There’s something about a weekend brunch that feels both indulgent and essential - the unhurried pace, the caffeine hit and that perfect combination of eggs, avo and imagination. While the city does it well, sometimes it’s the out-of-town gems that truly elevate the experience. Whether you're road-tripping through the Macedon Ranges or soaking up coastal vibes in Dee Why, these venues don’t just serve brunch - they redefine it.
Here are four brunch spots where destination dining meets irresistible dishes, each with its own unique charm and culinary flair.
McGinns of Kenilworth – Kenilworth, Qld
Set on the relaxed, leafy stretch of Elizabeth Street, McGinns of Kenilworth is exactly the kind of café you hope to stumble upon on a weekend escape. With alfresco tables shaded by market umbrellas and the scent of coffee wafting through the air, it’s an idyllic stop for locals and travellers alike. Indoors, recycled timber furnishings and brimming display cabinets bring a warm, rustic aesthetic that invites you to linger a little longer.
The menu here is an ode to hearty comfort with a gourmet twist. Take the waffle halloumi stack - a colourful tower of baby spinach, mushroom, avocado and poached egg, luxuriously coated in creamy Hollandaise. Lighter options include the Thai beef salad, where marinated beef strips meet crisp vegetables, crunchy noodles and a zingy ginger dressing. Balanced, bold and satisfying – it’s brunch that hits every note.
Mt Macedon Trading Post – Mount Macedon, Vic
A cornerstone of the community, Mt Macedon Trading Post blends small-town charm with culinary ambition. Nestled among gardens and gum trees, this multi-faceted venue doubles as a café, local post office, boutique wine shop and gourmet grocer – making it a local icon with serious brunch credentials. The setting feels like a warm hug: think timber interiors, seasonal flowers and shelves lined with locally sourced produce.
Brunch here is a celebration of regional flavours. Smoky baked beans slow-braised in tomato and basil are a rustic yet refined breakfast hero, while lunchtime favourites like the Trading Post Reuben elevate the classics. Corned beef, red cabbage and sauerkraut are slathered in seeded mustard mayo and served on a soft brioche bun, complemented by peppery rocket and house pickles. It’s soul food with style, best enjoyed before a stroll through Mt Macedon’s famous gardens.
Twist Espresso & Wine – Dee Why, NSW
In the beachside suburb of Dee Why, Twist Espresso & Wine brings inner-city energy with a Bohemian edge. Tucked away on Howard Avenue, the café’s alfresco courtyard is a sun-drenched sanctuary, while the industrial-chic interiors – all exposed brick, black accents and moody lighting – make it equally appealing come rain or shine. It's a gathering place for the Northern Beaches crowd, blending live music with a laid-back vibe and serious coffee cred.
Food here leans to fresh, vibrant and modern. The avo bruschetta is brunch perfection: heirloom tomatoes, feta, basil and walnut pesto on sourdough, finished with a house 'secret salt' and two perfectly poached eggs. For something on the sweeter side, the granola cup delivers layers of texture and flavour with housemade Greek yoghurt, berry jam and fresh fruit. It’s the kind of place where brunch feels like a celebration, not just a meal.
Right on Jetty Road in Glenelg, Elatte is where Mediterranean charm meets beachside cool. With a sprawling mural of a Greek God setting the tone, this contemporary Greek café is as visually striking as it is delicious. The ambience is lively yet relaxed, with natural light, coastal breezes and an unmistakable sense of European hospitality that makes brunch feel like a mini-holiday.
The standout? The Greek Delight breakfast. It’s a bold and flavoursome dish that melds salty feta, grilled halloumi, lemon and avocado on rye, topped with perfectly cooked free-range eggs. Each element is thoughtfully balanced – rich, zesty and textured – offering a nod to traditional Greek ingredients with a modern brunch sensibility. If you’re looking to brunch by the beach with a touch of the Aegean, this is your go-to.
Whether you’re heading to the coast, the mountains or somewhere in between, these brunch destinations offer more than just good food – they offer a reason to get in the car and go. From the feta-rich fare of Glenelg to the soulful flavours of Mt Macedon, each venue brings something unique to the table - because sometimes, the best brunches are found just beyond the city limits.
