Sometimes, dining out is about more than just the food. It’s about escape. It’s about stepping away from the every day and finding yourself in a place where ambience, scenery and flavour align in sublime harmony.
From candlelit tables in Broome to riverside cafés in Bathurst, these restaurants don’t just serve meals – they serve experiences. Welcome to five unforgettable destinations that take you into the wild, without compromising on luxury, taste or service.
Nestled within the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, Cichetti in Broome is a culinary hideaway designed for those who appreciate the art of refined Italian dining. With its mood-lit interiors, textured décor and a wine wall that would make any Sommelier swoon, this restaurant offers a high-end escape just moments from the ocean. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Barolo or gazing through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Cichetti wraps you in indulgence, making it an essential stop for anyone heading to Broome’s luxurious coastline.
The menu is a love letter to the seasons, with four and five-course set menus crafted to hero the best of Italy through a distinctly modern lens. Think scallop crudo elevated with garum and grapefruit, or roast duck crown served with Valpolicella jus and duck fat potatoes – dishes that feel curated for those seeking a culinary journey. Every bite is executed with precision and a warmth that perfectly complements the serene, tropical surroundings.
Secure your seat and let Cichetti be your next Italian indulgence in the wild.
Holbrook Hotel – Holbrook, NSW
Located on historic Albury Street, halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, Holbrook Hotel is far more than a pit stop – it’s a destination. Built in 1914, this striking country pub wears its Art Deco bones with pride, offering old-world grandeur wrapped in country charm. From its sweeping verandah to the dappled light of its beer garden and elegant dining rooms, Holbrook Hotel provides a sophisticated oasis amidst rolling farmland and gumtree-lined paddocks.
Food here is firmly paddock-to-plate, with a menu that leans into regional produce and meticulous preparation. Dive into venison loin with poached rhubarb or grilled scallops with fermented chilli butter, or indulge in a roast duck breast paired with confit leg and rainbow chard. The dry-aged steaks, prepped onsite, are another must-try. This is Modern Australian dining with authenticity and flair.
Book your table and discover fine dining in the heart of heritage.
The Vue Restaurant – Boonah, Qld
Perched above the rolling hills of Boonah in the Scenic Rim, The Vue Restaurant lives up to its name – with panoramic vistas and elegant plating to match. The setting feels miles from anywhere, yet is only a short drive from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Think rustic charm meets French sophistication, where open skies and soft breezes set the tone for a meal that’s anything but ordinary.
The Vue’s kitchen doesn’t shy away from bold, unexpected combinations – seared scallops with pistachio crumb, or braised chicken cacciatore with creamy polenta. For those who prefer seafood, the crispy skin snapper with caponata and salsa verde is an inspired choice. However, it’s the herb-crusted lamb rack with sautéed greens and blackberry jus that epitomises the restaurant’s style: elevated, earthy and wholly satisfying.
Make a reservation and take your tastebuds on a scenic escape.
Sharbella Espresso – Redlynch, Qld
If your idea of escape includes mountain views, tropical breezes and laid-back vibes, Sharbella Espresso in Redlynch delivers. Tucked along The Rocks Road, not far from the shimmering waters of Crystal Cascades, this café is the perfect spot to recharge mid-adventure or kickstart your morning before hitting the trails. Locals love it for its vibrant plates and serious coffee game and it doesn’t take long to see why.
Start your day with smashed avocado on sourdough, layered with feta, cherry tomatoes, poached eggs and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. For something heartier, the roasted vegetable frittata topped with shaved Parmesan and feta offers comfort and depth. Whether you’re after a mango smoothie or a wholesome tropical bowl, every dish is fresh, colourful and packed with personality.
Plan your pit stop and taste the tropics in full view of the mountains.
Bathurst River Café – Bathurst, NSW
Where the Macquarie-Wambuul River bends gently past leafy banks, you’ll find Bathurst River Café – a cosy, welcoming spot with a passion for heartfelt food. Run by Maggie, a hospitality veteran with decades of experience, this café is a hidden gem that combines homestyle cooking with serene outdoor dining. Tucked into a quiet corner of Kelso, it’s the kind of place where you can sip, snack and settle in.
From bacon and egg rolls on seeded milk buns to pork sambos with mango chutney, the menu is built on quality ingredients and thoughtful execution. One standout? The River burger – a towering stack of beef, bacon, cheddar and sriracha aioli paired with crinkle-cut chips – a bite of pure comfort. Don’t leave without trying the signature carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
Drop by and discover riverside dining where food meets soul.
Ready to leave the city behind? These destinations prove that gourmet experiences don’t need white tablecloths in capital cities – just good taste, great views and a little sense of adventure. Whether you’re travelling up north or venturing inland, each of these restaurants offers a refined escape into nature’s embrace.
