Where to find the best pies around Australia

Hungry? We quizzed our readers on where to find the best pies around the country. How many have you been to?

When it comes to food in Australia, you might hear about our lack of food culture. I’ll see your point and raise you the meat pie. There is nothing quite as Australian as stopping at a regional bakery on a road trip and indulging in one of the best pies you’ve had that you’ll dream of for years to come.

Everyone has a favourite pie shop they’ve been to around our beautiful country. So much so that when we asked our readers for their recommendations the comments came in thick and fast. Here, find a curated list of where to get the best pies around Australia, according to you, our well-fed readers.

NSW

Milkwood Bakery, Berry

In the heart of Berry on the NSW South Coast, you’ll find this little gem of a bakery that popped up quite a few times in your recommendations. They like to experiment with their flavours here, so expect some uniquely delicious pies.

Upper Crust, Collaroy

Coming in hot on Sydney’s Northern Beaches lies a yellow and green painted pie shop that apparently does a very good pie – you all certainly think so! With a consistent queue out the door, Upper Crust is a pie lover’s paradise.

Couple enjoying pies from The Upper Crust pie shop, Collaroy (Image: Destination NSW) — Upper Crust has the best pies on the Northern Beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

Dojo Bread, Braidwood

Don’t be fooled by the name, Dojo Bread in the Southern Tablelands town of Braidwood is much more than just bread. According to you, their pies are also worth the drive. So whether you’re stopping on your way in or out of Canberra, or you’re coming for the pies, Dojo Bread won’t disappoint.

The Redhead Bakehouse, Redhead

Serving all your trusty favourites, The Redhead Bakehouse has also branched out its offering with some specialty pies like chicken carbonara and steak, cheese and jalapeno. Yum!

Nimmitabel Bakery, Nimmitabel

The original Nimmitabel Bakery appeared in the recommendations a few times. Why not stop in on your next Snowy Mountains trip?

The exterior of Nimmitabel Bakery. — You all love this quaint bakery in Nimmitabel. (Image: Supplied)

Wild Ryes, Pambula

Located in Bega Valley Shire, Wild Ryes not only serves mouth-watering pies but also roasts their own coffee. Nothing better than a freshly ground coffee with your fresh-out-of-the-oven pie.

Wild Ryes pie and coffee — Wild Ryes also roasts their own coffee. (Image: Supplied)

The Bread Social, Tweed Heads

The Bread Social in Tweed Heads has a gourmet range of pies that you absolutely love. Featuring a braised local grass-fed beef pie, a lamb, veg and tomato pie with a polenta top, and a cauliflower and chickpea dahl pie, your tastebuds will be piqued.

Ganmain Bakery, Ganmain

The Ganmain Pie is somewhat famous, and the recipe is top secret. Located in the Riverina region of NSW, Ganmain Bakery produces up to 15,000 pies per week at some times of the year that are transported all over the state. But there’s no place better to try one than in their home bakery.

Rows of freshly baked Ganmain pies. — Ganmain pies are famous. (Image: Supplied)

Hayden’s Pies, Ulladulla

Driving along Princes Highway in Ulladulla, you can’t help but stop in at Hayden’s Pies . With a line always out the door, you have to figure out why right? Using quality, local ingredients, Hayden’s Pies is a delicious representation of the South Coast.

Woman holding Hayden's Pies. — Hayden’s Pies is a South Coast destination. (Image: Supplied)

Ken’s Humble Pie Shop, The Entrance

Ken’s Humble Pie Shop was voted the Central Coast’s number one pie, and don’t you all agree! Ken uses only the freshest ingredients, prepared and cooked in a traditional time-honoured pie-making way. Meats are slow-cooked or roasted and topped with flaky pastry and baked to perfection.

Robertson Pie Shop, Robertson

The award-winning, famous Robertson Pie Shop is located in the Southern Highlands and is a popular destination for pie-lovers far and wide. Baked fresh daily, the pie shop makes a variety of savoury and sweet pies, so there’s something for everyone.

A row of freshly cooked pies at Robertson Pie shop. — Try the pies at the famous Robertson Pie Shop. (Image: Supplied)

Ridgey Didge Pies, Abermain

Ridgey Didge Pies began by offering a small range of traditional flavoured gourmet pies and sausage rolls, which were so popular they expanded the menu with new flavours and tastes inspired by cultures around the world. They now have over 30 different varieties of gourmet pies for customers to choose from.

A meat pie on top of paper bag that says Ridgey Didge Pies. — Ridgey Didge has over 30 different varieties of pies. (Image: Supplied)

Vic

Austro Bakery, South Melbourne

Austro is a local South Melbourne bakery with big ideas about producing small-batch, artisan products. Their pies are baked fresh every day with Central European flavours and techniques, but with modern accents to suit a Melbourne palate.

