Sometimes the best meals are found far from the city, where Chefs work with regional produce and local charm is part of the flavour. Whether it’s a hidden bistro in the mountains or a vineyard restaurant in the Adelaide Hills, these must-visit destinations are perfect for road trippers with a refined palate.
So pack the car, plan your playlist and get ready to eat your way through regional Australia - one unforgettable bite at a time.
The Fernery Bistro – Dorrigo, NSW
Tucked inside the historic Heritage Hotel Motel, The Fernery Bistro in Dorrigo is a charming stop on your way through the Coffs Coast Hinterland. This beautifully preserved 1925 building is brimming with old-school character - think honey-toned timber, exposed brick and lush ferns. The space is warm and nostalgic, offering a true country-style welcome to weary travellers.
The kitchen here serves generous, hearty classics with
flair. The full rack of pork ribs arrives tender and smoky, served with golden
chips and crisp coleslaw - a satisfyingly sticky option after a day of scenic
winding roads. Evening diners can enjoy salt and pepper King prawns and squid
with a chilled glass of white, perfect for easing into the local rhythm.
Take a detour to The Fernery and discover Dorrigo’s best-kept culinary secret.
A trip along the Great Ocean Road is incomplete without a pit stop at The Mill in Port Fairy. This cool, coastal café merges relaxed beach-town vibes with a sophisticated food ethos. Rustic reclaimed timber and a calming green palette make it the perfect place to reset before continuing your drive.
Fuel up with their Belfast burger - a mouthwatering stack of
beef, bacon, egg, cheese, tomato, pineapple and special sauce, all on a soft
milk bun with a side of crispy chips. For something lighter, the Cajun chicken
salad with beetroot relish and chickpeas balances spice and freshness beautifully.
Whether you're breakfasting alfresco or lunching indoors, this is café culture
at its coastal best.
Make The Mill your must-stop fuel station - no petrol required.
Dudley’s Café – Jindabyne, NSW
At the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, Dudley’s Café is a Jindabyne staple for skiers, hikers and road trippers alike. Located in Nuggets Crossing, it’s the kind of place that feels like home - complete with recycled timber, a sunny glass frontage and hearty comfort food with modern polish.
The beer-battered flathead with salad, fries and tartar
sauce is a local favourite and the ideal post-adventure plate. Add a milkshake
or a locally roasted coffee, and you’ve got yourself the full alpine café
experience. For something more handheld, the OG burger with BBQ sauce and
double cheese hits all the right notes.
Swing by and recharge before you hit the slopes - or the road home.
Trappers Restaurant – Batemans Bay, NSW
Hiding within the Sunseeker Motor Inn, Trappers Restaurant is a refined surprise in Batemans Bay. With white linen, statement lighting and curated wall art, it’s not your average roadside stop. Whether you’re on a romantic coastal escape or just passing through, this is dining done properly.
The slow-braised Maryland duck is the highlight - served with
a crisp potato galette, vibrant green pea purée, grilled asparagus and a silky
Port demi-glace. It’s the kind of meal that makes you linger longer than
planned. Begin with seared scallops or eggs Benedict if you’re in earlier and
savour a little luxury on the South Coast.
Discover fine dining hidden in plain sight - book your Batemans Bay stop now.
Sidewood Estate Cellar Door & Restaurant – Hahndorf, SA
Just outside Adelaide, Sidewood Estate in Hahndorf is an unmissable destination for wine lovers and culinary explorers. Surrounded by gum trees and immaculately landscaped gardens, the jet-black exterior gives way to a warm interior with caramel leather banquettes and modern Australian art - a stunning backdrop for one of the region’s top cellar door experiences.
Pair your tasting flight with a triple-cooked pork belly,
finished with a master stock glaze and nam jim dressing, atop a crisp pawpaw
salad. Start with blue swimmer crab dumplings or smoked lamb ribs and let the
wine carry you through a long, luxurious lunch. The deck is made for
sun-drenched grazing with friends.
Plan a long lunch in the Adelaide Hills - Sidewood is worth the drive and then
some.
These regional gems prove that unforgettable food isn’t limited to capital cities. Whether you're craving coastal burgers, vineyard fine dining or snow country comfort food, these foodie road trip spots deliver flavour, atmosphere and the kind of experience that’s well worth going the extra mile for.
