MarTex Posted August 18, 2014 #1 Share Posted August 18, 2014 About to make my first trip to Austrailia. What are some of the local foods, beers/drinks that I should try. Also what local souvenir must I bring home. We will be in Sydney and Cairns. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By The Bay Posted August 18, 2014 #2 Share Posted August 18, 2014 About to make my first trip to Austrailia. What are some of the local foods, beers/drinks that I should try. Also what local souvenir must I bring home. We will be in Sydney and Cairns. Thanks I'll kick it off with my suggestions. Local food: Meat Pie, vegimite on toast, Lamington. We also eat our National emblems Fauna, the Kangaroo and Emu.:D Local beers: Try a few of the craft beers tike Little Creatures and Coopers Pale Ale, any Matilda Bay product. If you are at the Rocks area in Sydney, check out Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel at 19 Kent St, The Rocks and try their craft beers. They are Sydney's oldest continually licensed hotel.;) Souvenir: Akubra hat, R.M.Williams boots and clothing. That should get the ball rolling.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GradUT Posted August 19, 2014 #3 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I'll add Cherry Ripe candy bars and Anzac biscuits to the food list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 19, 2014 #4 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Meat Pie, Vegemite, Anzac Biscuit, Cherry Ripe and Lamington are all not to miss. You will also find a lot of seafood reataurants. Beer you'll find 100's to try in Sydney you must try Tooheys [New a lager and Old a Dark Ale, often referred to as "Black"] and in Cairns XXXX [pronounced four x], Queenslander's can't spell beer ;). Souvenirs you'll love the Akubra and RM Williams, but there is also a lot of stuff made out of sheepskin and Kangaroo Leather and our Opals are the best in the world a lot really depends on how much you want to spend. Please yell if you want to know more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted August 19, 2014 #5 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Definitely Australian seafood. I recommend lunch or dinner at the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar at Circular Quay (Opera House side). Great views and great seafood. Or go to the Sydney Fish Markets where you can get wonderful freshly prepared seafood but the surroundings are a bit basic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacs Posted August 19, 2014 #6 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Add to the lists above Violet crumble candy bar and Tim Tams. As for souveneers you can go fun and tacky with things like koala teddy bears and magnets of the Sydney Harbour bridge, or go something like a painted boomerang (try to find one that has been hand painted by an aboriginal artist rather than an imported Chinese one), sheepskin products, local hand crafted goods (the Rocks markets in Sydney or the Port Douglas Sunday markets are great for these). Also our unique food items such as honey, macadamia nuts (yes they are native to Australia not Hawaii), fruit chutneys etc. Around the Cairns area has some amazing food producers, you can buy Australian grown coffee, tea, chocolate and even Vanilla (most potent vanilla strain in the world according to the farmer, but maybe he was just trying to sell me more :) ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarTex Posted August 19, 2014 Author #7 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have made note of all of these, and I admit I have not heard of most of these items. Well done. This will add to my vacation. I have tried Vegemite. It is either a cruel joke that you Aussies play on us Yanks, or, it is an aquired taste. Ha Ha. Maybe I have not properly prepared it. Just on toast. Willing to try it again. Thanks again. Leaving shortly, getting excited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DipBrat Posted August 19, 2014 #8 Share Posted August 19, 2014 As a non-Aussie I would also recommend Ginger Beer. While not strictly an Australian invention it is great on a hot day and very different than the Caribbean version. Meat Pies can be very good or just so-so. Worth looking for a good place. Maybe a local can make a recommendation here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrinka Posted August 19, 2014 #9 Share Posted August 19, 2014 Hi, We will be in Sydney in January pre cruise. I only have one day to take either the Hunter Valley Wine tour or the Blue Mtn tour. Both look amazing but have to decide. Which is the best and who would you use for the tour? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarTex Posted August 19, 2014 Author #10 Share Posted August 19, 2014 As a non-Aussie I would also recommend Ginger Beer. While not strictly an Australian invention it is great on a hot day and very different than the Caribbean version. Meat Pies can be very good or just so-so. Worth looking for a good place. Maybe a local can make a recommendation here. I will add the Austrailian version of ginger beer to my list, thank you. I have heard about Harry's Cafe de Wheels. I am staying in the Rocks area and I did notice a Harry's not far from where we are staying. I'm sure there are varying opinions about how good their meat pies are. We are also planning on eating at Doyles for their seafood. Lot's of beer choices...I like Australia already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 19, 2014 #11 Share Posted August 19, 2014 And don't forget to try a Pav [Pavlova]. I have eaten a lot of meat pie's n my days and in my opinion Harry's are tops, not a typical meat pie being much chunkier meat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By The Bay Posted August 19, 2014 #12 Share Posted August 19, 2014 As a non-Aussie I would also recommend Ginger Beer. While not strictly an Australian invention it is great on a hot day and very different than the Caribbean version. Meat Pies can be very good or just so-so. Worth looking for a good place. Maybe a local can make a recommendation