AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

The Best Place to Throw a Shrimp on the Barbie this Summer


By Marie-Antoinette Issa. 

From shrimps to snags, Aussies love a little BBQ-based alfresco eating and now a new study has revealed the top spots across the nation for outdoor dining, just in time for the Summer season.

The Award for Best BBQ goes to… 

According to a recent report by pizza oven brand Gozney, both the East and West Coast can claim bragging rights for the best locations in the country for an outdoor cookout. In fact, after analysing 40 of Australia’s most populated areas and ranking the best places to fire up the BBQ based on key factors like temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours and daylight hours, the results revealed a close call between some of the country’s most scenic spots that are sure to get parochial bbq-ers fired up. 
 
The Best Place to Throw a Shrimp on the Barbie this Summer

Winner Winner Wagga Wagga 

NSW’s regional city Wagga Wagga has been crowned the ultimate outdoor dining destination in Australia. Known for its picturesque parks and charming heritage homes, Wagga Wagga enjoys a massive 13 hours of daylight during the Summer months, with more than half of those hours blessed by sunshine. Whether it’s hosting an all-day sausage sizzle, a beachside picnic or gathering friends for a backyard pizza party, this location is perfect for soaking up the sunshine with some good food and company.
 
The Best Place to Throw a Shrimp on the Barbie this Summer

Go West 

Not to be outdone (or should that be overdone?) Western Australia also proved to be a strong contender, with the state dominating the top ten. Perth, with its warm average Summer temperature of 24.2 C and minimal rainy days, snagged second place. The sun-soaked capital is ideal for hosting summer BBQs, with its laid-back vibe and beautiful outdoor spaces.

WA’s coastal suburbs Rockingham and Mandurah also made a splash, coming in fourth and fifth, respectively. With their stunning beaches and breezy weather, these locations offer the perfect backdrop for a Summer cookout, whether you're grilling by the sea or enjoying a quiet picnic in nature.

The Best Place to Throw a Shrimp on the Barbie this Summer
Other Brilliant BBQ Locations 

Other standout locations include Shepparton in Victoria, which secured third place and Albury, also in NSW, tied with Rockingham for fourth. These areas are celebrated for their ideal conditions for outdoor dining, offering a mix of sunshine, warmth and natural beauty.

As Aussies head into the warmer months, the report serves as the ultimate guide for those planning their next outdoor foodie adventure. From beach BBQs in WA to garden picnics in NSW, it’s time to make the most of Australia’s stunning outdoor spaces.

Check out the full report on outdoor dining locations, or grab a copy of Gozney’s Cookbook for a little outdoor cooking inspiration
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