Top five country pie shops worth the drive
Australia’s most significant contribution to the global fast food industry (apart from beetroot on a burger) is of course, the wonderful meat pie.Gushing with gravy, smothered in tomato sauce and encased in golden pastry, there’s nothing quite like it. But how far would you travel to find one you really loved, and would you be tempted by a different and exotic filling? Try these establishments for size.
Country Cobb Bakery, Kyneton, Victoria
There are many reasons to visit Kyneton in the Macedon Ranges region north of Melbourne: historic Piper Street, the monthly farmers’ market, the general vibe of a relaxed country town are among them. Then there’s the Country Cobb Bakery in a rambling old shop that always seems to be busy. Little wonder, given its standard pies and sausage rolls are hearty and delicious and the bakery recently won Australia’s Best Pie award with its satay seafood offering. What we love is the unlimited bottles of tomato sauce on every table instead of those measly sachets you get elsewhere.
Hayden’s Pies, Ulladulla, New South Wales
Of course you could get a standard meat pie at this NSW south coast bakery, and a very good one too. Or you could go out on a limb and try something exotic like Thai green curry, Peking duck or beef rendang. On Australia Day, eat the coat of arms (yes, emu and kangaroo) or just plump for one of the standard, juicy creations. Whatever you choose, it’s a great lunch stop on the coastal drive between Melbourne and Sydney.
Blackbutt Woodfired Bakery, Queensland
There’s not much in Blackbutt but if you feel like a 150km drive north-west out of Brisbane, what you will find is one of Australia’s most creative bakeries. The pies speak for themselves: how about crocodile in Thai curry sauce or even more bizarrely, the Big Mack – two all-beef patties, cheese, special sauce, onions and pickles in a sesame-seed pastry. Finish off with, perhaps, a Snickers or Golden Gaytime slice and your cardiologist gets to buy another BMW.
Bakery31, Ross, Tasmania
It’s quite a nice drive between Hobart and Launceston and about halfway it gets even better if you stop at Bakery31 in the picturesque town of Ross. This colourful, weatherboard establishment is famous for its scallop pies: a handful of meaty shellfish in a curry sauce, encased in flaky pastry. But there’s plenty more including your standard meat pie (delicious!) or for something fancy, try the salmon and Brie.
Strath Corner Bakery, Strathalbyn, South Australia
You won’t get tourist buses flocking to this friendly country bakery (let alone a dedicated website), but what you will taste is arguably South Australia’s best meat pies outside of a gourmet pub. The Chunky Beef variety is a corker: luscious lumps with carrots and peas and crunchy pastry, or the Drover version adds a dark pepper sauce. It’s a great stop on the way to Victor Harbor, and close to the Langhorne Creek wine region.
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