordic brunch at Edition Roasters to tapas inspired by Barcelona’s markets at Boque by Tapavino.
Spice Alley, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying food and drink in Spice Alley, Chippendale.
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Spice Alley, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying food and drink in Spice Alley, Chippendale.
Young Henrys, Newtown Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying the beer at Young Henrys bar and brewery in Newtown.
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Young Henrys, Newtown Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying the beer at Young Henrys bar and brewery in Newtown.
Hit the Northern Beaches
If you take the 30-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to beachside Manly, you’ll find good dining options as soon as you arrive at the wharf. Hugos is beloved for its pizza and its dishes also showcase the waterfront location (think barramundi with sweet potato and ginger mash). Saké Restaurant and Bar is worth a visit for its tempura scallops, popcorn shrimp and other inventive takes on Japanese cuisine, while Queen Chow offers Chinese classics like dumplings alongside remixed dishes such as wok-fried lobster with garlic butter.
For a beer-flavoured afternoon, touring Manly’s Four Pines Brewpub will keep you busy, or head over to nearby Brookvale’s 7th Day Brewery and Nomad Brewing Co. for a craft schooner or two.
For more coastal dining highlights, head north to The Boathouse at Palm Beach, the original rustic-café-by-the-water experience that inspired the popular Boathouse empire, or spend time at the beautifully revamped Barrenjoey House (this Palm Beach landmark recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary). Or enjoy Pilu at Freshwater’s new Baretto Nights wine bar — its summer menu is overseen by award-winning chef Mitch Orr.
Explore Penrith and surrounds
At the foot of the Blue Mountains, the Western Sydney city of Penrith has much to offer, starting with an extravagant brunch at Percy Plunkett. This café serves deep-dish pancakes and French toast with strawberries and cream in a heritage-listed 1866 cottage setting. Should you need some post-brunch exercise, the picturesque Nepean River is just a half-hour stroll away. Take in the waterside views along the seven-kilometre Great River Walk and follow the track down to Tench Reserve, where you’ll find The East Bank restaurant precinct.
Alternatively, cross the river at neighbouring Emu Plains and step into the historic Emu Hall for four cheese gnocchi, Boston fruit stack pancakes and dessert fondue. Then settle in at Rusty Penny Brewery for an afternoon ale or two, or mix it up with a visit to the country’s only sake brewery, Go-Shu Australian Sake Brewery.
For high-quality burgers by chefs from top restaurants such as Quay and Momofuku Seiobo, head to Penrith’s Burger Head. Or check out Smoking Gringos, the team’s new American-style barbecue joint in nearby Kingswood. Looking for after-dinner cocktails? Get acquainted with Mr Watkins on Penrith’s High Street.
The Boathouse at Palm Beach Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
The Boathouse restaurant at Palm Beach, Northern Beaches
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The Boathouse at Palm Beach Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
The Boathouse restaurant at Palm Beach, Northern Beaches
Rusty Penny Brewing, Penrith Credit: Destination NSW
Beer tasting paddle available from Rusty Penny Brewing, Penrith.
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Rusty Penny Brewing, Penrith Credit: Destination NSW
Beer tasting paddle available from Rusty Penny Brewing, Penrith.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, CorowaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa.
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Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip through the Murray, named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales. Float down the river on a historic paddlesteamer wine cruise, stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, and dine at chic restaurants and bars in this unique culinary playground.
Take the back roads for gourmet treats
Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250km driving route that passes through the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River. Sink your teeth into fresh olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails, and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While you’re at this winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.
Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock to plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.
You can work up an appetite as you build your own itinerary on the theme of food, paddocks and produce, and find suggested routes and maps to Murray River farm gates, at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre.
Wine and dine along the river
Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama, where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Take a Murray River Paddlesteamers Wharf to Winery Cruise from the town to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch. Or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and tasting crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Vineyards, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.
Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice Creamery – flavours include rocky road, green apple or macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.
Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here you can book a whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in an Art Deco former bank on the main street of Corowa.
Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury
From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.
At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.
In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery – try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
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The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
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Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.
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Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.