The Best Local Food Tours in Australia

group of friends dining at a vineyard group of friends dining at a vineyard

The Best Local Food Tours in Australia

Welcome to Australia, a country where the culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as its stunning natural scenery. Here, food is not just sustenance; it's an experience that captures the essence of the land and its people.

Join Pan Pacific Hotels Group on an epicurean adventure through Australia's most exciting cities. We'll show you some local food tours, highlighting the flavours of the country's cuisine.

 

Sign up for Pan Pacific DISCOVERY

Join Pan Pacific DISCOVERY and unlock a wealth of benefits, with or without a stay. Enjoy exclusive member rates, specially curated Local Offers and Experiences, and access to our rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$).

SIGN UP NOW

What Is Australian Food

Grilled Australian Tomahawk Steak Grilled Australian Tomahawk Steak

 

Australian cuisine is a diverse and evolving culinary landscape that reflects the country's unique history, geography, and multicultural society. It combines Indigenous ingredients and traditions with influences from British settlers, European immigrants, and neighbouring Asian countries. 

The cuisine is characterised by its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including native plants, seafood, and high-quality meats. While traditional favourites like meat pies and barbecued snags (sausages) remain popular, contemporary Australian cuisine embraces innovative cooking techniques and global flavours, creating a dynamic and exciting food culture.

 

Melbourne: Australia's Food Capital

Melbourne, a city synonymous with food and coffee, is a must-visit for any culinary enthusiast. Its vibrant food scene is a melting pot of cultures, strongly emphasising fresh, local produce. Here are some ideas to help you get started exploring Melbourne's eats.

 

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is a highlight of the city's culinary calendar. Held annually, it showcases Victoria's diverse food and wine offerings. From renowned chefs to emerging talents, the festival features a variety of events, including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and food markets. It's a great opportunity to sample regional produce, discover new flavours, and immerse yourself in Melbourne's vibrant food culture.

 

Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour

Food Tours are great for discovering Melbourne's diverse culinary offerings. Sign up for the Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour to sample the city's best-kept food secrets through some of its most iconic streets. Indulge in delicious tastings at hidden gems along Degraves Street, taste some sweet treats on Hardware Lane, and savour artisanal goodies at the historic Queen Victoria Market.

 

Melbourne Cafe and Coffee Culture Walking Tour

No trip to Melbourne is complete without exploring its cafes. On the Melbourne Cafe and Coffee Culture Walking Tour, dive into the heart of Melbourne's thriving cafe and coffee culture. Visit chic cafes on Little Bourke Street, experience the aromatic delights of renowned coffee spots on Flinders Lane, and stroll down the lively Collins Street before stopping for a delicious cafe-style lunch and a cup of coffee.

 

Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Chocolate and Dessert Walking Tour

Indulge your sweet tooth on a chocolatey adventure through Melbourne's hidden laneways with the Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Chocolate and Dessert Walking Tour. Discover world-class couverture, meet passionate chocolatiers, and taste exquisite pastries. Your local guide will unlock the secrets of Melbourne's dessert scene, leading you to six heavenly hotspots in just three hours, where you’ll get to try up to 10 chocolate varieties. Get ready to stroll, sample, and swoon.

 

Yarra Valley Wind and Winery Tour

For wine enthusiasts, the Yarra Valley Wind and Winery Tour may call out to you. Discover the Yarra Valley's renowned wineries on a day trip from Melbourne. With an expert guide, visit four top estates: Balgownie, Soumah, Greenstone, and Yering Farm. Savour multiple tastings, enjoy a winery lunch, and immerse yourself in Australia's winemaking heritage amidst stunning landscapes.

 

Lygon Street Walking Food Tour

Craving Italian cuisine? Take the 3-hour Lygon Street Walking Food Tour to relish the flavours of Melbourne's Little Italy. Bypass tourist hotspots for authentic eateries hidden along Lygon Street. Uncover culinary secrets, learn about charcuterie, and delight in cheeses, cured meats, and artisan breads.

 

Where to Stay in Melbourne

panoramic suite bedroom pp Melbourne panoramic suite bedroom pp Melbourne

 

Melbourne offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. For a luxurious stay with stunning city views and fine dining, consider the Pan Pacific Melbourne. Its prime location puts you within easy reach of the city's best restaurants and attractions.

If convenience is a priority, the PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport puts you directly where you need to be – just steps away from your flight. Unwind in stylish accommodations, enjoy varied dining, and watch the world take flight from your window with a panoramic view of the runway. It's the perfect blend of convenience, luxury, and a touch of aviation magic.

For a more relaxed atmosphere with easy access to the city, the PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne is a good choice. It provides a comfortable base for exploring Melbourne's vibrant food scene at your own pace.

 

Sydney: Harbourside Flavors

 fresh Sydney rock oysters with grilled oysters  fresh Sydney rock oysters with grilled oysters

 

Sydney boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene. Fresh seafood takes centre stage, thanks to its coastal location, while the city's multicultural population has resulted in a wide range of international cuisines. For a taste of Sydney’s food, here are some ideas. 