here. The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks makes a great brewed Ginger Beer and Sarsaparilla also known as Root Beer. You can get them at the major shopping stores, Coles and Woolworth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flipper133 Posted August 19, 2014 #13 Share Posted August 19, 2014 And don't forget to try a Pav [Pavlova]. I have eaten a lot of meat pie's n my days and in my opinion Harry's are tops, not a typical meat pie being much chunkier meat. ....and in Queensland you have to have your pie with a serving of mushey peas on top :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 19, 2014 #14 Share Posted August 19, 2014 The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks makes a great brewed Ginger Beer and Sarsaparilla also known as Root Beer. You can get them at the major shopping stores, Coles and Woolworth. There is also Saxby's, Bundy is a bitter sharper than Saxby so it is all a matter of taste, maybe try both if you like Ginger Beer. Other not miss foods Damper Wheet-Bix Any Arnott's biscuits, but SAO a must Chiko Roll Vanilla Slice [invented in France but ours is best] Hamburger with BEETROOT can't get them OS Anything cooked on a Bar-B-Que Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 19, 2014 #15 Share Posted August 19, 2014 ....and in Queensland you have to have your pie with a serving of mushey peas on top :D Someone mentioned Harry's Cafe d'Wheels earlier they do a "Tiger" Pie Mashed Spud Sloppy Peas Gravy Hey I'll be near Harry's tomorrow wonder what I'll have for lunch mmmm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 19, 2014 #16 Share Posted August 19, 2014 The Colonel at Harry's and you will note a pie must have sauce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 19, 2014 #17 Share Posted August 19, 2014 This list might help anzac biscuits - traditional biscuit/cookie dating back to World War I bangers - sausages bangers and mash - sausages and mashed potato barby - Bar B Que billy tea - bush tea boiled in a tin container biscuits - cookies booze - alcohol bundy - Bundaberg rum, eg 'bundy and coke' champers - champagne chips - French fries or Crisps [yep same word for both] chook - chicken cuppa - cup of tea or coffee damper - bush bread dog's eye - meat pie grog - alcohol lamington - traditional small sponge cake squares covered in chocolate icing and sprinkled with coconut [sometimes with cream in the middle] lollies - candy middy - medium sized glass of beer pavlova {or Pav}- traditional meringue dessert sanga - sandwich schooner - large glass of beer snag - sausage stubby - small bottle of beer tinny - can of beer tomato sauce [also dead horse] - ketchup tucker [or grub]- food VB - Victoria Bitter, brand of beer Vegemite [or Vegi]- spread for toast or sandwiches, made from yeast extract XXXX - 'four ex', Queensland brand of beer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globaliser Posted August 22, 2014 #18 Share Posted August 22, 2014 What are some of the local foods, beers/drinks that I should try.Kangaroo fillet. Like good beef, but much lower in fat and a bit sweeter in taste - although it can get tough if overcooked. And if you eat it, you'll be helping the Australian environment too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SinbadThePorter Posted August 23, 2014 #19 Share Posted August 23, 2014 I have tried Vegemite. It is either a cruel joke that you Aussies play on us Yanks, or, it is an aquired taste. Ha Ha. Maybe I have not properly prepared it. Just on toast. Willing to try it again. Thanks again. Leaving shortly, getting excited! The trick with Vegemite is to spread it very thinly. Like Peck's paste, a little goes a long way. I've seen a lot of Americans spread it like peanut butter and it doesn't work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacs Posted August 24, 2014 #20 Share Posted August 24, 2014 The trick with Vegemite is to spread it very thinly. Like Peck's paste, a little goes a long way. I've seen a lot of Americans spread it like peanut butter and it doesn't work. Unless you grew up with the stuff and then you can handle it being thicker than brick mortar :P I love a nice crusty white bread roll with a slab a butter and an ever thicker spread of Vegemite, yum yum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 24, 2014 #21 Share Posted August 24, 2014 Unless you grew up with the stuff and then you can handle it being thicker than brick mortar :P I love a nice crusty white bread roll with a slab a butter and an ever thicker spread of Vegemite, yum yum! But Vegemite Virgins should take it small at first. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wastegirl Posted August 25, 2014 #22 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Ahh Vegemite, first you need crunchy HOT toast, then you slather on butter thickly, then a coating of Vegemite (thickness depends on your tolerance and whether you grew up with it). Then the butter melts into the toast and the black vegemite swims around in the yellow butter like Axel Grease. Absolute heaven :D When you have been feeling a bit off colour, Aussies will always say "I just feel like a piece of toast and Vegemite". Comfort food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OzKiwiJJ Posted August 25, 2014 #23 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Comfort food. And a very good hangover cure, also good for upset tummies. Hmmm, I wonder if it works for seasickness? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wastegirl Posted August 25, 2014 #24 Share Posted August 25, 2014 And a very good hangover cure, also good for upset tummies. Hmmm, I wonder if it works for seasickness? Well it works for morning sickness, so I don't see why not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarTex Posted August 25, 2014 Author #25 Share Posted August 25, 2014 The trick with Vegemite is to spread it very thinly. Like Peck's paste, a little goes a long way. I've seen a lot of Americans spread it like peanut butter and it doesn't work. Thanks for the tip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now