Dive into Water Views as Good as the Food at These 6 Restaurants

With more than 33,000 km of coastline along with rivers, estuaries and lakes, Australia abounds in water views – and we can’t get enough of them.

There is nothing better than taking in a stunning waterfront vista with a glass of chilled white wine whether you are by the seaside, lake or river. Here are six of our favourite venues where the view is as good as the food:

Sitting on the shores of the lake overlooking Ninety Mile Beach, Lake Tyers Beach Tavern is all about great food, cold brews and good times – the view is not bad, either! Situated in the coastal village of Lake Tyers Beach, this well-loved local watering hole delivers on all fronts with a spacious deck for taking in water vistas; while indoors, high wooden ceilings and vibrant artwork set the scene for inspired dining.

 

From pub classics to fresh, local seafood, there is something to tempt all tastes, perhaps starting with flatty tail tacos, guacamole, lettuce, black beans, red onion, chilli, coriander and sour cream; before delicious mains like lamb shank, mashed potato, seasonal greens and jus, or a steaming bowl of traditional chowder, with fresh local seafood and crusty sourdough. 

Stroll up from idyllic sandy shores and take a seat alfresco as balmy breezes rustle nearby leaves, at Wamberal Ocean View Café and Function Centre on Dover Road. This beachside venue is an ideal spot for a lazy weekend brunch or family get-together, as bi-fold windows offer spectacular ocean vistas of surfers and dolphins frolicking in the water.

 

Take off on a foodie wave with sweetcorn and zucchini fritters, bacon, roasted tomato, baby spinach and housemade tomato relish for breaky; join a lively lunch crowd for fettuccine with chilli garlic prawns, Napolitana sauce and fresh parsley, or wrap your hands around a Black Angus sirloin steak sandwich with grilled onions, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, beetroot, tomato relish and garlic aioli, on toasted Turkish.

Set on the waterfront in Rose Bay, Catalina on Lyne Park is an Australian culinary icon. Owned and operated for more than 30 years by the McMahon family, this Sydney restaurant has built a reputation for its effortless luxury and uniquely Australian approach to dining.

 

With sweeping vistas of the harbour, this is a destination synonymous with chic coastal style where every table has a stunning view; settle in with an entrée of hand-picked mud crab, fermented chilli and buckwheat crumpets, then delve into mains such as lamb rump, braised lamb shoulder, potato dumpling, celeriac and heirloom vegetables. Milk chocolate mousse, peanut butter cremeux and banana ice cream make for the ideal finish.

Just a short stroll from Adelaide's bustling CBD, find a sense of tranquillity upon entering Jolleys Boathouse Restaurant, situated at the end of Jolleys Lane. Perched on the banks of the River Torrens, Jolleys has long been a favourite destination for locals of Adelaide and visitors alike thanks to uninterrupted views and a relaxed atmosphere.

 

An innovative menu based on local, seasonal produce is well complemented by an extensive wine list which highlights both local and international grape varietals. To begin a feast, try lobster tortellini, late-season tomatoes and lobster bisque, moving onto dry-aged duck breast, roast witlof and fresh cherries, with sides of kipfler potatoes, salsa verde butter and grilled flat beans, ginger honey mustard and smoked almond.

Discover Modern Italian dining at Ollie’s on the exclusive waterfront dining precinct of Marlin Parade in Cairns. This North Queensland restaurant boasts a team of European trained Chefs whose passion is to deliver you a taste of modern Italy; with fresh local produce and seafood delivered every day the food is what the Italians call squisito (exquisite).

 

From delicious Australian steaks dry-aged in-house to fresh local seafood and artisan housemade pasta and pizza let Ollie’s take you on a culinary journey through the Bel Paese (the beautiful country). You can be forgiven for thinking you are no longer in tropical North Queensland and instead in Positano while you sip on your Nebbiolo overlooking Trinity Inlet, gate way to the Great Barrier Reef.

Overlook the splendour of Seven Mile Beach and Gerroa at The Seahorse Oceanview restaurant at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club on Crooked River Road. Unwind alfresco and take in the surrounding landscape and sea vistas as you sip a cold glass of wine; or head indoors to peruse a menu sure to tempt all tastes, perhaps starting with half-shell scallops, garlic butter, corn salsa and local finger lime.

 

Expect club classics such as crispy buttermilk chicken wings with smoked chipotle coating and ranch dipping sauce to start; before mains of surf and turf – rump steak, salt and pepper squid, garlic cream prawns and chips – alongside beer-battered barramundi, housemade tarragon tartar sauce, seasonal salad and lemon dressing.