The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - The Telegraph Magazine
FLAVOURS OF AUSTRALIA
DIG IN; DRINK UP
Food and wine is a national obsession in Australia and the country prides itself on its incredible food experiences, passionate producers and fresh ingredients. Where else can you watch kangaroos graze while eating just-caught seafood, taste topnotch wines whose flavour has been determined by limestone-rich soils, ocean breezes and generous amounts of sunshine, or sample indigenous plants and herbs prepared by innovative chefs and served in trend-setting city-laneway restaurants? Australia is rightly famous for its barbecues, but there’s so much more on its generous menu: here, brunch is a national pastime (once you’ve tried smashed-avo on toast with chilli and feta, you’ll understand why), coffee is sacred, everyone’s talking about the hot new restaurants, there’s a thirst-quenching craft-beer scene, and top chefs enjoy celebrity status. Many of the best bars, cafés and restaurants embody the relaxed philosophy and style that Aussies have made their own, but there are plenty of stellar fine-dining experiences, high-end wineries and detailed degustation menus to tick off, too. It’s no coincidence that Melbourne is hosting the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ awards this April. Wherever you decide to fly into with Singapore Airlines – Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, Brisbane, Canberra or Perth – let Australia’s friendly locals introduce you to some of the world’s best food and wine experiences. You could be in with a chance of winning an incredible Australian Adventure for two with Mr & Mrs Smith, your insider guide to Australia’s Best Boutique, visit