 

The Good Food & Wine Show

First on the list is The Good Food & Wine Show in Sydney, an annual event held celebrating the best of local food and wine. Featuring live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, interactive masterclasses, and a bustling marketplace, it offers a unique opportunity for food and wine enthusiasts to explore and enjoy diverse culinary experiences. 

 

Sydney Food Tour: A Taste of Chinatown

Sydney has the largest Chinatown in the country, and it bustles with eateries offering food from different parts of Asia. Join the Sydney Food Tour: A Taste of Chinatown to sample dishes from China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. You'll also meet restaurant owners and chefs who share their immigration stories and adaptations of family recipes with Australian ingredients. The tour will also take you to a teahouse where you’ll experience a traditional tea ceremony. 

 

Sydney Secret Food Tour

Fuel your travel adventures with a taste of Sydney's vibrant food scene. The Sydney Secret Food Tour unlocks a hidden world of culinary delights. Led by a local expert through the charming streets of Oxford Street and Surry Hills, you'll experience the best of Australian food, from succulent Sydney Rock oysters to a modern twist on a classic sausage roll. Indulge in local wines, traditional Greek treats, and vibrant zucchini flowers. Discover hidden laneways, visit iconic markets, and dine at a local butcher's.

 

Sydney Street Art and Food Tour

Discover Sydney's vibrant street art and diverse culinary scene on this Sydney Street Art and Food Tour to Newtown. Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere as you explore colourful murals and hidden artworks alongside a local expert. Indulge in a culinary journey through Newtown, sampling flavours from Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, and Japan. You'll also visit Young Henrys, a popular craft brewery, to taste their signature brews. Next, wander along King Street, Australia's longest retail strip, and discover hidden laneways brimming with street art and charming cafes.

 

Rocks Pub Walking Tour

Fuel your travel adventures with a taste of Sydney's vibrant food scene. The Sydney Secret Food Tour unlocks a hidden world of culinary delights. Led by a local expert through the charming streets of Oxford Street and Surry Hills, you'll experience the best of Australian food, from succulent Sydney Rock oysters to a modern twist on a classic sausage roll. Indulge in local wines, traditional Greek treats, and vibrant zucchini flowers. Discover hidden laneways, visit iconic markets, and dine at a local butcher's.

 

Sydney Fish Market- Behind the Scenes

Sydney's coastal bounty is renowned, and there's no better place to experience it than at the bustling Sydney Fish Market. Go behind the scenes on a guided tour with expert fishmongers, and discover the magic that happens before the freshest seafood hits your plate. Witness the thrill of the auction floor, learn about sustainable fishing practices, and uncover the fascinating stories behind your favourite catches.

 

Where to Stay in Sydney

Premier Room PR Darling Harbour Sydney Premier Room PR Darling Harbour Sydney

 

For a convenient base for your culinary adventure, consider PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney as your choice of accommodation. Situated in the heart of Sydney's entertainment district, this hotel offers access to world-class dining, shopping, and iconic attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

 

Perth: Western Australia's Culinary Gem

Perth, Western Australia's sun-drenched capital, boasts a vibrant food scene showcasing the region's fresh produce and relaxed lifestyle. Let's dive right into how to explore Perth's culinary delights.

 

Perth Food and Wine Festival

Like its Sydney counterpart, the annual Perth Food and Wine Festival is a great starting point to experience Perth's dynamic food culture. It brings together the best in food, wine, and gourmet products, offering attendees the chance to sample diverse flavours. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, participate in interactive masterclasses, and explore an extensive marketplace featuring local and international delicacies.

 

Swan Valley Tour

No visit to Perth can be complete without a visit to Swan Valley for its wine. Choose from a half or full-day Swan Valley Wine Tour, during which you can explore scenic vineyards, taste award-winning wines, and learn about the region's rich winemaking history.

 

Fremantle Food Lovers Tour

Experience Fremantle's rich gastronomic scene with the three-hour Fremantle Food Lovers Tour. This guided journey takes you through the vibrant streets of Fremantle, where you'll explore a variety of local eateries and markets. Taste various dishes highlighting the region's diverse food culture and meet the passionate chefs and vendors behind them. 

 

Where to Stay in Perth

Premier River View Room PP Perth Premier River View Room PP Perth

 

Consider staying at Pan Pacific Perth if you are visiting Perth. Its prime location offers easy access to the city's vibrant cultural and shopping districts and stunning views of the Swan River.

While this article has tantalised your taste buds, Australia offers far more than exceptional cuisine. From iconic landscapes to thrilling adventures, an abundance of experiences awaits. Read our Destination Insights Guide for recommendations on attractions and activities.

Discover More Destination Insights

10 Unique Date Ideas for Your Perth Romantic Getaway

Find Out More

25 Must-try Cafes in Australia

Find Out More

Find Out More

View Our Offers