While most of us think of the snow and skiing as a Winter getaway in Australia, there are plenty of other escapes to eat, drink and be merry as the chillier months are here.
From outback sunsets to breakfast by the beach, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, accommodation and attractions to while away the Winter blues. Pack your bags and let’s embark on a culinary adventure to remember:
Consider your visit an indulgent journey of the senses at Cairns’ only truly French restaurant, C’est Bon on Lake Street. Expect a smart, casual tropical dining experience in stylish surrounds of parquet flooring, white-clothed tables and stunning wall art in a perfect marriage of French sophistication and down-to-earth local charm.
Blending the abundance of fresh, local produce with traditional cuisine, sample a true taste of France – North Queensland-style – with starters like escargots, persillade butter and sliced baguette. For the plat principal, delve into confit duck leg, sticky roasted wing, roast pumpkin, corn purée and orange sauce.
Nestled in dense rainforest beside the rippling waters of Lake Baroon sits Dining on the Deck at Secrets on the Lake, a romantic spot on Narrows Road. Reflecting surrounding nature, Secrets stands strong, made from sanded logs in a welcoming lodge design, with a wide alfresco area providing a lush outlook with views of the lake - a place to celebrate special occasions or simply to treat yourself to a meal in a tranquil setting.
Indulge yourself with a high tea, or linger over lunch with a Mooloolaba prawn cocktail, charred pineapple salsa, Marie rose sauce, warm bread and whipped butter; for the main, think crispy skin salmon and bérnaise sauce.
Offering stunning views from every table, Jonah’s on Bynya Road in Whale Beach is one of Australia’s most spectacular ocean retreats. Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this Chef-hatted venue has uninterrupted sea views from floor-to-ceiling glass windows, while the terrace balcony perches on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean – ideal for whiling away an afternoon with your special someone and a bottle of bubbles.
Expect contemporary Modern Australian cuisine with a focus on seafood such as whole Eastern rock lobster, thermidor sauce, orange mayo and lobster vinaigrette, or casarecce pasta, with zucchini, King prawn and gremolata.
Renowned as one of Melbourne’s first and most established gastro pubs, Hotel Spencer Bar & Grill brims with charm, keeping customers well-fed and adequately hydrated for almost 100 years. Located a short walk from Southern Cross and North Melbourne stations on Spencer Street, this is a regular destination for footy fans, city workers and locals, as well as being a firm family favourite.
During chilly months, cosy up beside the fire and warm your soul with a drink and refined bistro dishes, which are all gluten-free, like beer-battered fish and chips with housemade tartar, lemon, peas, watercress and mint salad.
