The top 15 best burger joints around Australia

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Order up a double patty, add on that layer of mac n cheese and go ham on that basket of chips, because it’s burger time baby.

 

The burger-craze in Australia is real and the nation is hungry for more. Our desire to tuck into a greasy, cheesy patty sandwiched between two soft and lightly toasted milk buns just refuses to be satisfied. It’s no wonder it feels like a new burger joint or food truck opens up around the corner every couple of weeks.

 

For the true burger fans amongst us, we’ve collated a list of the best burger joints from around the country to aid you in your time of need.

Australia-wide

Ze Pickle

Known for their iconic pickle-topped burgers, Ze Pickle piles up a range of crazy and outrageous burger combinations – with the wacky names to match. You can bet that anything you order off their long menu will be a winner. If you’re up to a challenge, try their Triple Loco and STFU burger. It is guaranteed to test you to your limits. These two biggies are filled with an insane amount of fillings and pushed together with grilled cheese sandwiches instead of buns.

 

The Mash Mash City Bish is another popular choice. The combination of crispy fried chicken, American cheese, truffle-buttered mash potato and mayo will have you praying for it to go on forever.

 

States: QLD & NSW

Chargrill Charlies

That’s right, Sydney’s favourite chicken shop has opened its doors in Melbourne. Let’s hope world domination is next.

 

Known for their moist and juicy chargrilled and Portuguese chickens, crisp salads and crunchy fries and wedges, Chargrill Charlies have been doing this for over 30 years. While they normally change up their salad and sides menus, those classic burgers we all know and love have remained the same after all these years.

 

Order up an Original Chicken Burger for this absolute bomb of flavour. All burgers are made with free-range chicken (except those with beef, duh) and come topped with butter lettuce, tomatoes, Spanish onions and a dollop of their famous secret sauce. And maybe get a side of their chicken mac n cheese if you’re still hungry.

 

States: NSW & VIC

NSW

Paul’s Famous Hamburgers

This joint opened back in 1957 and has been slinging out classic burgers ever since. Paul’s no-frills service, cheap burgers and beach-bum attitude makes this place great for that post-surf or swim refuel. Located all the way down in Sylvania, you’ll find southern Sydney dwellers flock here all year round.

 

The Famous Works burger shouldn’t be overlooked. Layered with lettuce, tomato, raw onion, egg, bacon, cheese and pineapple; it truly is the taste of ‘Straya.

 

Address: 12 Princes Highway, Sylvania

Mister Gees Burger Truck

Mister Gees Burger Truck Sydney australia's best burgers
Dig into the Stoner’s Revenge at Mister Gees.

The Mister Gees Burger Truck has been dishing out the greasiest burgers in the inner west for the last few years. The truck was previously located in a car wash in Haberfield, but after some unfortunate mechanical problems, they were forced to abandon that dream and now operate by taking over kitchens and cafes all over the city.

 

They have a burger special available each week and the best one – in our opinion – is the Stoners Revenge. Filled with grass-fed beef patties, American cheese, malt pickled onions, dill pickles, Dijon, stoner sauce, salt n vinegar crinkle cut chips (yup, inside the burger) and optional streaky bacon.

 

If you can’t find time to spend 45 minutes in line waiting for these bad boys, the owner has also opened up a bricks and mortar store called Happy Endings which is super simple, but just as good.

 

Address: Keep up with their current locations through Instagram

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VIC

Easey’s

Easeys Melbourne australia's best burgers
Stop for a burger at Melbourne’s most iconic sight.

You’ll find Easey’s located in one of the most recognisable spots in Melbourne – five stories up in a rooftop train carriage. The three trains are covered in graffiti and filled with comfy chairs and tables. Grab a pale ale and watch the bright Melbourne lights flicker in the distance.

 

If you’re really about that burger life, then check out the Metropolitan Mayhem. Filled with quad beef patties, American cheddar, bacon, potato cakes, dim sims, pickles, onion and secret burger sauce. Wow, that was a mouthful (just like this burger will be).

 

Address: Unit 3/48 Easey Street, Collingwood

Rude Boy Burger

If you stroll over to Brunswick West, you’ll find Rude Boy Burger. These guys are all about big, obnoxious burgers that’ll have you salivating. If you whisper the words ‘hot cheesy ball’ to the server behind the counter, you’ll get a deep-fried liquid cheese ball that’ll explode with hot melty goodness.

 

But for the veggie fans, the Veggie Queen Burger takes the cake. A spiced veggie burger patty with chickpeas, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, potato, onion and red chilli with lime pickled peppers and coronation sauce.

 

Address: 482 Albion Street, Brunswick West

QLD

Easy Street Diner

Refuel after a dip down at Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast at the Easy Street Diner.

