The Ultimate Aussie Road Trip Culinary Guide

Australia is one of the best places in the world to eat. Maybe it’s the varied climate and fertile soil. Maybe it’s the multicultural influence. Maybe it’s the passion and positivity of the people. Either way, a road trip around Australia is guaranteed to be packed with flavour. And, in a Thrifty rental car, you can stop at that roadside fruit stall, or seek out that destination restaurant, spending more on the good stuff and less on the car that takes you there.

New South Wales

Start your food adventure in Sydney, where you can eat incredibly well at both ends of the spectrum. In the city, head to Haymarket for authentic and affordable Asian food—Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Korean, it’s up to you! On the splurge side, book a table (well in advance) at Quay, one of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants, where the tasting menu is matched only by the views over Circular Quay and the Opera House.

Once you're ready to hit the road, take the scenic route south along the Grand Pacific Drive. Stop in Berry for fresh pastries from Milkwood Bakery, or head further down to Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla—a winery, brewery, and restaurant in one, known for its seasonal menus and sweeping valley views. Inland, the Southern Highlands are packed with growers, small-batch producers, and country pubs where regional produce is the star. It’s the kind of food that tastes better because you’ve driven to get it.

Victoria

In the middle of Melbourne is where you’ll want to spend some quality lunch and dinner time. You can’t go anywhere without bumping into bustling Asian restaurants and quality coffee shops. Brunch is a big thing here, so pay a visit to Higher Ground, where elevated breakfast dishes and coffee are served in an expansive warehouse space. For coffee

alone, head to the tucked away gem Hikari, where Japanese aesthetic blends beautifully with their expertly made brews. For lunch or dinner, take a walk down Elizabeth, Swanstson or Little Bourke Street and take your pick from a vibrant mix of Asian eateries.

For a world-famous Australian restaurant, take a road trip to Brae. Here, spend a few hours embarking on their refined tasting menu made with produce grown on-site—and, you can even spend the night there to reflect on the experience. 

South Australia

From the city and beyond, South Australia always impresses with its dining. In Adelaide, wander down Hutt Street or into Chinatown at the Adelaide Central Market precinct, and follow your nose.When it’s time to splurge, make a booking at Restaurant Botanic. Settle in for the tasting menu of creative, Modern Australian cuisine—with the beautiful backdrop of the Botanic Gardens. Out of town, Maxwell Wines—in particular, the restaurant nestled with its vineyards—will take you on a journey of hyper-local, hyper-creative dishes.

Tasmania

The little island of Tasmania sits at the edge of the world, and the edge of the culinary world. Pristine produce finds its way all around the island, from humble takeaway spots to world-class restaurants. As you travel the island, you’d be wise to pick up edible bits and pieces to fuel your road trip. Grab some cheeses from Pyengana Dairy and Bruny Island Cheese, stop for Tasmania’s famous scallop pie, and keep an eye out for cherries during summer. Then, park your rental car in a scenic spot (you’ll have no trouble finding one!), and feast on all the treasures you’ve gathered as you digest the view.

But it’s not all simple pleasures in Tassie. You’ll also find some heavy-hitting restaurants, such the farm-to-table powerhouse The Agrarian Kitchen, and the highly creative Farro at the Museum of Old and New Art (so creative, you can even ‘order’ an art experience off the menu!).

WA: From Coastline to Cellar Door

Western Australia delivers big landscapes—and equally impressive food, if you know where to look. In Margaret River, vineyard restaurants like Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines, and Leeuwin Estate offer long lunches that feel special without being over the top.

Down south in Albany, Hooked on Middleton Beach is a local go-to for fresh fish and chips with an ocean view. Further inland, bakeries and providores like Yallingup Cheese Company, The Venison Farm, or Paddock 2 Produce have you covered for everything from smallgoods to pickles. 

Queensland

Queensland's food scene is all about sunshine, freshness, and relaxed quality. In Brisbane, suburbs like West End and Newstead are full of casual but creative spots like Gauge, Morning After, and The Green, where seasonal produce and modern Aussie menus meet in laid-back, design-forward spaces.

Heading north, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland dishes out a different food experience. Long lunches at Spicers Tamarind or The Long Apron in Montville are worth planning a day around. In Maleny, you’ll find Maleny Food Co. and Colin James Fine Foods: artisan cheeses, handmade gelato, and deli goods.

Savour the Journey

Great food doesn’t have to be flashy—or expensive. From paddock-to-plate pubs to fish and chips with a million-dollar view, Australia’s best culinary moments often come from local know-how and a bit of adventure. With a Thrifty rental car, you can follow your tastebuds across the country, choosing where to pause, where to splurge, and where to find the hidden gems that others might drive right past. Because a truly satisfying road trip isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about what you’re eating along the way.

Australia’s food scene is as diverse and unique as the landscape you’ll be driving through. Whether you’re slurping noodles in the city, bracing yourself for a multi-course menu, or stopping for some roadside fruits, your journey here will span the spectrum of food experiences—especially with a Thrifty rental car, which gives you a low-cost, super-convenient way of getting from one delicious destination to another. Book your ride here, pack your bags, and make sure you bring your appetite!