Dining in Off the Beaten Track Queensland

Queensland is a coastal paradise – a state of stunning beaches and laidback beach towns, lush rainforest and crystal-clear rivers and creeks. But it’s also home to an array of eateries that don’t quite get the attention they deserve. From the golden coast of the Gold Coast and the bustling hub of the Sunshine Coast, to the tropical paradise that is Cairns and the laidback country towns in between, Queensland is full of hidden gems when it comes to food. Here, we take a look at some of the best ‘off the beaten track’ eateries that Queensland has to offer.

The Best of the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is home to some of the most sophisticated and diverse eateries in Queensland, and the hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered. For a truly unique dining experience, head to Jack Sprat Cafe in Broadbeach. This unassuming cafe serves up delicious, hearty breakfasts and brunches, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try. Another must-visit is the Hinterland Kitchen in Currumbin. This cosy cafe serves up delicious comfort food with a twist, from crispy fish tacos to slow-cooked lamb shoulder. For a more upmarket dining experience, check out The Collective at Palm Beach. This stylish restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked pork belly to pan-fried barramundi.

Sunshine Coast Delights

The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland, as well as a vibrant foodie culture. For a unique dining experience, check out the quirky Kookaburra Cafe in Noosa Heads. This cafe serves up delicious breakfast and brunch dishes with a twist, from avocado and feta smash to sweet potato waffles. For a more upmarket experience, try the award-winning Wasabi Restaurant in Mooloolaba. This Japanese restaurant serves up a delicious range of sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes, with a focus on quality and freshness. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, check out The Boiling Pot in Maroochydore. This seafood restaurant serves up delicious dishes, from classic fish and chips to more inventive dishes like prawn and calamari fritters.

Tropical Treats in Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. But it’s also home to some of the best eateries in Queensland. For a unique dining experience, check out the award-winning The Cairns Post Office in the city centre. This restaurant serves up delicious modern Australian dishes, with a focus on local and seasonal produce. Another must-visit is the Prawn Star in the Cairns Esplanade. This seafood restaurant serves up delicious dishes, from fresh prawns to crunchy fish and chips. And for a more relaxed vibe, check out the Rusty’s Markets in the city centre. This bustling market serves up a range of international dishes, from Asian-style dumplings to Mexican burritos.

Country Cuisine in Toowoomba

Toowoomba is a charming country town, with a vibrant foodie culture. For a unique dining experience, try the award-winning The Spotted Cow in the city centre. This pub serves up delicious pub grub, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Another must-visit is the The Grand Central Hotel in Toowoomba. This iconic pub serves up delicious pub food, from classic burgers to slow-cooked ribs. And if you’re after something more upmarket, try the award-winning Highfields Tavern in Highfields. This restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked lamb shoulder to pan-fried barramundi.

The Best of Townsville

Townsville is a vibrant coastal city, with a bustling foodie culture. For a unique dining experience, try the award-winning The Strand Cafe in The Strand. This cafe serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Another must-visit is the The Pier Bar and Dining in The Strand. This upmarket restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked pork belly to pan-fried barramundi. And if you’re after a more relaxed vibe, check out the Reef HQ in the city centre. This iconic restaurant serves up a delicious range of seafood dishes, from crispy fish tacos to slow-cooked prawns.

Delights of the Outback

Queensland is also home to some of the most remote and unique eateries in the country. For a truly unique dining experience, head to the award-winning Outback Jacks in Longreach. This restaurant serves up delicious barramundi and steak dishes, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Another must-visit is the The Birdcage in Birdsville. This quaint cafe serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches, from classic eggs benedict to slow-cooked beef brisket. And for a more upmarket experience, check out the award-winning The Diamantina in Winton. This restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked lamb shoulder to pan-fried barramundi.

The Whitsundays Magic

The Whitsundays is one of the most picturesque regions in Queensland, and it’s home to some of the best eateries in the state. For a unique dining experience, try the award-winning Fish D’Vine in Airlie Beach. This seafood restaurant serves up delicious dishes, from crispy fish tacos to slow-cooked prawns. Another must-visit is the award-winning The Reef View Hotel in Hamilton Island. This restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked pork belly to pan-fried barramundi. And if you’re after something more relaxed, check out the Fish and Chippery in Airlie Beach. This iconic restaurant serves up delicious fish and chips, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

Country Classics in the Outback

The Outback is home to some of the most remote and unique eateries in Queensland. For a truly unique dining experience, try the award-winning The Royal Mail Hotel in Longreach. This hotel serves up delicious pub grub, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Another must-visit is the The Drover’s Rest in Winton. This quaint cafe serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches, from classic eggs benedict to slow-cooked beef brisket. And for a more upmarket experience, check out the award-winning The Diamantina in Winton. This restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked lamb shoulder to pan-fried barramundi.

Tastes of the Tropics in Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. But it’s also home to some of the best eateries in Queensland. For a unique dining experience, check out the award-winning Salt House in the city centre. This restaurant serves up delicious modern Australian dishes, with a focus on local and seasonal produce. Another must-visit is the Prawn Star in the Cairns Esplanade. This seafood restaurant serves up delicious dishes, from fresh prawns to crunchy fish and chips. And for a more relaxed vibe, check out the Rusty’s Markets in the city centre. This bustling market serves up a range of international dishes, from Asian-style dumplings to Mexican burritos.

Tastes of the Tablelands

The Tablelands region of Queensland is home to some of the most diverse and unique eateries in the state. For a unique dining experience, try the award-winning The Fenton in Malanda. This restaurant serves up delicious modern Australian dishes, with a focus on local and seasonal produce. Another must-visit is the The Tablelands Hotel in Atherton. This iconic pub serves up delicious pub grub, from classic burgers to slow-cooked ribs. And if you’re after something more upmarket, try the award-winning The Lodge in Yungaburra. This restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked lamb shoulder to pan-fried barramundi.

Delicious Cuisine in the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland, as well as a vibrant foodie culture. For a unique dining experience, check out the quirky Kookaburra Cafe in Noosa Heads. This cafe serves up delicious breakfast and brunch dishes with a twist, from avocado and feta smash to sweet potato waffles. For a more upmarket experience, try the award-winning Wasabi Restaurant in Mooloolaba. This Japanese restaurant serves up a delicious range of sushi, sashimi and other Japanese dishes, with a focus on quality and freshness. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, check out The Boiling Pot in Maroochydore. This seafood restaurant serves up delicious dishes, from classic fish and chips to more inventive dishes like prawn and calamari fritters.

Country Classics in the Outback

The Outback is home to some of the most remote and unique eateries in Queensland. For a truly unique dining experience, try the award-winning The Royal Mail Hotel in Longreach. This hotel serves up delicious pub grub, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Another must-visit is the The Drover’s Rest in Winton. This quaint cafe serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches, from classic eggs benedict to slow-cooked beef brisket. And for a more upmarket experience, check out the award-winning The Diamantina in Winton. This restaurant serves up a delicious range of modern Australian dishes, from slow-cooked lamb shoulder to pan-fried barramundi.

Summing Up

Queensland is a state of stunning beaches and lush rainforest, but it’s also home to some of the best eateries in the country. From the golden coast of the Gold Coast and the bustling hub of the Sunshine Coast, to the tropical paradise that is Cairns and the laidback country towns in between, Queensland is full of hidden gems when it comes to food. From award-winning restaurants to cosy cafes and bustling markets, there’s something for everyone in Queensland. So why not take a trip off the beaten track and explore the diverse and delicious cuisine that Queensland has to offer?