Photo Destination NSW
For delectable local food paired with panoramic views, visit some of these waterfront eateries in New South Wales — both new and all-time favourites.
Heading North from Sydney
Berowra Waters Inn, Berowra Waters
Perched on a tributary of The Hawkesbury River and only accessible by water, this exclusive eatery has an ambitious tasting menu and peaceful river outlook. Take the complimentary boat transfer or fly in by seaplane and stay overnight in a nearby river retreat. Visit berowrawatersinn.com
The Boathouse Hotel, Patonga
In the Central Coast fishing village of Patonga, the former Patonga Beach Hotel has been reimagined as a stylish boutique hotel and dining destination. It has a vibrant menu, 17 different beers, an outdoor deck edged with natural beauty, as well as three apartments with water views. Visit theboathousehotelpatonga.com.au
Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf, Central Coast
This family-owned seafood restaurant stocks the very best produce from local fisherman. The restaurant space in this historic wharf building has recently had a stylish revamp so settle in for some tasty fish and chips and watch the boats go by. Visit woywoyfishermenswharf.com.au
Box On The Water, Ettalong Beach
Beautifully positioned on Ettalong Beach, this restaurant, bar and kiosk commands views across Broken Bay to Box Head. Feast on whole tamarind snapper in this bright dining space or pick up a cheese box and fresh seafood from the kiosk for a beachside picnic. Just 25 minutes on the ferry from Palm Beach, visit theboxonthewater.com
Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle
A popular seaside hangout, expect lots of local seafood on the menu and spectacular beach views. Choose your vibe with a relaxed pizza kiosk, upmarket Surfhouse Restaurant by Lesley Taylor, brunch-worthy café or a sunny outdoor cocktail bar all on offer. Visit surfhouse.com.au
Little Beach Boathouse, Port Stephens
There’s a modern Australian menu, stylish coastal atmosphere and a Below Deck Cafe and Bar offering breakfast at this beachside eatery. The food is lovingly cooked with local produce – try the Boathouse Prawn Cocktail. Visit littlebeachboathouse.com.au
The Wild Herring, Port Stephens
This award-winning restaurant was recently named the Best Seafood Restaurant in Regional NSW. It has an enviable spot right on the water within the elegant Anchorage Hotel & Spa complex at Corlette on Port Stephens. Long-time local and Executive Chef Michael Jenkins sources seafood and produce from his surrounds and brings global flavours to his modern Australian cuisine. Visit anchorageportstephens.com.au/dining/the-wild-herring
Whalebone Wharf, Hastings River
A sleek eatery on the banks of the Hastings River, Whalebone champions NSW produce with Cowra lamb, Port Macquarie eastern rock lobster, Hastings River oysters and Wallis Lake flathead all gracing the menu. The floor-to-ceiling louvres bring in light and water views creating an inviting spot for a long lunch. Visit whalebonewharf.com.au
The Stunned Mullet, Port Macquarie
Expect impressive views straight up Town Beach from this renowned hatted restaurant. The interior is bright and beachy and the menu is brimming with sustainable seafood expertly prepared and dressed up with seasonal, organic veggies and herbs. The wine list is impressive – owner Lou Perri has crafted a covetable global selection. Visit thestunnedmullet.com.au
Latitude 30, Coffs Harbour
A relaxed local restaurant known for its fresh oyster platters, friendly service and pretty water views. Sit in the sun on the deck for lunch or enjoy a seafood mezze in the cosy dining room and watch the light reflections on the water. Visit latitude30.com.au
Raes on Wategos Beach, Byron Bay
Boutique retreat Raes serves elegant cuisine in a light-filled dining room overlooking beautiful Wategos Beach framed by coastal bushland. There’s local kingfish, Ballina pippies, Yamba pork along with a Mini Menu offering reimagined fairy bread and other delights for children. Visit raes.com.au
Taverna, Kingscliff
