Australian Cuisine
A Smorgasbord of Flavours and Cultures
Australian cuisine reflects the varied food traditions, native ingredients and fresh produce found across the country. Modern dining across the continent, influenced by Indigenous food traditions, European heritage and Asian culinary styles, focuses on high quality seafood, fresh meats, seasonal fruits and vibrant cafe dining.
Bush Tucker & Aussie Staples
What are the most traditional foods to taste?
For tens of thousands of years, Indigenous Australians have used native ingredients, known as bush tucker, such as kangaroo meat, lemon myrtle and macadamia nuts. Alongside these ancient foods, everyday staples such as salty Vegemite on toast, hand-sized meat pies with tomato sauce and classic sausage sizzles continue to be widespread favourites.
Regional Barbecues & Seafood
Where to find the best local dishes Fresh local catches such as barramundi, Tasmanian salmon, Moreton Bay bugs and king prawns are served up in coastal regions all around the country. Casual outdoor barbecues (or ‘barbies’) are a staple of local social life, with fresh seafood, seasoned lamb chops and quality beef steaks enjoyed outdoors in sunny parks or beachside reserves.
Sweet Treats and the Modern Cafe Culture
What do the local people use everyday sweets and drinks for?
Popular native desserts include fluffy meringue Pavlovas topped with fresh passionfruit, chocolate-covered Lamingtons and chewy ANZAC biscuits. Capitals is also recognised for its world-class cafe culture, serving expertly brewed flat white coffees alongside fresh brunch dishes.
Travel Tips for Australian Food
What is the best time for food festivals?
Spring and autumn are the times of the big regional wine and food festivals celebrating local harvests, seafood and artisan produce.
Seek out the local farmers markets and the coastal fish markets for the freshest regional produce and seafood straight from the local growers.
For a taste of real everyday food, visit neighbourhood cafes or casual pub eateries, and popular local craft beers and regional wines.
Plan your Holiday in Australia
Sampling local food and drink adds a delicious cultural dimension to your travels. Combine regional food trail tours, coastal drives and iconic outback national parks for a full and tasty journey across the continent.
Shepherd's pie is often cited as Australia's most famous dish.
Although many regional favourites exist, the hand-held meat pie with tomato sauce on top, and the savoury Vegemite spread on buttered toast are widely recognised as classic everyday foods of Australia.
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