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If you thought the cuisine Down Under was all barbies and pies, think again. There is a wealth of gourmet meals to be had, and with flights to Australiaas affordable as ever, heading over to Oz to sample the fine food need not cost as much as you might think.International class: Perth, Western Australia

The diversity of the climate zones in Western Australia means that a stellar choice of fresh ingredients is available more or less year round. The pristine ocean waters also yield an impressive array of seafood – lobsters, prawns and superb fish. No wonder then, that the array of high class ethnic restaurants around the city can produce authentic dishes using the freshest of local produce. ‘Restaurant City’ in Northbridge has the best selection, including Vietnamese and Greek form the waves of immigration in the neighbourhood. The city, though, boasts Italian, Chinese, Turkish and even a Swedish restaurant, all with top notch reputations. For late night dining, try Chung Wah Lane in Northbridge, where most of the Chinese restaurants are open until 4am.

Where to eat: Jackson’s, 483 Beaufort St, Highgate, Perth

World class menus: Sydney, New South Wales

The melting pot of cultures in Sydney has resulted in a style of cuisine that has become popularly known as ‘Mod Oz’. Around since the early 1990s, it’s a fusion of worlds, mixing Pacific Rim and Asian traditions with those of classic European dishes and a big heap of Aussie invention – all fuelled by a wave of young chefs. The best city restaurants offer truly world class dining experiences, often with views out over the famous harbour, or with state of the art interior design. The exquisite tasting menus are of course accompanied by some of the best New World wines, driven just a short way from the nearby Hunter Valley, famous especially for its Semillon.

Where to eat: Quay, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney

Old world meets new: Tasmania

Tasmania has slowly been building quite the reputation as Australia’s gourmet island. As well as an abundance of fresh seafood, including Atlantic Salmon and Rock Lobster, the island has some great wines, notably the Pinot Noirs coming out of the Tamar Valley. Many of the island’s best eateries tend to have a uniquely colonial atmosphere as many of them are converted 19^th century cottages and town houses. Hobart is Tasmania’s metropolitan hub, but it’s well worth driving out as the best places to eat are spread fairly evenly across the island, with Launceston and New Town holding up favourably in the gourmet stakes.

Where to eat: Lebrina, 155 New Town Rd, New Town

Fresh and farmyard: Eurobadalla Nature Coast, New South Wales

Driving South along the New South Wales coast from Sydney brings an unexpected trail of gourmet food. It’s almost like a mini Napa Valley or Sonoma, except instead of wines (though there ARE some vineyards), you can explore cheese factories, oyster farms and hydroponic fruit and veg sellers. Take an oyster tour in Bateman’s Bay, pulling plump oysters straight out of the waters, or wander around Tilba Valley, with its boutique wineries and world class cheesemongers. Narooma has organic honey and quail’s eggs, and the provision stores in Bodalla and East Lynee round up the best of the local produce for you. With the mountains of the Great Dividing Range on one side, and beautiful coastline on the other, your appetite for scenery won’t suffer, either.

Where to eat: ABC Cheese Factory, Bate Street, Central Tilba

Wine and dine: Barossa Valley, South Australia

Some 60km north-east of Adelaide is Australia’s most famous wine region. There are around 50 wine producers in the Barossa Valley, with red wines – notably Shiraz – being the local speciality. Drawing wine connoisseurs from all over the world, it’s only natural that a host of gourmet food producers have also flourished. There is a strong German influence in this area, and you can find authentic German breads and pastries, as well as smoked meats and sausages at some of the local butchers. If you want to see a collection of the best of the region’s produce, head to the famed Farmer’s Market, which is held every Saturday morning in Angaston. The region holds its own Gourmet Weekend in August each year, and a Vintage Wine Festival in late April every two years.

Where to eat: Appellation at The Louise, Corner Seppeltsfield and Stonewall Roads, Marananga

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