In the seaside nook of Kingscliff, Taverna is becoming somewhat of a dining destination. The first thing you’ll notice is the delightful Santorini-inspired façade of white and aqua. Next, the warm greeting and contemporary Greek food designed for grazing. It’s the perfect spot for a beachside cocktail, long Sunday lunch or quiet dinner. Visit taverna.net.au
Heading South from Sydney
Scarborough Hotel, Austinmer
For a delicious pub lunch with awe-inspiring ocean views, The Scarborough Hotel is past the Sea Cliff Bridge on Lawrence Hargrave Drive — nab a table in the Seacliff garden and enjoy an icy cold beer and Scarborough’s famous fish and chips. thescarboroughhotel.com.au
Harbourfront, Wollongong
Dine overlooking the Wollongong Harbour at this long-established seafood restaurant. There are three dining options: Early Bird Menu; A La Carte; and a Tasting Menu featuring yellowfin tuna, pink snapper and seared scallops. Visit harbourfront.com.au
Penny Whistlers, Kiama
Gourmet coffee and tasty fare is on offer in this edgy café overlooking Kiama Harbour. The menu is divided into Day and Night, with everything from Penny’s Benny with house-made muffin to Penny’s Platter with haloumi, baby calamari, king prawns, olives and more. Visitpennywhistlers.com.au
Rick Stein Bannisters, Mollymook
English celebrity chef Rick Stein established his signature restaurant in Mollymook 2009, inspired by memories of sampling South Coast oysters back in the 1960s. The menu – just like at its sibling eatery in Port Stephens – tempts with incredible seafood sourced locally. Think Eden mussels, smoked Snowy Mountain trout with green mango and Glenn Jones Rock Oysters from Tuross Head. Visit bannisters.com.au
The River Moruya, Moruya
For a touch of fine dining in Moruya this quaint restaurant has French-style cuisine championing local Eurobodalla ingredients. It’s a pretty spot too, with big windows framing views of the river and distant rolling hills. The first Friday of every month they host a regional dinner with four courses crafted only with local produce. Visit therivermoruya.com.au
Tuross Boatshed and Café, Tuross Head
For delicious fish and chips or oysters plucked from the waters of the NSW South Coast, grab a table at this casual eatery on the Tuross River. Bring your own bottle of wine and watch the local fisherman from the sunny pier as you crunch into battered fish or a bacon and egg roll. 93 Trafalgar Rd, Tuross Head.
Whale Motor Inn, Narooma
Ex pro surfer turned chef, Matthew Hoar turns out impressive dishes in the The Whale Restaurant — a hidden gem inside the unassuming 1970s Whale Motor Inn above Narooma Harbour. Hoar grew up in the area and crafts an ever-changing menu featuring foraged foods from the beach, local seafood and meat as well as delicious vegan dishes. Begin in the Ocean Lounge for cocktails with coastline views then eat in the simple, modern dining space. Visit whalemotorinn.com/restaurant
Bermi’s Beachside, Bermagui
This cute café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts million-dollar views across Horseshoe Bay Beach. Enjoy organic Moruya Coffee Co brews and well-priced tasty meals such as Sydney Rock Oysters grown just down the road, classic burgers, as well as breakfasts with gluten-free toast. Visit bermisbeachside.com
The Wharf Locavore, Tathra
A labour of love for sisters Emma and Poppy Benton, this haven for foodies, history buffs, craft lovers and fisherman stands right on Tathra’s historic deep sea wharf with views out to the headlands. Browse the artisan crafts in the gallery, select from sandwiches and sweet treats from the counter and if you want to throw a line off the wharf, they’ll bring your coffee and toastie out to you. Open seven days during Summer. Visit facebook.com/thewharflocal
River Deck Café, The Murray
Head inland to popular riverside haven River Deck Café in Albury Wodonga, perched right on the river in picturesque Noreuil Park. Sourcing fresh ingredients from local suppliers, the menu offers contemporary Aussie fare such as Mansfield trout with poached eggs for breakfast, and Whitton Murray Cod with garlic butter for dinner.
