Thursday Island & Horn Island
The Federal is perhaps the most typical Aussie pub on TI – no frills, with cheap bar meals, a pool table, sport on TV and locals propping up the bar…
Must-see restaurants in Queensland
Brisbane & Around
For casual pub-grub meals that won’t break the bank, head for the local bowls club. Before your burrito bowl, chicken katsu or burger, play some barefoot…
Cairns
Typically hearty pub meals of steaks, barramundi, veal and chicken are prepared at the restaurant at this historic pub. There's a cheaper bar menu with…
Sunshine Coast
On Maroochydore's main drag, this ornate, raffishly charming eatery pumps out a hefty range of Indian favourites and regional specialties. There's no…
Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands
Grilled meats and seafood are the best bets at this welcoming place, sitting pretty on a prime spot where the river spills into the sea. You can also eat…
Gold Coast
This back-street cafe has a party vibe from early morning onwards at its picnic-table seating. The menu includes all the cafe favourites – granola, acai…
The Daintree
Tuck into a burger or steak and chips or down a cold beer at Daintree's open-fronted end-of-the-road pub. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks…
Gulf Savannah
This licensed restaurant and cafe, often called Rosie's after one of the owners, is across the road from the pub serves up a bit of everything, from…
The Daintree
If you're craving a decent counter meal, a coldie and that Aussie country pub atmosphere, the Cow Bay is the only real pub this side of the Daintree River…
Gold Coast
An old-fashioned, family-friendly pizza and pasta restaurant on the main drag. Thin, crispy bases are made with a unique wholemeal flour mix, and there…
Whitsunday Coast
This quirky, energetic riverfront joint dishes up 'tapas', jugs of sangria, occasional live music and general good times. Service is erratic, but somehow,…
Whitsunday Coast
You can graze on tasty salads, sandwiches and light meals prepared by emergent chefs at Foodspace, the licensed cafe inside Artspace Mackay.
Cairns & Far North Queensland
On the main road into town the roadhouse sells gas, ice and basic groceries, as well as serving meals, including massive burgers, and operating the…
The Daintree
South of Cooper Creek, Rainforest Village sells groceries, ice and fuel. There's also a small camping ground at the back (unpowered/powered sites $28/32)…
Whitsunday Coast
Whatever you order from this unlikely roadside shack, you'll get a plateful. Grills, sandwiches and burgers are popular, as are the cooked breakfasts with…
Airlie Beach
Harry's serves quaint European tea sets, Danish sandwiches, filled bagels and good-sized salads. The all-day breakfasts are popular with locals and…
Outback Queensland
A fairly typical outback bakery, with pies, pastries, bread and coffee. Sit-down, or pack for a picnic out at Chinaman Creek Dam.
Townsville & Mission Beach
This simple little bakery and cafe close to the western end of the town centre, a few steps north of the visitor information centre, is the place for pies…
Cairns & Far North Queensland
Big bistro meals and a cavernous dining room. Join the locals in social bowls Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning. Kids meals are $10 and various…
Verve Restaurant & Cider House
Brisbane
Snug, subterranean Verve stocks an epic selection of ciders, handy for washing down its repertoire of stock-standard pastas and risottos, salads, steaks…
Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands
More general store than 'pure' cafe, Tropical Vibes sells beachwear, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and souvenirs, alongside coffee, cold beer and excellent…
Gold Coast
This old-style fish-and-chip shop has been here since 1948, and its takeaway queues can get lengthy. There are some simple footpath tables if you want to…
Outback Queensland
Good honest rural meals are on offer here, with an unimaginative but hearty menu filled with burgers, schnitzels, pizzas, steaks and the occasional salad.
Outback Queensland
The modern cafe and bakery at Kronosaurus Korner is perfect for coffee or locally made pies and sausage rolls.
Capricorn Coast & the Southern Reef Islands
There's not a lot of competition out here, but Pat's Gems Cafe is nonetheless serviceable for its pizza, pies, sandwiches, coffee and thick shakes.
Gulf Savannah
The building may be a town icon, but the food is unspectacular, although servings are large. It's the usual mix of steaks, salads and barramundi.
Cairns & Far North Queensland
The local IGA supermarket is the place to stock up on groceries if you're staying along the Bloomfield Rd. Also has the Croc & Barra Cafe.
Noosa
Ideal for a very cheap feed on Hastings St, this no fuss, old-school Aussie bakery peddles award-winning pies and a delicious vanilla slice.
Townsville & Mission Beach
This hugely popular local haunt is known for its thin-crust pizzas and enormous buffets, complete with homemade desserts such as tiramisu.
Gulf Savannah
A good range of pies, pastries, premade rolls and bread make this a good stop for breakfast, a picnic or those looking to eat on the run.
Port Douglas
At Wildlife Habitat sanctuary, this is a buffet lunch and guided tour in the wetlands habitat.
Outback Queensland
There's often a weekend queue for coffee, cakes and fresh bread at this busy corner bakery. Delicious baked good, pies and sandwiches.
Outback Queensland
Excellent supermarket for self-caterers. Stock up here if you're heading north towards the gulf, where supermarkets are nonexistent.
Gulf Savannah
At this central and long-standing cafe you can get reasonably priced local fish and chips and the famous 'barra' burger ($10.50).
Hamilton Island
This busy bakery makes good sandwiches, generously stuffed with fresh ingredients, and a range of meat pies and pastries to go.
Outback Queensland
A long list of Chinese favourites is on offer at Chengs, including sizzling plates and bird's-nest soup. BYO is a bonus.
Cairns & Far North Queensland
This is a bit of a one-stop shop 5km north of Wujal Wujal, with fast food, fuel, fishing tackle and groceries.
Townsville
The big fish-and-chip joint on the corner whips up fish burgers and large serves of barramundi and salad.
Townsville & Mission Beach
Joe’s Pizza Parlour serves up thick-crust old-school pizzas, as well as burgers and fish and chips.
Cape Tribulation
The local supermarket in the village centre is useful for basic groceries and camping supplies only.
