Sometimes the best meals aren’t found in the heart of the city—they’re waiting just beyond it. From the rolling vineyards of Victoria to the coastal charm of New South Wales, regional towns are becoming go-to destinations for savvy food lovers seeking more than just a good feed. They’re looking for character, story, and meals worth the drive.
Whether you’re escaping Sydney, Melbourne or anywhere in between, these four venues deliver all the delicious reasons you need to hit the road for the day.
Kneading Ruby – Wollongong, NSW
A trip to Wollongong isn’t complete without a stop at Kneading Ruby, tucked down Crown Lane and buzzing with coastal energy and industrial chic charm. Set within high brick walls, the space is open, breezy and beautifully styled—timber beams adorned with trailing vines, polished floors and lofty ceilings that create an effortlessly welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of spot that works as well for a lazy lunch as it does for a lively evening with friends.
On the plate, Kneading Ruby delivers Italian with flair. Start with grilled King prawns slicked in garlic and chilli butter, served with sourdough and lemon. Then move on to comforting mains like slow-cooked lamb shoulder with puttanesca and seasonal vegetables, or the pork cotoletta—a golden-crusted beauty drizzled in lemon butter and dotted with capers and feferoni. Paired with a crisp coastal breeze, it’s a slice of Italy just over an hour from Sydney.
Less than 90 minutes from Melbourne, Kyneton RSL offers more than your typical country bistro. This local institution serves up classic comfort with a contemporary twist, set in warm, welcoming surrounds where blond timber, exposed brick and a laid-back buzz set the tone. From casual lunches in the sports bar to family dinners in the dining room, it’s a space that locals love and day-trippers quickly adopt.
Start your visit with crumbed prawns, Asian slaw and housemade cocktail sauce before diving into signature mains like corned beef Girello with creamy mash and butter-braised cabbage. For something a little more refined, the Chicken Fricassee with a brie and thyme sauce, crispy prosciutto and your choice of sides is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you come for a pub classic or something a little more elevated, Kyneton RSL brings flair to the familiar.
Just a few hours south of Sydney, Altar Wine Bar in Milton is a serene countryside escape hidden within the grounds of the town’s historic Old Church. With multiple gardens, a sun-drenched marquee and a converted shearing shed as an outdoor bar, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and savour everything. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, and the food is all about celebrating local produce with a global touch.
The menu is ideal for grazing—think prawn and chive dumplings, white anchovies with lemon mayo and Peking duck spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce. For heartier appetites, the Bavette steak served with a rich red wine and beef sauce, plus a jacket potato with sour cream and chives, is both generous and beautifully executed. Match it with a glass from the venue’s carefully curated Australian and international wine list, and you’ve got a day trip worth repeating.
Meredith Hotel – Meredith, VIC
Halfway between Geelong and Ballarat, the Meredith Hotel is a true gem of country hospitality. It’s got all the pub classics you know and love—served with thoughtful twists that lift the experience from expected to exceptional. Inside, the mood is relaxed and familiar: locals chatting over beers, a roaring open fire in winter and the kind of service that feels like you’ve been coming for years.
The menu spans from gourmet pastas like chilli prawn
fettuccine with cherry tomatoes and spinach, to house favourites like crispy
pork belly with celeriac purée and apple cider jus. If you’re after a nostalgic
classic, the crumbed lamb cutlets with mash and gravy are hearty and
satisfying. Or go all-in on one of their creative parmas—like the Farmer’s
Wife, stacked with salami, chorizo, bacon, Napoli and cheese. Finish with
deep-fried ice cream and salted caramel and you'll roll home with zero regrets.
There’s nothing like a good meal to anchor a day trip, and these regional
restaurants deliver the kind of culinary payoff that makes every kilometre
worth it. From wood-fired pizza by the sea to countryside wine and
paddock-to-plate hospitality, these foodie destinations are proof that
sometimes, getting out of town is the best way to dine well.
