5 of the best foodie road trips

Australia is rich in an abundance of quality regional food destinations. Whether it’s a true farm-to-table experience, the country’s best fine dining or simply an excursion to fill the boot up with bottles, the best way to get there is to get in the car and go.

Less than an hour’s drive south of Hobart and an Australian foodie destination like no other, the Huon Valley is renowned for its cider houses, cosy guest houses with roaring fires, and long-table lunches showcasing the best of the Apple Isle. Drive through apple orchards to try cellar door favourites like the cherry blend at Pagan Cider

, and the incredible Pinot Noir at Kate Hill Wines

, or head to Willie Smith’s Apple Shed

 in Grove for dishes like the Roasted Scottsdale Pork Belly with apple brandy jus. Don’t miss “Taste of the Huon” festival, a celebration of the culinary delights and local produce of the region, held each March.

With one of the largest concentrations of mineral springs in Australia, Daylesford has carved a niche as a spa and wellness hot spot. But the incredible mineral-rich waters also produce some of the most exceptional produce grown in Australia, contributing to a spectacular fine dining scene, including the modern Australian menu at Sault

, Japanese-influenced Kadota

, and the iconic Lake House

. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the region is also known for its sparkling wine: try a drop at Hanging Rock

 winery in the Macedon Ranges, famous for its “Art in the Vines” sculpture exhibition.

If you’ve ever wanted to have pasta just like nonna makes, set the GPS to head to Griffith, around six hours west of Sydney. With 60% of residents claiming strong Italian roots, the town has incredible Italian restaurants like Limone

 and Zecca Handmade Italian

 championing paddock to plate cooking. But Griffith isn’t just a foodie hub; take a food tour to discover how Griffith is one of the East Coast’s most important food bowls. It produces more wine by area than any other region in the country, is the largest producer of poultry and the largest citrus growing region in Australia.

With 60 cellar doors, five-star accommodation and one of the most prestigious restaurants

 in Australia, you might be mistaken for thinking Adelaide Hills is primarily for adults. But it’s a surprisingly family-friendly destination, perfect for the smaller foodies in your life. Kids (and kids at heart) can pick their own berries in the strawberry patch at Beerenberg Family Farm, indulge

 their sweet tooth with a stroll through the candy stores of Hahndorf village, and even order a kid’s cheese plate from Udder Delights

. Don’t miss a stop at Melba’s Chocolate Factory

, where little ones can see all the hard work that goes into making their favourite treat.

Three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River remains Western Australia’s premier food and wine destination – and the best way to see it is on a road trip. Lovers of fine dining should secure a table at Vasse Felix’s

signature restaurant, but those after a more casual affair can crack a beer at the picnic tables at BeerFarm

 in Metricup. Jardin Estate

 offers a cheese school where you can learn how to make everything from fresh ricotta to sharp cheddar, while near Dunsborough, you can gather and learn about traditional bush food and eat a bush food lunch with Koomal Dreaming

. Don’t miss the Margaret River Farmers Market

 which kicks off at 8am every Saturday.

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^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}