Where to find Australia’s best restaurant views
Ayers Rock Resort offers intimate dining under the Outback sky, featuring a backdrop of Uluru
FINE dining isn’t always about the food. Sometimes the sights are as important as the bites.
From some of most iconic attractions to beachfronts to wines among the vines, it’s easy to explore the country - along with a side-order of tasty treats - through its strategically located eating establishments.
Here, adventure tour specialist Contiki has shortlisted 10 of Australia’s best restaurants to enjoy amazing views.
Grab some tucker and feast your eyes on some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery.
Enjoy classic Australian surf sights from Currumbin Surf Club
Currumbin Surf Club – Gold Coast
Sit back, relax and take in the beautiful 180-degree view of the Gold Coast beaches and skyline surrounding Currumbin Surf Club. Watch the surfers ride the waves at sunset with an icy-cold beverage.
Info: supporters.currumbinslsc.com.au
River Quay covers all tastes with five restaurants to choose from
River Quay - Brisbane
Throw together a cheese platter and a few breads and get together with friends on a picnic blanket at one of Brisbane’s newest breathtaking views, River Quay. Set up for an afternoon on the grass area or dine at one of the five new restaurants in the precinct, perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Info: riverquay.com.au
Samui Reid, Jess Darhling and Rebecka Simonsson dine at the Opera Kitchen
Opera Kitchen – Sydney
In the centre of all the action, sitting below the famous Opera house is another gem - Opera Kitchen. Round up your colleagues, grab the girls and get in early to secure a seat in one of the most ideal places to wind down surrounded by the stunning views of one of the prettiest cities on earth.
Info: operakitchen.com.au
Chill out at Perisher’s Alpine Eyre kiosk
Surround yourself with Melbourne’s city sights at Pony Fish Island
Alpine Eyre – Perisher
Refuel your energy and warm your fingertips on the mountain at the Alpine Eyre this snow season.
The kiosk is the ideal place to take off your boots, sip a warm hot chocolate and enjoy the glorious views before heading back down the mountain.
Info: perisher.com.au
Ponyfish Island – Melbourne
Discovered by three urban explorers in the heart of the Yarra, Ponyfish Island is surrounded by water and known as the haven for wonderers and wanderers.
Stop in for some bites or a drink and spend an afternoon floating in a bustling city, perfect for those that are hungry for something new.
Info: ponyfish.com.au
From pier to pub is not so far in Portsea, where the views are great all year
The Portsea Hotel – Portsea
Order your favourite pub meal and sit down to a view of the spectacular Portsea Pier. Take a seat in the award-winning beer garden, stroll along the beach to one of the four bars or get cozy in front of the fireplace in winter; all year round Portsea has you covered.
Info: portseahotel.com.au
It’s the Outback at its most opulent - dining under the stars at Uluru
Dine under the stars - Uluru
Under the star-filled night’s sky with Uluru as your backdrop, enjoy the native sounds of Aboriginal culture with a traditional performance, while you sip on a glass of bubbly and munch on some outback style canapes. Experience the silence of the desert in the presence of one of Australia’s icons.
Info: ayersrockresort.com.au
Make your fish and chips a little bit fancy at The Sandbar
The Sandbar – Perth
Watch the sunset over the sea for a change of scenery and snack on some fish and chips while taking in the sights and sounds of Scarborough Beach. It’s the perfect place to let your hair down after an adventure filled day at the beach.
Info: sandbar.com.au
Work off your indulgence with a walk through Coriole Vineyard
Coriole Vineyard – Adelaide
Dine out in the courtyard or the terrace under the Mulberry, Moreton Bay and Chinese elm and enjoy the backdrop of the majestic vineyard coupled with a glass of wine in hand; Coriole Vineyard will set you right in to holiday mode. After some wine tasting and cheese, take a leisurely walk through the vines at one of Adelaide’s finest vineyards.
Info: coriole.com
Managing director Robert Ravens inspects the lavender at Bridestowe
Woodcroft Cafe (Bridestowe Lavender Estate) – Tasmania
For those who don’t have pollen allergies, let fields of lavender take you away. The Woodcroft Cafe looks out over 100ha of manicured fields while indulging in lavender inspired cuisine. Visit between December and January when the fields are at their prime.
Info: bridestowelavender.com.au
Source: Perth Now - 20 March 2014
