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:
Water Vistas & Nikkei Cuisine
Inspired by a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients, TUNKI – Ceviche and Woodfire Grill on Brebner Drive brings Nikkei cuisine to West Lakes. Located in the Lakes Hotel, this stylish dining destination is named after the Andean passerine bird of the cotinga family which is the national bird of Peru; settle into curved banquette booths or blond wood tables and grey chairs indoors, or head alfresco and take in water vistas while sipping a cheeky cocktail or two.
Snack on lobster tacos with spicy miso, guacamole, pickles and flying fish roe, or tuna ceviche with fresh coconut cream, ginger, garlic, cilantro and celery oil; before larger plates such as char siu pork belly skewers, chipotle, green apple and sides of robata grilled sweet potato and tahini butter, along with sprouting broccolini, chickpea miso and wasabi peas.
Stunning Sunset Views over the Marina
Those looking for a restaurant with delicious seafood and stunning sunset views head to Restaurant 2317 on Sunset Boulevard in Soldiers Point. Named after the suburb’s postcode and with breathtaking vistas over Soldiers Point Marina, this dining destination projects a coastal vibe with white cane table settings overlooking the water along with a stylish indoor vibe of potted greenery and comfy couches ideal for perusing the enticing menu.
Dive in with an entrée of seared scallops, pumpkin purée, hazelnut beurre noisette and raisins, or smoked trout, leek and goats’ cheese quiche with an olive, tomato and rocket salad; for the main, think surf and turf – barramundi fillet with pearl barley and slow-cooked lamb ragu, chimichurri and lemon. Make sure to leave room for desserts like chocolate delice, caramel popcorn, blackberry gel and vanilla bean ice cream.
Waterfront Dining at its Best
A waterfront destination for good food and great times, Acqua Restaurant & Bar in the Grand Pacific Resort at Bulcock Beach is one of Caloundra’s best culinary offerings. With stunning vistas over the Pumicestone Passage and a down-to-earth menu, settle in and select from mouth-watering entrées, juicy steaks, authentic Italian pasta dishes and an extensive selection of wine and cocktails.
Kickstart a memorable meal with vodka-cured King salmon, roasted beetroot purée, cherry tomatoes, pickled onion, fried capers and citrus slices, or slow-cooked pork belly cubes, pan-seared scallops, fennel purée, fried leek and spiced caramel sauce; cast a net over mains such as pan-seared duck breast, caramelised beetroot purée, lemon herb potatoes, asparagus and burnt mandarin beurre blanc.
Dining on the Foreshore
Situated on the foreshore of beautiful Stansbury, Dalrymple Bar & Restaurant on Anzac Parade is an award-winning leader of the hotel and dining scene on the Yorke Peninsula. A menu of innovative pub grub and Modern Australian cuisine has locals and visitors returning time and again to dine in light and breezy surrounds of whitewashed walls adorned with vibrant abstract artwork, blond wood table settings and a covered alfresco area for balmy days.
Start a memorable meal with freshly shucked Stansbury oysters, or a lobster slider with mixed leaves, spiced Kewpie and shallots; then anchor your meal with dishes such as sticky pork belly, palm sugar caramel, apple and mint salad, coriander, nam jim and peanuts, or char-grilled salmon, freekeh and pomegranate salad, toasted seeds, almonds, herbs and green tahini dressing.
Spectacular Coastline Backdrop
Warrnambool's dramatic coastline forms the spectacular backdrop to Simon's Waterfront restaurant on Pertobe Road. Nestled atop Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club, this idyllic location presents diners with arguably the best views along the Great Ocean Road; whether it’s a brew and gourmet burger with mates in the beer garden, or a coffee on a cosy couch in front of the fire.
If seaside dining puts you in the mood for seafood, opt for prawn and curry spring rolls and housemade chilli jam, before hooking a main of linguine with prawns, scallops, calamari, fish, butter, chilli, garlic, parsley, shallots and tomato passata, or a signature bowl of seafood chowder in a creamy base, served with a Cobb loaf of crusty bread.
Located Right Next to the Marina
One of the best-known waterfront cafes in Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water, 1770 Marina Café on Captain Cook Drive needs little introduction. Soak up the stunning location right next to the 1770 Marina and a short walk to pristine beaches, this café is all about good food, good company and an unforgettable experience.
Catch up with friends over a great cup of coffee and savour the smooth award-winning vanilla slice that simply melts in your mouth; or dine on popular all-day breakfasts, a variety of lunch options and a cabinet of cheesecakes, ice creams and decadent slices. Start your day the right way with eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, poached egg, spinach and creamy Hollandaise, or stop in later and wrap your hands around a tender beef burger with onion jam, lettuce, tomato and carrot.