If you love your food, you already know that some of the best eating and drinking in Australia is found outside our capital cities – often in beautiful locales. The real question is how to get there. You can’t go wrong with a classic road trip, but that prompts another, very important, question: what are you driving?
You need something with a bit of oomph, that will have your back if things get hairy. But you also need something sleek and stylish, which will drive even better than it looks. The All-New Lexus GX ticks all of those boxes and more.
They say it’s about the journey, not the destination. We disagree. We think it’s about the journey and the destination. So if you can get yourself behind the wheel of a Lexus GX and on the way to any of these delicious spots – and see the sights along the way – then you’ll be about as close as you can get to a guaranteed successful road trip.
Gippsland, Victoria
Set your sights past Wilsons Prom towards Victoria’s dairy capital, Gippsland, a sea of verdant pastures and lackadaisical cows. Start your day at native-focused nursery and cafe Peppermint Ridge Farm before tacking sharply south to sample the fromage at Bassine Specialty Cheeses in Glen Forbes. Then, it’s back inland for lunch at Hogget Kitchen – eat up here, as it’s a five-hour drive from Hogget to your dinner spot, Lucy’s, a beloved staple of coastal Mallacoota. (We’d use this as an opportunity to try the front-seat massagers in the GX’s Sports Luxury model.) You can also do this trip in reverse, from Canberra or Sydney towards Melbourne.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
A place as lovely and rural as the Adelaide Hills shouldn’t be just 20 minutes’ drive from the Adelaide CBD. It doesn’t make sense. But we’re glad to have it. Given their proximity to one another, feel free to zigzag between Stirling Cellars & Patisserie, Ochre Nation and Beerenberg Farm Shop (where, at the right time of year, you can also pick strawberries) as you please. Our only advice is to eat amply and, of course, drink responsibly. Here’s the one non-negotiable, though: cap off your day with a meal at The Scenic Hotel in Norton, preferably towards sunset. It’s tough to beat.
Margaret River, Western Australia
If you prefer surfing a wine list to surfing Margaret River’s famous waves, there’s plenty to love in what’s arguably the most beautiful spot in WA (and it has a lot of competition). Start off by snagging a few samples at the Bunbury Farmers Market, before driving west for lunch at Chow’s Table. If you still have room, a postprandial vanilla slice at Cowaramup French Bakery might be just what the doctor ordered (or at least, what your tummy ordered). Then, it’s time for a wine and an early dinner at Leeuwin Estate – one of the best restaurants in Australia.
Sapphire Coast, New South Wales
Start your day on the Sapphire Coast bright and early with a pastry and a strong coffee from Wild Rye’s Baking Co. Then it’s a breezy walk across the road to your next stop: Pambula Wholefoods. The Sapphire Coast is famous for its oysters, so be sure to make your way over to The Oyster Barn – the farm gate for Merimbula Gourmet Oysters. You might even learn how to shuck with the best of them. Finally, wind down with more oysters, pizzas and a craft beer or cider from Longstocking Brewery. And don’t worry, the GX Luxury and Sports Luxury models can seat up to seven people, so there’s room for you and up to six other potential designated drivers in there.
Huon Valley, Tasmania
You can almost smell the Huon pines before you see them. And you will see them. This little pocket at the bottom tip of Tassie is wild, woody and packed with delicious places. Visit the market garden at Broom and Brine, then take a distillery tour (and sample a cider) at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. Then it’s off to Home Hill Winery for a late lunch or early dinner. Tasmania is amazing, but some of its roads are a wee bit long in the tooth. With the Lexus GX Overtrail model and its Multi-Terrain Select, you’re well equipped to handle most off-road conditions you might encounter, with six modes at your fingertips – from rock and mud to deep snow.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Lexus.
GX550 Overtrail model shown in photography. Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely. Wash the exterior and underside of the vehicle with fresh water immediately after driving through seawater to prevent damage.