Pies fresh out of the oven at Austro Bakery. — Austro Bakery has Central European influence. (Image: Supplied)

Gum Tree Pies, Yackandandah

Gum Tree Pies is a family-run pie shop near Beechworth, that has won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition. You simply can’t go wrong with these delicious pies.

Parker Pies, Rutherglen

Parker Pies has 24 pie varieties available in-store or takeaway and every delicious pie is filled only with the freshest local produce available and encased in a crisp, golden pastry. Plus, they have vegetarian options, so everyone will be happy.

Different flavour pies at Parker Pies including Crocodile and vegetarian. — Parker Pies has a pie to suit all different tastes. (Image: Supplied)

High Country Bakehouse, Mansfield

High Country Bakehouse in Victoria’s High Country is worth the drive according to your recommendation. You’ll also get to see the beautiful landscapes of the area on the drive there.

Qld

Yatala Pies, Yatala

Yatala Pies has been a landmark for more than 130 years. From humble beginnings as a small pie shop that sold about 200 pies a day a little over a decade ago, Yatala Pies now sells more than 3,500 pies a day!

Chaffey’s Bakery, Chapel Hill

A city bakery with a country feel, Chaffey’s Bakery came up a few times as your favourite pies in Australia. They also serve lots of your traditional bakery faves.

A chunky pepper pie at Chaffey's. — Try the chunky pepper pie at Chaffey’s. (Image: Supplied)

Beefy’s Pies, South East Queensland

Born and bred on the Sunshine Coast, Beefy’s has grown into a franchise across South East Queensland due to its pie success. It’s also gained the reputation of Australia’s best gluten-free bakery with 2020 and 2021 wins of Australia’s best gluten-free pie at the Official Great Aussie Meat Pie Competition.

Beefy's Signature Steak Pie — Beefy’s Signature Steak Pie has been award-winning since 2002. (Image: Supplied)

Tas

Smith’s Specialty Pies, Salamanca Markets, Hobart

Smith’s Specialty Pies – home to Tassie’s famous scallop pies – appeared numerous times in the recommendations. And more specifically, Hobart’s Salamanca Markets Smith’s Pies truck. The traditional home-style baking includes a wide variety of pie flavours, with many awards being won over the years.

Ross Village Bakery, Ross

The Ross Village Bakery is the perfect place to take a break. They bake daily in the 1860 original wood-fired oven giving it an authenticity that is unmatched.

Baking in the wood fired oven at Ross Village Bakery. (Image: Tourism Tasmania and Adrian Cook) — The woodfired oven gives the pies authenticity. (Image: Tourism Tasmania and Adrian Cook)

SA

Port Elliot Bakery, Port Elliot

Port Elliot Bakery is an iconic part of Port Elliott in the Fleurieu Peninsula that you have all urged us not to miss! With a pie of the month, they are always refining their flavour combinations to bring a fresh taste to their customers.

The exterior of Port Elliot Bakery in South Australia. (Image: Josh Geelan) — Port Elliot Bakery is iconic. (Image: Josh Geelan)

Apex Bakery, Tanunda

Apex Bakery in the Barossa Valley is synonymous with pies. Having been in operation since 1924, there is plenty of history and plenty of experience within the walls.

Man serving people at Apex Bakery in South Australia. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission and Sven Kovac) — Apex Bakery is synonymous with pies. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission and Sven Kovac)

WA

Pinjarra Bakery, Pinjarra

Pinjarra Bakery ’s award-winning pies are the product of pie love, passion and only the best quality ingredients. Whether you prefer the classic favourites or the more gourmet, there’s something for every pie lover.

The ‘Bob’s your uncle’ Chunky Steak & Pepper Pie at Pinjarra Bakery. — Try the ‘Bob’s your uncle’ Chunky Steak & Pepper Pie. (Image: Supplied)

Toodyay Bakery, Toodyay

Toodyay Bakery has won awards for their gourmet pies, sausage rolls and bread, also taking home the award for Australia’s Best Pastie in 2016.

NT

The Bakery, Alice Springs

The Bakery is a local, family business in Alice Springs that prides itself on making quality products using quality ingredients. Their creative pies are made fresh from top-quality, locally sourced meats and vegetables, just the way you like it!

Serving customers at The Bakery in Alice Springs. (Image: Tourism NT and Neil Rilatt) — The Bakery uses only the best quality ingredients. (Image: Tourism NT and Neil Rilatt)

Tommo’s Pies, Darwin

Tommo’s Pies in Darwin began making pies back in the seventies and is still going strong today. Their premise is that a great pie doesn’t need bells and whistles. If a classic beef and mushroom is prepared just right, it can knock the socks off even the pickiest of eaters.

Traipse Jurassic cliffs and wander secluded beaches on Australia’s most enchanting walks.

