AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Take the Dining Experience to the Next Level


Some experiences are more than a meal - they’re a moment, a memory and a journey rolled into one. Whether you’re floating along the Gold Coast in a private gondola, indulging in iconic chilli crab in Sydney or sipping wine among the vines of the Hunter Valley, these dining destinations blur the lines between getaway and gourmet.

Here are Australia’s top picks for when dinner is just part of the experience:

Bali Hai – Port Douglas, Qld

Nestled in the serene Mossman Valley, just a stone’s throw from Port Douglas, Bali Hai is more than a luxury accommodation - it’s a full sensory retreat. Designed with Balinese flair, this private estate offers total seclusion across 80 acres, where thatched-roof bures house three ensuite bedrooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen. A wet-edge pool and panoramic views of the Daintree Mountains provide a daily reminder that you're somewhere truly special.

Take the Dining Experience to the Next Level

While dining in, guests can enjoy spa treatments and locally sourced produce whipped up in their own kitchen, or venture out on curated excursions to discover the region’s culinary and natural wonders. Whether you choose to self-cater or have gourmet experiences arranged for you, it’s all about relaxing in your own rhythm.

Book your luxury escape and savour the experience of slow living in the tropics.

Harry’s Singapore Chilli Crab – Sydney CBD, NSW

Few Sydney restaurants can claim legend status like Harry’s Singapore Chilli Crab. With more than 50 years of history behind it, this Potts Point institution serves up iconic seafood dishes in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere complete with neon signs and splashes of vibrant art. It’s a place where big flavours meet big memories.

Take the Dining Experience to the Next Level

The signature Singapore chilli crab is a hands-on, bib-wearing affair - served with steamed rice and a side of nostalgia, thanks to Harry’s original secret sauce recipe. For the full experience, pair it with fresh lobster or crispy caramelised pork belly. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or hosting an intimate dinner with friends, Harry’s delivers a dining experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.

Make it a night to remember - book your table and get cracking.

Gold Coast Gondolas – Main Beach, Qld

Elevate your dining plans - literally - with Gold Coast Gondolas, where every meal is served afloat. Gliding through the glistening waterways of Main Beach, these private, sheepskin-seated vessels offer total seclusion for romantic couples or groups looking for something different. The atmosphere is pure elegance, the experience delightfully indulgent.

Take the Dining Experience to the Next Level

Choose a breakfast cruise with eggs Benedict and sparkling sunrise views or opt for a sunset dinner featuring garlic prawns in a white wine cream sauce. The grilled Atlantic salmon with béarnaise and seasonal vegetables is a standout, matched only by the views. Whether it’s an anniversary, proposal or a spontaneous indulgence, it’s dinner done differently.

Set sail for an unforgettable meal - book your Gold Coast Gondola cruise today.

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Deli & Wine Tours – Pokolbin, NSW

In the heart of the Hunter Valley, Two Fat Blokes is where gourmet curiosity meets local know-how. Part deli, part tour company, this all-in-one destination is ideal for those who want to taste their way through the region. From house-cured smallgoods and artisan cheese to guided wine and beer pairings, everything here celebrates local craftsmanship.

Take the Dining Experience to the Next Level

Join a tasting tour, build your own cheese board, or relax by the fire with a glass of Shiraz. For a deeper dive, take a matching masterclass and learn how flavours change with every sip and slice. It’s casual, convivial and utterly delicious - just as a day in wine country should be.

Discover the flavours of the Hunter Valley - reserve a tour or tasting experience now.

Whether you’re reclining in rainforest luxury or floating through city lights, these destinations combine dining with something more - an experience that lingers long after the last bite. So go ahead, make your next meal an adventure.

Featured Locations

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Gold Coast Gondolas

Escape the daily grind with your partner or friends as you glide smoothly through a kaleidoscope of scenic beauty and shimmering lights onboard Gold Coast Gondolas, operating from Seaworld Drive in...

Asian    $$$$$

Harry's Singapore Chilli Crab

Head where food and friends have met for more than 50 years to find flavours crafted into edible art at Harry’s Singapore Chilli Crab restaurant on Rockwall Crescent in Potts Point. This iconic Syd...

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Bali Hai

If you yearn for a luxurious Bali-style break, look no further than Bali Hai in the magnificent Mossman Valley. Just a short drive from Port Douglas, this thoughtfully designed retreat offers a bli...

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Deli and Wine Tours

Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Deli and Wine Tours on Hermitage Road in Pokolbin showcases the mouth-watering offerings of the Hunter Valley. Take advantage of cheese and wine matching classes running dail...

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