When holidaying in Australia, there is so much more to experience than just its big cities and famous tourist attractions. In fact, no trip down under is complete without leaving the busy city behind and heading out into the regions for a gourmet adventure. We’ve handpicked some of the standout gourmet destinations around the country where you can experience the world-class food and wine that Australia is renowned for – all while staying in the lap of luxury.
Lake House – Daylesford, Victoria
With legendary Alla Wolf-Tasker at the helm of Lake House’s award-winning restaurant, this is a holiday experience that is not to be missed. The restaurant makes almost everything onsite, from fluffy homemade bread to exquisite meats. Guests can expect contemporary continental cuisine from locally sourced and hand-picked produce that they can savour in a relaxed atmosphere, indoors or alfresco. Whatever season you choose to visit, Lake House is sure to delight. Enjoy butter poached pheasant with chestnuts and farrow in Autumn, the golden roasted free-range chicken with corn and yabbies in Summer, or in Winter, nealis pears, quinces and yellow crab apples feature in fabulous desserts.
The Louise – Barossa Valley, South Australia
Within the beautiful Barossa Valley you will find The Louise, an exquisite vineyard retreat with only 15 luxurious suites. Boasting magnificent views and a host of exceptional facilities, The Louise is certainly a perfect destination for couples. Set within The Louise is a dining destination that is renowned amongst local foodies – Appellation, an essential stop when in the Barossa Valley. Under the direction of Executive Chef Daniel Murphy, the restaurant only serves fresh produce sourced from its own garden and from local suppliers within the region. Savour mouthwatering cuisine and cocktails that change with the season. Bread is baked onsite and Appellation even carbonates their own rainwater! With an impressive wine selection that includes the quintessential Barossa wines, this is a true foodie heaven.
Spicers Hidden Vale – Greater Brisbane, Queensland
Embark on a culinary adventure that combines fresh country air, luxurious accommodation, fabulous dining, and a range of activities at Spicers Hidden Vale. All Spicers Retreats offer award-winning dining, and Homage Restaurant at Hidden Vale is no exception. Here, you can savour Executive Chef Ash Martin and Head Chef Simon Furley’s ever-changing ‘paddock to plate’ creations as well as a few old favourites too. Try the Homage Tasting menu or select from the a la carte delights that showcase the very best of the region. With an onsite garden, orchard, piglets, smokehouse, and beehives, many of the ingredients used come directly from the property. The stunning Spotted Gum bar and Spicers’ 3,000-bottle wine cellar just add another layer of indulgence to this experience.
Jackalope Hotel – Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Redefining both luxury accommodation and gourmet dining on the Mornington Peninsula is Jackalope Hotel. This award-winning boutique hotel boasts not one, but two destination restaurants. Doot Doot Doot, the main restaurant, serves a heavenly degustation menu that boasts the country’s finest produce that you can enjoy under the light of Ten Thousand Light Bulbs. Private dining can be arranged, which means having a personal waiter, chef, and sommelier at your service. There’s also Rare Hare, the onsite winery, which provides immersive wine experiences and a casual atmosphere perfect for long lunches. Curated art installations and collaborations immerse you in a holiday adventure that’s both ideal and surreal.
Mount Lofty House – Adelaide Hill, South Australia
An iconic manor set in the picturesque Adelaide Hills Wine Region, Mount Lofty House promises an exceptional luxury escape. Here you can holiday amid tranquil surrounds and pamper yourself with signature spa treatments at The Stables Day Spa. Relish a 3- to 7-course degustation menu inspired by the season and the bounty of the region, prepared by 3 chef hat Jin Choi at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. Take in the gorgeous views of Piccadilly Valley as you enjoy a pairing of wine, sake, or a cocktail with your meal. Or, head to the Arthur Waterhouse Lounge to savour the creations of master mixologist Simone Petronici and take pleasure in a more casual dining experience.
Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel – Central Coast, New South Wales
Find relaxation and indulgence at Bells at Killcare on the Central Coast of New South Wales. This beautiful coastal boutique hotel and spa offers 25 private cottages that are perfect for romantic getaways. But there’s more to enjoy at Bells. Its popular restaurant, The Wild Flower, is reason enough to drive just over an hour from Sydney’s CBD. It offers vibrant hospitality with a strong focus on Mediterranean flavours, simplicity, and sustainability. The dining experience is a celebration of the region, featuring seafood from the local waterways, produce from an onsite garden, and eggs from the free-range hens. Now helmed by Chef Dean Jones, expect more interest and a new era of dining experiences at Bells at Killcare.
Cape Lodge – Margaret River, Western Australia
Experience the renowned wine region of the Margaret River at Cape Lodge, a private country house hotel set within a secluded vineyard. It is here that you’ll find the gustatory delights of the Cape’s in-house restaurant that has long been described as one of Western Australia’s finest gourmet establishments. This superb lakeside restaurant offers French-influenced country fare that showcases the region’s selection of superb produce. Enjoy their mouthwatering Baldivis Rabbit Terrine for your entree, then try the Fish of the Day which changes regularly. Undecided? Try the kitchen’s recommendations under their Trust the Chef menu. Whatever you choose, a meal here is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you haven’t been to any of these gourmet destinations in Australia, it’s definitely time to plan your trip. Let us know if you have any other recommendations for culinary adventures in regional Australia.
Mat Lewis is Co-Founder & CEO of View Retreats. View Retreats is a boutique travel agency featuring handpicked, luxury accommodation across Australia & New Zealand.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
The original content (article & images) is owned by Mat Lewis. Visit the site here for other interesting stories.
No comments:
Post a Comment