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The battle of Australia’s 18 best summer ice creams

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
These cult-favourite ice creams prove Australian summers are built on nostalgia, loyalty and strong opinions. 

There are many ways Australians mark the start of summer. Swapping jumpers for thongs. Complaining it’s already too hot. And standing in front of a freezer, debating ice cream like it’s a life decision.  

Every summer, the same cult favourites rise to the top, sparking fierce loyalty, friendly rivalry and the occasional “sorry but that one’s overrated" hot take. From supermarket legends to scoop shops with lines out the door, this is the annual, unofficial battle for Australia’s most beloved summer ice cream, ranked only by how fiercely I love them. 

18. Paddle Pop

A cornerstone of Australian childhoods. Creamy, simple and deeply nostalgic, Paddle Pops are proof that you don’t need fancy flavours to win hearts. Still elite, still dependable and still best eaten on a hot afternoon when you probably should’ve had lunch. 

17. Drumstick

drumstick
Drumstick comes in new flavours.

Ice cream with theatre. The chocolate-lined cone, the crunchy base, the way everyone saves the last bite for maximum satisfaction. It’s so iconic that it’s now part of Australia’s Big Things ice cream legacy, which feels entirely correct. 

16. Cow and the Moon

The gelato shop that turned pistachio into a religion. Known for balance, depth of flavour and queues that barely move, Cow and the Moon is for people who say “just one scoop" and then immediately order another. 

15. Lifesavers

The ice cream version of the lolly you used to sort by colour. Sweet, refreshing and gone in about 30 seconds. Still fun. Still nostalgic. 

14. Bubble O’Bill

A cowboy hat, a bubblegum nose and a personality all of its own. It’s chaotic, divisive and impossible to forget. An icon, whether you loved it or not. 

13. Zooper Dooper

Not technically ice cream, but spiritually essential. The freezer staple of Aussie summers, best enjoyed dripping down your wrist on the hottest day of the year. 

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12. Calippo

The squeeze, the slurp, the citrus hit. Calippos are refreshment first, dessert second, and perfect when it’s too hot for anything creamy. 

11. Cornetto

The sophisticated cousin to the Drumstick. Chocolate tip, crunchy cone, creamy centre and just enough drama to feel indulgent. 

10. Cyclone

A tropical throwback that tastes like swimming carnivals and beach kiosks. Bright, fun and instantly nostalgic. 

9. Icy Pole

Simple, effective and still undefeated in extreme heat. Sometimes you don’t need bells and whistles, just cold, sweet relief. 

8. Milo Scoop Shake

Comfort in a cup. Chocolatey, creamy and deeply familiar, this one feels like a hug from your childhood pantry. 

7. Connoisseur

The freezer staple you buy “for guests" and then eat yourself. Rich flavours, smooth textures and quietly luxurious without being flashy. 

6. Frosty Fruits

Peak nostalgia. The kind of ice cream that lives in grandparents’ freezers and tastes like backyard summers. Sweet, refreshing and deeply sentimental. 

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5. Splice

The perfect balance of creamy vanilla and icy fruit. One bite and you’re instantly transported to holiday mode. 

4. Messina

You might not be able to find these in your local corner store, but no ice cream list is complete without the juggernaut. Weekly specials, experimental flavours and queues that prove Australians will wait patiently for exceptional gelato. Love it or roll your eyes at it, Messina has earned its cult status.

3. Magnum

Decadent, indulgent and unmistakable. Thick chocolate shell, rich centre and zero apologies. This is ice cream as a treat.

2. Weis Mango and Ice Cream Bar

A national treasure. Real mango flavour, creamy vanilla and the confidence of an ice cream that doesn’t need gimmicks to be perfect. 

1. Golden Gaytime

The undisputed legend. Biscuit bits, caramel, vanilla and nostalgia all working together in chaotic harmony. If summer had a flavour, this would be it. 

Will this spark debates? Absolutely. Should it. Definitely. Because in Australia, summer isn’t just about the heat. It’s about standing in front of the freezer, arguing passionately, and knowing deep down that the best ice cream is the one you’re eating right now. 

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.