Australia as a gourmet food destination? You bet. From the humble meat pie to the iconic lamington (and plenty of tasty stops in between), Australia has a food culture worth hitting the road for. Pair that with a rental car and you’ve got the perfect excuse to explore, taste, and discover.
Here’s our guide to 9 iconic Aussie foods and where you can track them down on your next Australian road trip with Redspot Car Rentals.
1. Meat Pie – Geelong, VIC
A road trip staple, the meat pie is as Aussie as it gets. Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes in Geelong (just an hour from Melbourne) has been crowned for its chunky beef pie. Grab one hot, top it with tomato sauce, and you’ve got fuel for the drive.
Pick up your rental car in Melbourne and take the coastal drive down to Geelong — the perfect pie pit stop.
2. Lamingtons – Brisbane & Adelaide
Queensland claims the lamington’s birthplace (1901), but South Australia’s Kytons Bakery has collected plenty of awards for its take. Soft sponge, chocolate, and coconut — best enjoyed with a cuppa.
Hire a car in Brisbane and explore the Gold Coast hinterland, where bakeries and cafés all serve their version of this classic.
3. Fish & Chips – Coastal Australia
From Bondi Beach in Sydney to Fremantle in WA, fish and chips are a must-eat by the sea. Add oysters, prawns, and squid if you’re feeling fancy.
With Redspot locations across coastal cities, you’re never far from a seaside feast with a view.
4. Vegemite – Melbourne, VIC
Love it or hate it, Vegemite is a national icon. Still made in Melbourne, you can visit the Todd Road factory and grab a jar for the glovebox.
Make it part of your Melbourne road trip — spread it thick, just like the locals do.
5. Macadamia Nuts – Sunshine Coast, QLD
Queensland’s Big Macadamia Plantation in Nambour is nutty fun for the whole family. Taste them fresh from the tree and take the “Macadamia Nut Mobile” tour for a quirky experience.
Hire a car in Brisbane or the Whitsundays and turn your trip into a foodie adventure through Queensland’s plantations.
6. Tim Tams – Everywhere
Thirty million packets sold a year says it all. Dunk them, bite the corners and “Tim Tam slam” with a hot drink — however you eat them, it’s a rite of passage.
Keep a packet in the car on your Redspot road trip — because no Aussie journey is complete without them.
7. Barramundi – Northern Territory & WA
Catch it yourself on a Darwin fishing charter or order it fresh at a waterfront restaurant. Barramundi is a true Aussie delicacy with deep roots in Indigenous culture.
Book your Redspot rental car in Darwin and explore the Top End — where barra fishing and 4WD adventures go hand in hand.
8. Kangaroo & Crocodile – Sydney, NSW
At The Australian Hotel in The Rocks, you can try kangaroo, emu, or even crocodile on a pizza. It’s a taste of native meats with a side of history in one of Sydney’s oldest pubs.
With your Sydney rental car, explore beyond the CBD for more foodie finds — from coastal dining to Blue Mountains pubs.
9. Snags (Sausages) – Canberra, ACT
Nothing says Aussie like a snag on the barbie. Griffith Butchery in Canberra serves some of the nation’s best. Fire them up lakeside at Lake Burley Griffin, surrounded by the capital’s landmarks.
Redspot’s Canberra Airport branch makes it easy to start your trip straight from touchdown.
Plan Your Australian Foodie Road Trip with Redspot Car Rentals
From pies in Geelong to barra in Darwin, the best way to taste Australia is by car. With Redspot Car Rentals, you’ll enjoy:
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Convenient airport & city locations nationwide
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Great prices and no hidden costs
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24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind
Ready to hit the road? Book your rental car today and turn your foodie bucket list into an unforgettable road trip.