 

This joint has a reputation for the best fried chicken in the area, so why would you order anything else? The Chicken Poboy (a typical Louisiana sandwich) with southern fried chicken, Cajun mayo and slaw will be your go-to favourite in no time.

 

Address: 12/2563 Lower Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Brooklyn Depot

Brooklyn Depot Queensland australian best burgers
Get an injection of lethal hot sauce at Brooklyn Depot.

In Surfers, Brooklyn Depot is an iconic spot for pork ribs, chicken wings, sweet apple pie and of course, juicy burgers. If you’re not in a hurry to rush out, start this experience off with the bang bang shrimp tacos or the chicken n’ waffles. Their menu is all things Brooklyn-inspired with names running off famous icons and sayings.

 

The real hero at this joint is the Fuhgeddaboudit! That New Yorker slang refers to the lethal hot sauce that they pride themselves on (you can choose mild, medium or hot if you can’t handle lethal). The beef patty comes topped with beef chilli, American cheese, onion rings, chilli relish and the injection of hot sauce.

 

Address: The 4217, 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

SA

Bread & Bone Wood Grill

Bread and Bone SA australian best burgers
Order a glass of pinot with that soft shell crab burger.

Although it’s technically not solely a burger shop, the burgers at Bread & Bone in Adelaide‘s CBD are well worth the mention. If you’re looking for that special somewhere to spice things up on the burger front, you can’t go wrong ordering here.

 

The Soft Shell Crab burger with the tempura crab, chilli kewpie mayo, butter lettuce and watercress is a game-changer. You’ll need to crunch down hard on this one.

 

Address: 15 Peel Street, Adelaide

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ACT

BurgerHero

BurgerHero Canberra australian best burgers
The simple cheeseburger down at BurgerHero

Whipping up burgers by the dozen, these guys truly are heroes – BurgerHeros we mean. Known as the local burger hotspot in Canberra, you won’t find one tastier anywhere else in the region. The menu is full of all the classics you’d expect, but if you want to get creative you can build your own. With so many options to choose from it won’t be easy, but the end result will be worth it.

 

If you’d rather stick to the menu, order the Karaage Ramen burger. The one-of-a-kind burger combines ramen-crusted chicken, rainbow slaw, tonkatsu sauce, kewpie mayo, jalapenos and cream cheese into one delicious meal.

 

Address: 31 Mort St, Braddon

TAS

Jack Greene Bar

Jack Greene is located within Salamanca Place in Hobart. They’ve got regular burgers, mini burgs and a whole lot of sides to choose from. You also get bonus views of Hobart Harbour – and a burger with a view is just how we like it.

 

The Wallaby Burger isn’t one to scoff at! Indulge in this flavour-bomb of a burger filled with braised Tasmanian wallaby rump, lettuce, tomato, Spanish onion, pear and pepperberry chutney and garlic aioli.

 

Address: 47 Salamanca Place, Hobart

Burger Junkie

Burger Junkie Launceston australian best burgers
On the quiet streets of Launceston, you’ll find the bustling Burger Junkie.

One of the best burger joints in Launceston is Burger Junkie. You’ll find them serving freshly grilled beef, chicken and vegan burgers most nights. The shop is splattered in graffiti and has a few vintage arcade games inside, but you’ll tune it all out once you take your first bite.

 

The Buffalo Chicken burger is one to munch on, with buttermilk fried chicken, coleslaw, lettuce, onion, tomato, ranch and buffalo sauce – it’s honestly drool-inducing.

 

Address: 105 St John Street, Launceston

 

Need a little more help on the food and wine front? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with Australia’s best places to wine and dine.

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Heathcote has evolved into the ultimate eco-escape for foodies

    Margaret Barca Margaret Barca
    From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly. 

    Heathcote, on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability. 

    Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve
    The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

    The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote 

    Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents
    Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

    Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood, two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof.  No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course.  On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

    Mt Ida Eco Cabin
    Mt Ida Eco Cabin is rustic and simple but oozes comfort. (Image: Graham Hosking)

    If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views.   Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.  

    A taste of Spain in Central Victoria 

    Three Dams Estate
    Three Dams Estate make Spanish-style wine.

    Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more. 

    The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking 

    Silver Spoon winery
    The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

    On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do.  The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter.  The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.   

    Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant
    Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

    Heathcote’s other hidden gems 

    Heathcote Wine Hub
    Heathcote Wine Hub is housed in a 1855-built timber church.

    Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub, a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff.  “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.  

    Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.   

    Envy gins
    Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

    A traveller’s checklist 

    Getting there

    It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road! 

    Staying there

    Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway. 

    Eating there

    French dishes at Chauncy
    Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

    At award-winning Chauncy, French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.  

    Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through. 

    Playing there

    Sanguine Estate
    Sip on wines among the vines at Sanguine Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Sanguine Estate’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.  

    At Bridgeward Grove, learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.