These are the #1 fish and chips in each state

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We quizzed our readers on where to find the best fish and chips around the country. Here, we crown the winners in each state.

The humble chippo is an Aussie staple. We’re blessed with vast stretches of coast that give rise to a bounty of seafood that’s among the best in the world.

What’s the recipe for fish and chip perfection? It looks something like this: golden chips, a decent portion of fish (always battered over grilled), a potato scallop or some calamari to mix it up, a wedge of lemon, tartare sauce, lots of butcher’s paper to wrap it up and a nice spot to enjoy it all.

If you’re curious to see where to get the best fish and chips around Australia, our well-fed readers have given us the lowdown on the best chippys in each state.

Best fish and chips in NSW

New South Wales is renowned for its stunning stretch of coastline – made all the better with a parcel of fish and chips in hand. But the best chippo in the state is actually on the far-flung Lord Howe Island. Benny’s Fish Truck can be found in a different spot each day, serving up juicy, local catch battered to perfection. Wherever the truck is parked for the day, it’s worth tracking down for a great feed and excellent views.


Honourable mention

Out of the Blue in Clovelly, Sydney is a classic Aussie chippy with a flavoursome French twist. Run by French-born duo Jean and Sophie, this cozy takeaway has earned a loyal following, particularly for its mouthwatering fish burgers. Small but always buzzing with activity, it’s a cherished staple of the community.

Other chippos we love:

Mollymook Beach Hut Cafe on the South Coast and Bobby’s Cronulla in Sydney’s Shire.

Best fish and chips in Tasmania

Down in Tasmania, the pristine environment and passionate local producers makes the state an ideal place to hit the coastal road and indulge in its best local bounties.

Fish Frenzy opened on Hobart’s Elizabeth Street Pier in 1998. In the years since, its quality seafood, fast service and innovative presentation have won accolade after accolade. The chippy is located in an old warehouse overlooking the pier, providing a side of great views to a delectable feed.

 

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Honourable mention

Oysters are technically the focus at Freycinet Marine Farm. But these briny bivalves make a great addition to a classic plate of fish and chips that you can enjoy on the deck or for takeaway. And with the water sparkling just metres away, you know the seafood hasn’t come far.

Other chippos we love:

Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods in Bicheno and Rupert and Hound in Launceston for a fancy feed.

Best fish and chips in Victoria

According to our readers, the Great Ocean Road provides the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy a humble serving of fish and chips. And the crème de la crème was singled out as a feed at Fishos Torquay. Here, produce here is about as local as you can get. Potatoes come fresh from the farm and are hand-cut onsite. Seafood is locally sourced. There are also elevated twists on classic fish shop fare, such as kingfish crudo and mussels cooked in parsley butter. Yum.

Fishos Torquay fish and chips
Fishos Torquay is about as local as you can get.

Honourable mentions

Apollo Bay is the Victorian capital of the southern rock lobster and the Fish and Chip Co-Op is where it’s done best. Drop by and try the latest fresh catch while watching the crays being offloaded from the boats.

San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op has serviced the needs of the seafood-loving Gippsland community since 1948 – and they were a name that up came up frequently with our readers. The locally caught gummy shark is a menu highlight.

Fish and Chip Co-Op.
The latest catch at Fish and Chip Co-Op.

Other chippos we love:

Hunky Dory in Melbourne and Peninsula Fresh Seafood on the Mornington Peninsula.

Best fish and chips in WA

Western Australia is blessed with beautiful beachside breaks stretching right along the magnificent mainland coastline. If you don’t mind doing a bit of the food prep yourself, the state’s back of boat crayfish sales are booming.

wild-caught WA crayfish
Wild-caught WA crayfish are a highlight of the region. (Image: Rachel Claire)

Swap out your fish for a half crayfish at Dynamite Bay takeaway, an oft-cited favourite gem tucked away in Green Bay between Geraldton and Perth. Expect succulent fish, delightfully stringy calamari and a tempting dessert cabinet.

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Other chippos we love:

Grand Lane Fish House in Perth and Frankie’s On Rotto on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

Best fish and chips in SA

If our readers were anything to go by, you’d think The Stunned Mullet was the only fish and chip shop in South Australia.

Meet you at Henley Beach.

Each summer, a line of fish-and-chip-lovers winds out the door of Henley Beach’s favourite store. Most are in search of the decadent King George whiting, accompanied by an excessive amount of chips. If you prefer your bounty on a budget, the butterfish is another winner.

Other chippos we love:  Vivonne Bay General Store on Kangaroo Island, Fish Out Of Water in Adelaide and Flying Fish Restaurant & Café in Port Elliot.

Best fish and chips in Queensland

Unsurprisingly, our readers couldn’t get enough of fish and chips in Queensland. The standout favourite was Vellas on Sydney , a family-owned chip shop that embodies everything a great chippy should offer: fresh produce, hearty portions, and warm, welcoming service.

Honourable mentions

It’s not quite classic chip shop fare, but the ocean-side dining institution Rick Shores does a highly Instagrammable (and delicious) Moreton Bay bug roll that we simply can’t fail to mention.

waterfront dining at Rick Shores, Gold Coast
Rick Shores is an upscale eatery which has built a cult following for its Moreton Bay bug roll. (Image: Mathilde Bouby)

Other chippos we love: Three Girls Fishing in Brisbane and Burleigh’s Red Hot Cod.

Best fish and chips in the NT

Frying Nemo Fish and Chips is consistently ranked as a finalist in national seafood awards, not just in the state, but in the entire country. This truly Territorian experience is positioned right on the waterfront at Tipperary Waters Marina.
Frying Nemo specialises in wild-caught produce – with a menu that runs the gamut of animals like crocodile, buffalo, camel and kangaroo, alongside the NT’s famous Barramundi. They’re also fully licensed, with a well-stocked fridge of Territorian brews.

Frying Nemo on the water is Darwin’s favourite fish and chippery.

Other chippos we love: Wulagi Fish and Chips  and La Beach Fish & Chips , both in Darwin.

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The ultimate spring and summer guide to Melbourne

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa

    There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

    The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

    If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

    Where to stay

    The Westin Melbourne

    couple inside their room at the westin melbourne
    View the city from above in your suite.

    Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

    Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

    Where to eat and drink

    1. Allegro

    Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

    The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

    2. Lobby Lounge

    the westin melbourne lobby lounge
    Step into the Lobby Lounge.

    Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

    The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

    For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

    3. Other places to dine

    diners at supernormal melbourne
    There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

    Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

    Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

    While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

    Things to do

    1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

    a bridge across yarra river
    Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

    A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

    2. Browse the boutique galleries

    two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria
    See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

    If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

    3. Catch some live music

    live music at the cherry bar in melbourne
    Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

    Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

    4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

    three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground
    Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

    Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

    5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

    the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre
    Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

    Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

    Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

    Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.