The Carousel has compiled a list of holiday breaks in Australia with a foodie flavour. We invite you to round up your loved ones to embark on a gourmet getaway. Whether it’s a cozy cottage hidden amongst the vineyards or a large home with unrivalled cooking facilities, experience a unique way to feast that will be sure to leave lasting memories.
It’s an experience like no other. Travellers can literally stay in the delights of a home-away-from-home and enjoy a local’s insight into a location, sharing secrets from the best cafes, restaurants to the best local produce plus must do activities – it’s a no brainer.
Here’s a list of some of the top foodie properties across Australia.
AUSSIE FAVOURITES
Sydney, NSW
Background: From the oldest wine region of Hunter Valley to Sydney Harbour dining, sunny days in Sydney provide the ultimate playground for Australia’s finest feast.
Speciality: Fine dining.
Experience: If you’re not already an incredible cook, grab a few recipes from celebrity chefs and host a gourmet meal for the entire family in a luxury home. Sip bubbly on your outdoor deck as you take in breathtaking ocean views.
Property Highlights: Spectacular water views plus a snooker table, BBQ, open fireplace and an infinity pool to watch the sunset.
Foodie Highlights: Open-plan kitchens are fantastic at bringing everyone together and involving them in the cooking process.
High Country, VIC
Background: Victoria is fortunate to have four distinct seasons that help develop intense and complex flavours in their produce. Home to the artisan cheese industry, the state produces 86 per cent of the nation’s dairy products. A meal in Victoria isn’t complete without a cheese board.
Speciality: Cheese.
Experience: Explore the bounty of fresh produce at typical Victorian markets and pick up some cheeses before you settle into your cozy high country home.
Property Highlights: Stay on a property oozing with natural beauty and enjoy the swimming pool and BBQ facilities.
Foodie Highlights: This is an entertainer’s delight – two large fridges, two ovens, a dishwasher, microwave, cooking utensils and kitchenware, all within a spacious modern kitchen. Surely this means cooking up a storm is easy?
Hobart, TAS
Background: With rich soil, clean water and pure air, Tasmania embodies the paddock to plate experience.
Speciality: Organic food, truffles and saffron.
Experience: Gather fresh vegetables and herbs straight out of the home’s garden – prepare a healthy and delicious meal for the whole family. Your heritage listed cottage or stone house will give you a little slice of old England.
Property Highlights: This historic property boasts a beautiful courtyard, water views and a Nespresso machine for the coffee lovers.
Foodie Highlights:What more could you want – a pantry packed with gourmet staples and located around the corner from local markets and shops. Outstanding produce is only a stones throw away.
The Eyre Peninsula, SA Background
Background: South Australia’s West Coast, The Eyre Peninsula, produces nearly 70 per cent of Australia’s seafood. The rugged coastline boasts an intense and rare quality of produce that makes the destination a seafood lover’s paradise.
Speciality: Delicacies such as Southern Rock Lobster.
Experience: Explore the fresh seafood markets in town or fish straight from the ocean, and bring your great catch to the dinner table in your coastal home.
Property Highlights: Enjoy the beautiful views whilst taking a bath or merely wake up to the serenity of nature.
Foodie Highlights: These owners provide the full gourmet experience, whether it’s a simple coffee from the espresso machine or catering packages – nothing is too much effort to satisfy the tastebuds.
Margaret River, WA
Background: The warm Mediterranean-esque climate and rich fertile soils provide an exceptional environment for growing grapes in Western Australia. The state also holds the world famous Margaret River Gourmet Escape.
Speciality: Premium wine.
Experience: Relax on your outdoor viewing deck and take in breathtaking views of lush vineyards, as you sip on your locally sourced wine.
Property Highlights: Reading library, BBQ, amazing views, short drive to beautiful coastline and award
Foodie Highlights: Enjoy the gourmet delights this region has to offer and literally immerse yourself amongst the vines whilst doing so.
HOT SPOTS
Stunningly unique properties in some of the country’s most unexplored areas are taking travellers off the well-trodden path to discover the less known gems. We’ve identified a selection of up and coming gourmet destinations defined by dazzling environments and delectable local tucker.
Mudgee, New South Wales
Background: Just five hours from Sydney, Mudgee is the third largest grape producing region in NSW and boasts an array of wineries and natural wonders.
Speciality: Award winning wine and cheese
Experience: Wake up amongst the beauty of nature in Mudgee. Sunrise to sunset this quaint town offers an array of activities from bush walks to cellar door experiences, or simply peruse the local shops and cook up a feast in your own holiday home haven.
Property Highlights: Get lost in the spectacular views or explore the surrounding bush land walking tracks. Cook your own pizzas in the great outdoors with a wood fired pizza oven or lounge back and reflect on the natural beauty in a spa bath.
Foodie Highlights: Outdoor pizza ovens are so much fun for groups of friends and families. Host your own cook-off under the country sky for a truly memorable holiday experience.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Background: Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island and home to an array of natural vegetation and animals.
Speciality: Local produce such as honey, wine, cheese, yoghurts and seafood
Experience: Go to sleep listening to the waves and wake up to the beautiful surrounds of Kangaroo Island. This small island oozes with natural beauty and produce to make every minute spent one to remember.
Property Highlights: By day, take in panoramic ocean views while enjoying fresh seafood grilled on the BBQ. By night, get cosy with a bottle of red and a movie on the state of the art entertainment system.
Foodie Highlights: If you’re a fishermen you’ll be able to enjoy casting off from the bay, reeling in mullet, flathead and salmon to name a few. This house even comes with fish cleaning table & fishing rods.
Port Douglas, Queensland
Background: Located north of Cairns, Port Douglas is a seaside paradise set alongside four-mile beach, home to natural beauty and vibrant flavours.
Speciality: Exotic fruits and tropical seafood.
Experience: In your tropical paradise, enjoy the warmer climate by getting outdoors, go for a swim, a snorkel or take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Make sure to indulge in the local exotic fruits and tantatlise the taste buds with fresh seafood.
Property Highlights: Float the day away in the vast swimming pool or make the most of the facilities such as BBQ or spa bath. Or take simply enjoy the afternoon sunset overlooking the lake.
Foodie Highlights: With a French champagne welcome hamper on arrival and a Nespresso machine on the property, these gourmet delights are only the start of this food lover’s trip.
