Whether it be exploring farm-gate food trails, craft breweries, distilleries, boutique wineries, or pulling up a seat at a Michelin Star restaurant; Australia’s provincial regions are a playground of pure indulgence.
We’ve long associated indulgent regional food & wine experiences with places like the Barossa Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Margaret River, Hunter Valley among others. Driven by exceptional wines and award-winning restaurants, these provincial regions have firmly established reputations both locally and internationally.
However, a new local ‘indulgence’ travel economy is emerging in other areas of the country bringing a broader offer to the table. Encompassing craft breweries, distilleries, artisan cheese-makers, bakeries, chocolatiers and more - travellers are finding different ways to indulge their senses through authentic experiences grounded in provenance.
Here are a few hidden gems well worth a taste-test:
FARMGATE & FOOD TRAILS
From local Harvest Markets to Paddock to plate experiences, artisan food producers are helping carve out gourmet destinations across the country.Check out:
- Hawkesbury Harvest Trail
- Otway Harvest Trail
- Clare Valley Food Trail
- Margaret River Farm Gates
- Sunshine Coast Food Trail
ARTISAN CHEESE MAKERS
Award winning small batch artisan goat, sheep & cow milk cheeses in soft & hard varieties aged to perfection using traditional European techniques.Check out:
- Milawa Cheese Company (VIC)
- Udder Delights (SA)
- Hunter Valley Cheese Company (NSW)
- Blue Cow Cheese Company (WA)
- Witches Chase (QLD)
INDEPENDENT GIN DISTILLERIES
From classic botanicals to herbal infused varietals, independent Gin distilleries are opening their doors to a new wave of Gin enthusiasts.Check out:
- Four Pillars Gin Distillery
- Hunter Distillery
- Mt Uncle Distillery
- The West Winds Gin
- Adelaide Hills Distillery
CRAFT BEER BREW HOUSES
It’s no secret that Australia’s Craft Beer scene has been growing exponentially. Pairing Southern American inspired cuisine with full-bodied beers that pack a punch, here are a few new brewers on the scene worth a look.Check out:
- Foghorn Brewhouse (Newcastle NSW)
- Big Shed Brewing Co (Adelaide SA)
- Hemingway’s Brewery (Port Douglas QLD)
- Feral Brewing (Swan Valley WA)
- Aunty Jacks (Ballarat VIC)