Top 10 Australian restaurants with amazing views
Atmosphere can make a massive difference to a dining experience. Acoustics, colour schemes, table linen and cutlery, staff presentation – they all play a part in defining a restaurant and whether patrons recommend it to others and keep coming back.
But what about the atmosphere outside the restaurant? While a view can’t make bad food taste good, it can deliver a wow factor that adds to the ambience while you’re perusing the menu, sipping a glass of wine, or waiting for your order to arrive. Below are 10 eateries that have it all – delicious food and an unforgettable setting in which to eat it.
1. Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant
Lake Street, Merimbula, NSW
The NRMA has operated a holiday park in Merimbula for nearly 20 years, so chances are many members have already eaten at the Wharf Restaurant. Not only does it overlook the sapphire waters off Merimbula Beach, it also has an aquarium on site and scrumptious local seafood sizzling away in the kitchen.
2. Echoes Restaurant and Bar
3 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba, NSW
The Blue Mountains probably has more restaurants with a view than any other region in Australia, but few match fine food with an unforgettable panorama like Echoes. Huge glass windows overlook Echo Point and the Three Sisters, while the high-end modern Australian menu offers two or three courses for surprisingly reasonable prices.
3. Grunske’s by the River
11E Petersen St, Bundaberg, QLD
Bundaberg in Queensland produces a lot more than rum and sugar. If succulent seafood is your jam, make a lunch stop at Grunske’s, which is both a fish market and a restaurant perched over the Burnett River. That’s where quite a few of the fish are caught, too, so they’re pretty much still flapping when they hit the frypan. The relaxed atmosphere also makes it a terrific option for families.
4. The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter
279 Riverview Rd, North Narooma, NSW
Anyone who loves oysters is spoiled for choice on the NSW south coast. What sets The Oyster Farmers Daughter apart is its location on the leafy shores of Wagonga Inlet, lending it a secluded and summery feel. The oyster menu boasts exotic accompaniments, plus there are Moreton Bay bugs, scallops, prawns and even classic fish and chips.
5. The Cowrie
109 Scenic Highway, Terrigal, NSW
An almost nondescript frontage disguises one of the Central Coast’s hidden gems. If the weather’s warm, secure a spot on the balcony at The Cowrie and absorb breathtaking views of the point between Terrigal and North Avoca while browsing the seasonal menu of local produce. Carnivores of all persuasions are well catered for and there’s also a plant-based menu.
6. Tweed River House
131 River St, South Murwillumbah, NSW
Australian scenery doesn’t come much more lovely than the river-infused farmland around Murwillumbah – and Tweed River House takes full advantage of it with a waterside verandah and mountains in the distance. Locally sourced crab and duck are mouth-watering favourites, while on Saturdays there’s a special high tea menu.
7. Borrodell SkyBar
298 Lake Canobolas Rd, Orange, NSW
The high country surrounding Orange provides unexpectedly spectacular views and Borrodell SkyBar offers a front-row seat. It’s part of Borrodell Estate, so the menu is designed to be paired with the vineyard’s cool-climate white and red wines. There’s also accommodation on site if the vino rules out driving home afterwards.
8. Whalebone Wharf
269 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie, NSW
This is a lesser-known dining experience in a town fast making a name for itself on the restaurant scene. Whalebone is not just on the Hastings River but over it, featuring louvered glass windows for an uninterrupted view. Its scrumptious menu is geared towards seafood, with local oysters the star.
9. Sounds of Silence
Departs from Ayers Rock Resort, 170 Yulara Drive, Yulara, NT
Expect two views for the price of one in this unforgettable outback dining experience. Watch an amazing kaleidoscope of earthy tones and eat finger food as the sun sets on the distant Uluru, then marvel at the star-spangled night sky while dining on an amazing selection of native-inspired dishes and accompanying wines.
10. St Bernards Hotel
101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain, QLD
A visit to Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast hinterland is a must-do for many reasons – and St Bernards Hotel ranks high among them. The spacious outdoor patio areas let dozens of guests soak in uninterrupted mountain views while choosing from a wide selection of pub foods and Aussie and international wines. It’s even open for breakfast at 8am on weekends and there’s luxury lodge accommodation on site.
