Great Barrier Reef Queensland, Australia Travel Guide
Australian cuisine blends British, Mediterranean, and Asian traditions. It highlights fresh, high-quality local produce.
Seafood and tropical fruits are central. The Atherton Tablelands, inland, are known for coffee, dairy, and a wide range of fruits.
Prawns, barramundi, reef fish, mud crabs, and oysters are staples. Look for local "Cairns Wild Caught Prawns."
Mangoes, passionfruit, lychees, rambutan, and pineapples feature in desserts and drinks. Find them at local markets.
Fresh vegetables and quality meats are readily available and prevalent in dishes.
Barramundi (grilled/pan-fried), prawns ("off the trawler"), mud crab (steamed/chili sauce), and various reef fish.
Find at seaproduce markets (Cairns Fish Market) and many restaurants.
Enjoy fresh mangoes (seasonal), papayas, pineapples, bananas, lychees, and rambutans.
Available at local markets like Rusty's Markets in Cairns, and supermarkets.
Meat Pie: Savory ground meat in puff pastry. Lamington: Sponge cake with chocolate and desiccated coconut.
Find these Australian classics at local bakeries and cafes.
Tim Tams: Famous chocolate biscuits. Pavlova: Meringue dessert with whipped cream and fruit.
Tropical fruits are seasonal, with mangoes rich in the summer wet season. Local food festivals celebrate seasonal produce.
Cairns features Ochre Restaurant (native ingredients) and Tamarind (Southeast Asian fusion). Port Douglas has Salsa Bar & Grill (modern Australian) and Nautilus Restaurant (outdoor rainforest setting).
Abundant in Cairns (Pier, Grafton Street) and Port Douglas (Macrossan Street). They have a range of cuisines including Italian, Asian, and casual Australian fare.
Cairns has food courts, takeaway shops, and various ethnic restaurants for value meals. Rusty's Markets (Fri-Sun) has diverse food stalls.
Because of its a varied population and tourism, Cairns provides a wide range of international cuisines.
Find Italian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Chinese restaurants.
From authentic Asian eateries to European trattorias, various global tastes are represented.
Explore the a wealthy culinary scene landscape.
Cairns - Open Friday to Sunday.
Held every Sunday morning in Anzac Park.
Find in shopping centers across major towns.
Check local calendars for seasonal food events.
Many restaurants recognize and cater to food allergies. Clearly state your needs to staff.
Supermarkets carry a good range of GF and allergen-friendly products.
Dedicated Halal or Kosher restaurants are limited. Inquire directly with establishments for specific needs or certifications.
Some general restaurants may offer Halal-certified meat if requested.
Taste Port Douglas is an annual food and wine festival held during The month of august.
Nautilus Restaurant in Port Douglas offers open-air dining under palm trees.
Some operators teach Australian or tropical Queensland food.
Explore cheese factories, coffee plantations (Skybury Coffee), fruit wineries, and chocolate factories.
Tours may focus on market visits or hidden foodie gems in Cairns or Port Douglas.
Visit this cheese factory for trying and farm experiences.
A popular stop on the food trail.
Learn about coffee manufacturing and enjoy fresh brews in a scenic setting.
A chance to sample local coffee.
For fine dining or popular spots, reservations are often recommended, especially during peak season.
Visit local markets for fresh produce and ready-to-eat options. Rusty's Markets in Cairns is a great example.
Try barramundi, local prawns, and the abundant tropical fruits for an authentic taste of the region.
Don't miss the fresh seafood directly from the trawlers.
