From Margaret River to the Kimberley, there’s a smorgasbord of gourmet delights to be discovered across Western Australia’s vast land.
Unearth fresh local flavours in Perth, swill world-class wines in the Swan Valley, taste seafood plucked straight from the sea in Geraldton, and sip a refreshingly hoppy beer at a family-owned microbrewery in Broome. Discover these exquisite Western Australia gourmet destinations, where food and wine is a celebration.
The passion of the local artisans, winemakers and farmers is obvious by the quality of their produce. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie or a budding truffle hunter, read on to discover Western Australia’s best gourmet destinations.
Planning a trip? Discover our collection of Western Australia holiday packages and experiences.
For the wine lovers...
For lovers of a fine drop, Western Australia is home to nine top-notch wine regions stretching across the entire state. The hardest part is picking one to focus on. If you want iconic, you can’t go past Margaret River. Here, wild coastal scenes meet lush forests, verdant green hills and vineyards bursting with fruit. You’ll find more than 120 wineries, including the renowned Vasse Felix vineyard, specialising in cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, shiraz and sémillon sauvignon blanc blends.
If you’re a lover of full-bodied reds and handmade chocolates, drive less than 30 minutes from Perth to the Swan Valley to visit some of the state’s historic vineyards, such as Sandalford Wines. This is the oldest wine region in WA, where more than 40 wineries offer tastings, masterclasses and paddock-to-plate menus.
Travel further south for wild oceanfront, dramatic mountain ranges and the secluded bays of the remote and rugged Great Southern wine region. The Mediterranean climate here makes this area the state’s coolest wine region. Make a pit stop at the family-owned Abbey Creek Vineyard and enjoy a cellar door tasting of their award-winning pinot noir and rosé, while admiring stunning views of the ancient Porongurup mountain range.
For the seafood lovers...
You won’t find seafood much fresher than along Western Australia’s bountiful coastline. Think succulent rock lobster from Geraldton, crunchy prawns from Exmouth, buttery scallops from Rottnest Island, sweet crab meat from Mandurah and delicate, briny pearl meat from Broome.
These scrumptious morsels are served straight from the sea and seafood lovers everywhere flock to the west coast to get their gourmet seafood fix. A variety of seafood cruises are available across WA, so you can experience the thrill of catching your own meal. Go searching for your very own rock lobster aboard a Rottnest Cruises adventure. Set off for deeper waters and experience the thrill of the catch as you pull up pots of Western Rock Lobster. Hot off the BBQ, your lobster will be served as part of an incredible seven-course seafood feast with unlimited Howard Park wine. Head 2.5 hours north of Broome to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, where you can dine on rare pearl meat harvested straight from the farm. Be sure to take a tour while you're in this Western Australia gourmet destination!
For the lovers of good food...
You don’t have to travel across the entire west coast to find the state's best Western Australia gourmet destinations – a long weekend in Perth is all you need to discover foodie nirvana. When you want to delve into a world inspired by the street food and markets of Thailand, Long Chim brings the bold tastes of Bangkok to Perth. The dishes deliver the heat and flavour-punches, from starters like crunchy prawns and spicy pork with rice cakes to Massaman beef curry and half roast duck, washed down with Thai-inspired cocktails.
For modern Australian cuisine with a traditional Aboriginal twist, Wildflower is a truly special dining experience. Here, native ingredients take the spotlight: expect wild fish served with native succulents, jarrah-roasted golden beetroot and cauliflower risotto squeezed with desert lime. When you have a carb craving you just can’t shake, don’t settle for second best. Head to Lalla Rookh for an authentic modern Italian feast. Put your faith in the chefs and let them feed you with the Il Capo (‘let us feed you’) menu, which consists of six seasonal shared plates. Toast your meal with a handcrafted house cocktail.
Discover our Perth escapes for your foodie adventure.
For the beer lovers...
Fans of a frothy pint have several noteworthy Western Australia gourmet destinations and breweries to add to their list. Wilson Brewing Co. in the south’s sprawling town of Albany serves up much more than just hoppy pale ales and smooth draughts. Come here for the live music sets and the Wilson’s Food Van – expect burgers, pizza, nachos and ribs among other tasty treats.
If you’re spending time in Exmouth, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, don’t miss Froth Craft Brewery. On a warm summer’s night, pull up a chair in the outdoor seating area and order one of the 16 award-winning craft beers on tap, enjoyed best with fish and chips and live music.
Head north to visit the most remote brewery in Australia: Matsos Brewery in Broome. Order a paddle of their frequently fruity and deliciously infused beers – a fresh ginger or mango beer goes down a treat, while for those who like it hot, a chilli beer offers an interesting twist.
No designated driver needed: discover our Broome escapes.
For lovers of fine produce...
There’s nothing quite like scoring yourself fresh, local produce right from the source. In Western Australia, the harvest crown comes in the form of rare black truffles. Flakes of this sought-after species of mushroom can transform an average bowl of pasta into a dish you’ll look back on fondly for years to come. 70% of Australia’s truffle supply comes from WA.
Thanks to the South West’s cool climate and rich soil, Manjimup and Pemberton excavate an impressive number of these earth-covered gems. Harvesting season begins late May and continues until September, with the annual Truffle Kerfuffle weekend event in Manjimup officially kickstarting the season each June. Join a truffle hunt among rows of oak and hazelnut trees in search of Perigold truffles with the help of a canine friend, fill your belly with tastings at the Festival Village, meet the farmers and growers, and attend dining events with world-class chefs.
Had your fill of this rare find? Around the ‘Genuinely South Forests’ trail (near Manjimup and Pemberton), you’ll also discover an array of delightfully crunchy apples, avocado, cherries, lime and honey to satiate your tastebuds.
For those who want everything...
Want to try it all but don’t have the time required to tick off all your gourmet goals? Experience the extraordinary culinary events taking place at the annual, highly anticipated Western Australia Gourmet Escape festival (annually each November). This Western Australia gourmet destination is a mecca for foodies and aspiring wine sommeliers everywhere, attracting some of the region’s finest restauranteurs and Michelin-starred chefs, including Heston Blumenthal and Nigella Lawson in recent years.
Set against a stunning backdrop in various corners of the state – Perth, Rottnest Island, the Swan Valley and Margaret River – this festival transforms the state into an epicurean hub of world-class wining and dining. Previous events have included everything from a Gourmet Beach BBQ to a buzzing Vineyard Party and The Village gourmet showcase to offer a sensory indulgence for every gourmand.
Discover our Margaret River escapes.
Please Note: You must purchase tickets to Western Australia Gourmet Escape events.
Hero image: courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
