Five waterfront Fish and Chip shops worth the drive
Australia allegedly has a coastline stretching 35,877km and seemingly the same number of fish and chip shops serving up one of our favourite feeds.But how many of these places offer seats and a view that’s smack-bang on the water, and not some coastal road or car park? Well, these five do, so go and check ‘em out, they're worth the drive.
Star of Greece, Port Willunga, South Australia
Okay, so the drive 40 minutes south of Adelaide isn’t especially challenging but the experience you’ll get at the Star of Greece definitely is worth it. The bone-white beach shack (named after a local shipwreck) has Kangaroo Island whiting fish and chips on its restaurant menu, which can be enjoyed overlooking the Port Willunga beach and Gulf of Spencer thanks to the cliff-top perch. Outside, the kiosk does the whiting, or squid or garfish in a less formal but just as fun setting and the chips have the same golden, salty crunch.
The Boathouse, Palm Beach, NSW
You don’t get much “waterfront” than a jetty overhanging the gently lapping waves at the entry to Pittwater, The Boathouse makes the most its location by serving up sensational seafood. Yes, you could tuck into a cold seafood platter or a bucket of prawns for lunch but the highlight is the beer-battered flathead. Crispy on the outside, delicate and flaky within and surrounded by chunky yet fluffy fried spuds. Totally delectable, the ambience is beach house-cum-fishing shed, the locals love it and so will you.
Peter’s Fish Market, Gold Coast, Queensland
This is traditional tucker because while Peter’s fish and chips are legendary, you can also pair them with a battered sav, seafood stick, Chicko roll or other deep fried delicacies. Then there’s the location: grab a table on the grass by the water and you’re looking back at the Southport high-rises from Main Beach for a genuine Gold Coast view. The food isn’t fancy but it’s hearty, wholesome and well priced and you can only chuckle at what the folk at Palazzo Versace next door are paying for the same outlook.
Pelikan Société, Hastings, Victoria
The Western Port side of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula doesn’t get the same publicity as high-rolling Portsea and Sorrento but its coastal towns offer plenty. Take Hastings for example, which has the Pelikan Société café that overlooks the water and features a tempting and eclectic menu which, of course, includes great fish and chips. Crunchy battered Rockling comes with refreshing iceberg lettuce and a tangy garlic and chive aioli. And yes, the pelicans are usually strutting their stuff just by the Marina.
Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods, Bicheno, Tasmania
This is a rare find indeed: a fishing operation that catches the best seafood Tassie’s east coast can offer, then serves it up cooked to customers out the back of the shed on tables overlooking the water! Of course there’s fish and chips, and many say TCS’s battered gummy or whiting (or whatever’s fresh) is Australia’s best. Then there are the scallops, squid and other marine critters that can make up a memorable plate. Don’t expect fancy tablecloths or silverware, but get ready for a cracking fishy feed.
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