6 Mod Oz RCA-winning Dining Destinations to Put on Your Road Trip Map

As we continue on our delicious drive around the country discovering the plethora of Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues, let’s turn our attention to restaurants where Mod Oz dining is the name of the game.

Here are six to put on your next road trip map:

A private island experience in a secluded, unspoiled tropical paradise awaits at Orpheus Island Lodge in the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching across 11 km of immaculate turquoise coastline, the island is surrounded by a pristine fringing reef and features a main pavilion bar and alfresco-style dining area, restaurant, day spa and infinity pool.

 

This food lovers' haven means each meal is an event in itself, from gourmet breakfasts and shared tapas-style lunches to memorable degustation dinners; think fresh seasonal produce from the island's own vegetable garden and seafood delicacies. 

Set inside a charming heritage Queenslander on Limestone Street sits The Cottage Restaurant, an Ipswich establishment for delectable cuisine in distinctive surrounds. Once a home, converted bedrooms now serve as thoughtfully appointed dining spaces giving a touch of seclusion warmed by fireplaces, with extra room available out on a verandah, enjoyed best at dusk.

 

Find seasonal and local cuisine with a Mediterranean influence, perhaps savouring an entrée of smoked kangaroo, pickled red cabbage, edible earth and rosella; before barramundi, twice-cooked crab soufflé, asparagus, tomato and lime.

 

Launching the second bespoke cocktail bar and restaurant in her collection, interior decorator and designer Jane Gorman delivers The Advocate to discerning Balwyn winers and diners. Located on Whitehorse Road, this venue embraces the traditional English architecture within the community and is inspired by Jane's youngest son Christian, who recently completed law school.

 

Guests can expect chic elegance such as black velvet high-backed bar stools, dark walls, arched windows and subtle mood lighting; embark on a culinary journey with bresaola cigars, Parmesan cheese and pistachio, before a crumbed pork cutlet, braised cabbage and nduja sauce.

Take in sweeping views over the rolling hills of Goonoo Goonoo Station and the distant Liverpool Range from the contemporary surrounds of Glasshouse Restaurant on New England Highway in Tamworth. Completed in 2016, this state-of-the-art venue sits seamlessly between two re-purposed heritage buildings, with a full glass frontage and sleek interior vibe of subtle downlights, stacked stone feature wall and splashes of greenery.

 

From a menu focusing on fresh, local produce start with roasted Japanese scallops, white miso and shallots; move onto memorable mains such as dry-aged duck breast, roasted plum, goats’ cheese, hazelnut and jus, enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Noir. 

Rustic colonial charm meets contemporary culture at Junction Moama on Shaw Street in Moama. Situated on the banks of the Murray River in the picturesque Echuca tourist district, Junction offers the ultimate escape to enjoy sensational food, wine, cocktails and craft beer, showcasing everything the region has to offer in a sophisticated setting.

 

Step into a smart dining space with stacked stone and climbing greenery on the walls, while bi-fold doors open onto an inviting alfresco area; dive right in with a starter of grilled prawns smothered in bacon butter and chilli oil, then delve into melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu eye fillet.

A popular coastal hotspot in Bargara, locals and nearby residents travelling from Bundaberg soak up dazzling ocean views over a meal at Rick's at Bargara restaurant and bar. Sitting at the end of Bauer Street along the Esplanade, Rick's offers breezy alfresco dining just a stroll from the beach, as well as plenty of space inside.

Daytime visitors kick back with a DiBella coffee and start the day with Tasman Benedict – poached eggs, smoked salmon, spinach and Hollandaise; on Friday and Saturday evenings, Rick’s becomes a contemporary restaurant with a seasonal Mod Oz menu.