Australia’s landscapes are made for hiking. Take the Red Centre, dusted in shifting sands and dotted with miraculous geological formations. Or our rainforests, left behind as the sole souvenir from continents that no longer exist. Down south, mottled night skies hang above crashing seas and unwavering cliffs. It makes sense, then, that hiking holidays are rising in popularity. No wi fi, no traffic. Just you and the path less travelled on the Great Walks of Australia in remote and iconic destinations.

What are the Great Walks of Australia?

If nature is your happy place, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks of Australia, part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences program since 2013 – a curated collection of 15 all-inclusive, eco-luxury journeys showcasing the country’s most spectacular landscapes with expert guides and incredible meals. GWOA launching in 2013 as

From exploring the peaks of a World Heritage listed island, to journeying through the heart of Australia, and the gentle pull of the majestic Murray – there’s a walking holiday to suit walkers of all experience levels (and interests).

Joining a Great Walks of Australia hike means the pressure is off with all meals, guides and eco-luxury accommodation included.

Where can you hike?

1. Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland

great walks of australia tour group on Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland — Enjoy incredible food along the way.

Around 23 million years ago, volcanoes spewed magma across Queensland’s Scenic Rim . Now, what’s left of the fiery landscape takes the form of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforest.

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day guided hike that takes you through the ancient rainforest. You’ll venture out into breathtaking viewpoints across the Main Range National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, listen out for the duplicitous calls of the lyrebird and enjoy the silence.

You’ll spend your nights in boutique eco-cabins and incredible hospitality.

2. Murray River Walk, South Australia

great walks of australia tour group on — Walk through vibrant wildflower fields.

Murray River Walk pairs easy hiking with blissful evenings cruising the Murray River. Over four days and nights, you’ll follow kangaroo trails through red dirt dusted with vivid patches of wildflowers.

Each day ends on a solar-powered, custom-built houseboat. Watch towering, red sandstone cliffs float by from the top deck spa. Then, it’s three-course meals sourced from local produce and served alongside the region’s best wines.

The entire region you’ll be traversing is within the Riverland Ramsar site. Watch as spoonbills forage for food in the tranquil wetlands, emus parade through the wildflowers, and regent parrots flit above.

3. Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

wombat along the Maria Island Walk tasmania — Spot adorable locals.

Your Maria Island walk begins with a private boat transfer to an untouched, white sand beach. Barefoot in the sand, you’ll quickly realise – aside from your guide and group – you’re completely alone. Spot countless wombats and hear the distant calls of Tasmanian Devils as you spend four days leisurely traversing the island.

Nights are split between private, comfortable wilderness camps and queen-size beds in a historic cottage from the island’s convict history. Meals are built around fresh-caught seafood and served with East Coast Tasmanian wine.

4. Seven Peaks Walk, New South Wales

hiker on Seven Peaks Walks on Lord Howe Island — Explore the incredible Lord Howe Island. (Image: Luke Hanson)

Lord Howe Island feels like another world. With its patchwork blue coral lagoons and magma-honed peaks, it’s easy to forget you’re in New South Wales.

This walk has the highest level of elevation in the Great Walks of Australia’s collection. It’s because of this that you’ll witness nature like never before. UNESCO-listed volcanic peaks and coral reefs that grew out of solidified lava will become your daily norm.

Along the way, step onto beaches that lie undisturbed for weeks at a time. Then, snorkel the southernmost reef in the Pacific Ocean.

5. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Northern Territory

This five-day, fully guided, premium hiking experience inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was developed in partnership with Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Begin your walk dwarfed by the shade of Kata Tjuṯa’s towering dome formations. Following remote desert trails through the red sands, crest dunes and traverse mulga woodlands as you draw closer to the monolithic walls of Uluṟu.

Each night, dine under the lamp light of the Milky Way in the warm desert air and sleep in new flagship, environmentally sensitive private camps and lodge. This is the first time that travellers have ever been allowed to spend the night inside the national park.

6. The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria

great walks of australia tour group on The Twelve Apostles Signature Walk, Victoria — See the Twelve Apostles in a new way. (Image: Ken Luke)

The Great Ocean Road’s rugged splendour is best experienced on this signature four-day, 44-kilometre guided walk . You’ll follow the rugged limestone stacks of the shipwreck coastline: wild, crashing waves, curious wildlife, and two national parks.

Finish each day at your luxurious lodge, where you’ll sit with your feet soaking and a glass of wine in hand. You’ll have a single lodge to call home on this walk, meaning you’ll only need to set out with a day pack.

7. Three Capes Signature Walk, Tasmania

On Tasmania’s Three Capes Signature Walk , you’ll feel like you’re walking along the edge of the world. From your boat landing on a remote beach, climb slowly upward for spectacular views and wildlife encounters with pods of dolphins, fur seals and echidnas. Spend days walking Jurassic dolerite cliffs with the wild Southern Ocean as your only constant.

Stay in architecturally designed eco-lodges nestled at the very edge of the world. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a plunge pool and even an on-site spa to tend to ailments from the hike.

Discover more Great Walks of Australia and start planning your next adventure at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au.