March, 2004 -- One of the richest gifts that Australia's multicultural society has brought is the cuisine. In the last couple of decades, both restaurants and home tables have undergone massive change as traditional English-style fare of meat-and-three-veggies has given way to a blend of flavors and styles known as "Mod Oz." Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavors are here to stay, and in some places you'll find a touch of "bush tucker," based on traditional Aboriginal foods.
Moreover, you can't dismiss Australia's great wines. The first grape vines arrived with the First Fleet in 1788, and today more than 550 major companies and small winemakers produce wine commercially. Australian vintages consistently beat competitors from around the world in major international shows. If your style runs more to the "amber nectar" -- and there's nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day -- you'll need to get the lingo right. A can of beer is a "tinnie," a small bottle is a "stubby," and a tall or large bottle is a "tallie." In the hotter climes, you may be offered a polystyrene container in which to place your beer to keep it cool.
Our list of "bests" in dining category should direct you to the right table whatever your preferences are.
The Best Dining Bargains
Returned Services League (RSL) Clubs: RSL clubs, or their equivalent, can be found in most cities and towns in Australia. Just sign in at the door, and you enter a world of cheap drinks and inexpensive meals. You'll probably find a couple of pool or billiards tables, too, as well as an atmosphere unique to Australia.
The Great Aussie Barbecue: Australian parks are full of public barbecues, often in scenic settings, that are free or cost just a couple of dollars to coin operate. Stock up on meat, veggies, paper plates, plastic glasses, and cheap cooking utensils you can buy from the supermarket, and get ready to cook up a storm. Hand the utensils on to someone else if you can't be bothered carrying them in your suitcase.
Govindas, Sydney, NSW (tel. 02/9380-5155): Eat as much as you want at this Hare Krishna vegetarian restaurant in Kings Cross, and then take in a free movie in the theater upstairs.
Irish Times, Melbourne, Vic (tel. 03/9642-1699): An Irish bar more authentic than most, the Irish Times is a character-filled eatery with unusual dishes.
The Outback Pioneer Barbeque, Ayers Rock Resort, NT (tel. 1800/089-622 in Australia, or 08/8956- 2170): Forget the expensive eats at Ayers Rock Resort and join the happy throng at this rollicking bar-cum-shearer's mess. Throw your shrimp, steak, or emu sausage on your own barbie, have a beer or two, and you're still looking at a tab of less than A$28.60 (US$19).
A Picnic on the Grounds of the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, Alice Springs, NT: What could be more enjoyable (and affordable) than an alfresco spread on the grounds of this historic site. You'll be surrounded by river red gums, green lawns, and a few historic cottages. Admission to the picnic grounds is free.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin, NT: Every Thursday night between May and October, thousands of Darwin folk pack wine and beach blankets and flock to this city beach to feast at food stalls featuring every Asian cuisine you can name, and a few you can't. Eat Vietnamese, Cambodian, Singaporean, Malaysian, Indonesian, and more, and then shop the 200 arts-and-crafts stalls, get a Chinese head massage, or have your tarot cards read.
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, VIC: The markets are the heart of this vibrant city, and there's nowhere better to pick up a satisfying snack. The pizzas on sale at Café Bianca are some of the best in Australia, and there are plenty of stalls selling fresh bread and deli produce for a sandwich to take away.
Chinatown, Melbourne, VIC: Head to this colorful part of town, centered on Little Bourke Street, for super-cheap eats. You'll be hard-pressed to find a lunch costing more than A$5 (US$3.25). This is where the locals go, so you know it's got to be good-and authentic.