Golden Days, Balmy Nights and Great Cuisine – Four Capricorn Coast RCA-winners to Taste Test.

The Capricorn Coast is exciting, diverse and breathtakingly beautiful – visitors enjoy golden days and balmy, moonlit evenings with brilliant sunsets and scents of the tropics.

Under the Tropic of Capricorn for which it is named, the coast sweeps along the Pacific Ocean at Central Queensland with views of Great and North Keppel Islands, which act as stepping stones to the wonders of the southern Great Barrier Reef.

It is also rife with dining destinations to remember from cafes to surf clubs and fine diners. Continuing on our delicious drive around Australia of 2023 Readers’ Choice award-winning restaurants, here are four locations that will satisfy any hunger growl: 

Stroll up from a walk along the pristine beachfront for a refreshing drink and bite to eat at Drift & Wood Restaurant, in Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort on Captain Cook Drive in Agnes Water. Dine alfresco soaking up balmy breezes, or head indoors where comfy couches await for a relaxing pre-dinner drink, among aqua accents and driftwood wall art, embracing the coastal vibe.

 

 

With a glass of vino in hand, perhaps start with char siu BBQ chicken wings and wasabi mayo, before macadamia and cashew-crusted salmon fillet, with mixed leaves, capsicum, avocado, mango, onion, raspberry vinaigrette and chilli lime mayo.

Turn little moments into memories at The Alley on Normanby Street in Yeppoon. Effortlessly transitioning from morning to night, week to weekend, coffee to cocktail, whatever you are after The Alley knows the way; slow down, unwind and appreciate the little things at this oasis-like dining destination that feels familiar but at the same stroke inspires a thought.

 

Start the day The Alley way with a breaky of Ben Jammin – poached eggs, Hollandaise, bacon, silverside, cheese and Dijon mustard croquette and chimichurri, while the lunch crowd enjoys a hot smoked salmon poké bowl and a glass of wine.

Driving through the picturesque coastal town of Agnes Waters in Far North Queensland, be sure to take time out to visit Café Discovery at Agnes. A modern interior is styled with a Scandinavian feel of exposed timber floors, pine chairs, chocolate walls and pendent lights, creating a relaxed dining atmosphere to enjoy a meal with friends.

 

Don’t go past the Discovery Classic – sweetlip served crumbed, tempura battered or grilled with beer-battered chips, salad and house tartar sauce – or grilled lemon pepper squid, crispy Asian salad and a drizzle of nam jim dressing.

Stroll up from the sand for an icy cold brew on the balcony, as balmy sea breezes rustle nearby trees, at Tannum Surf Club on Millenium Esplanade in Tannum Sands. Housed in a distinctive sea blue building, this restaurant is as close to the crashing waves as you can get, with ocean views at every turn from a full glass frontage opening onto a sunny deck, where lingering over a leisurely lunch is encouraged. 

 

Evening diners can watch the sun turn pink as they ponder a Mod Oz menu, with choices such as flash-fried five-spice calamari, chips and Japanese mayo, or prawns in a creamy white wine and shallot sauce with jasmine rice and fresh herbs.