From the golden beaches of the Gold Coast to the swaying palms of Tropical North Queensland, the Pacific Coast Way is a feast for the senses, serving up Queensland's most mouth-watering waterfront dining experiences. Whether it's trawler-to-table feasts or elevated eats just centimetres from the sand, this culinary road trip spotlights 15 delicious dining experiences that are well worth the detour.

1. Siblings Kirra, Gold Coast
   Just metres from the sand, Siblings Kirra is a stunning waterfront dining destination where the Gold Coast's laid-back allure meets elevated, refined cuisine. Housed in a handsomely reimagined former Pizza Hut, the venue now offers a modern, chic, breezy setting, perfect for long lunches or a sunset tipple. Diners can expect standout dishes like wood-fired king prawns, fresh oysters, and seasonal plates that celebrate local produce. With panoramic Pacific Ocean and Surfers Paradise skyline views, and a menu designed to impress, Siblings is the ultimate spot to soak up Kirra's relaxed beachside lifestyle.
2. Rick Shores, Gold Coast
   Rick Shores is undoubtedly Burleigh's beachfront gem, where the ocean literally laps at the base of the building. With wide-open windows that spill out to the sea, Rick Shores delivers unbeatable views and a sophisticated coastal vibe that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience where the location is as captivating as the cuisine. The menu is a flavour-packed journey, but the star of the show? Their legendary bug rolls… crispy and sweet Moreton Bay bug in a pillowy bun, bursting with punchy Asian flavours that takes the humble fillet-o-fish to exceptional new heights.

3. Manly Boathouse, Brisbane
   Manly Boathouse is the ultimate summer pit stop, perched on the edge of Moreton Bay with wraparound water views and a fresh, coastal aesthetic. Its crisp white interiors and open-air decks set the scene, but it's the menu that makes it memorable: grilled scallops, Moreton Bay bug sliders, crab linguine and wood-fired seafood cooked over local timber. It's the kind of place that turns a quick break into a standout moment. Relaxed, Instagrammable, and full of flavour.

4. Stilts Dining, Brisbane

Opened in February 2025 and perched 10 metres above the Brisbane River on the new Kangaroo Point Bridge, Stilts Dining has quickly become Brisbane's newest riverside icon. With sweeping views of the Story Bridge, Botanic Gardens and city skyline, it's a venue that redefines waterfront dining. The menu is a bold celebration of Queensland produce — think Moreton Bay bug linguine, Wagyu dumplings, live lobster and caviar three ways. Elevated in every sense, Stilts offers a one-of-a-kind experience where you're not just dining by the water, you're dining above it.

5. Bistro C, Sunshine Coast
   Bistro C sits right on Noosa's Main Beach, just a half-hour detour from the Pacific Coast Way, where the glass-fronted dining room opens to rolling surf and golden light. Inside, it's all clean lines, natural textures, and a hum of relaxed energy. The menu is vibrant and seasonal, the crowd a mix of laid-back locals and epicurean travellers. It's not just a meal… it's a sensory reset, where the ocean's rhythm sets the pace and every bite feels like part of the view. 

6. Enzo's, Fraser Coast
   Set right on the Hervey Bay Esplanade and just footsteps from the sand, Enzo's on the Beach offers uninterrupted views across the Great Sandy Strait to K'gari, making it one of Queensland's most scenic dining spots. The venue blends open-air elegance with a relaxed beachside energy featuring beachfront seating, tropical cocktails, and a deliciously fresh menu that spans from breakfast through to sunset and dinner. Whether you're easing into the day with an espresso or parking up for a seafood platter and live music, Enzo's delivers a relaxed dining experience that effortlessly put diners straight into holiday-mode.

7. Grunske's by the River, Bundaberg
   Sitting proudly on the banks of the Burnett River in Bundaberg, Grunske's by the River offers an authentic trawler-to-table experience. With stunning river views and a relaxed atmosphere, Grunske's is the perfect spot to dive into a seafood platter while watching the trawlers unload their catch, as the fishing vessels dock right by the restaurant and market. The seafood here is as fresh as it gets, often caught and onto the plate in the very same day, the perfect showcase of Queensland's world-class seafood. 

8. Auckland House, Gladstone
   Just metres from the water, Auckland House in Gladstone boasts stunning views from its outdoor deck area, making it the perfect spot to unwind and refuel with a pint and a bite. As Gladstone's waterfront microbrewery, Auckland House is home to a six-tap lineup of core and seasonal craft beers brewed on-site. From the crisp, refreshing Yellow Patch Lager to the bold Lady Elliot IPA, each brew reflects the coastal spirit and local heritage of the region.

9. The Waterline Restaurant, Keppel Bay Marina
   The Waterline Restaurant at Keppel Bay Marina, just a 30-minute detour from Rockhampton and the Pacific Coast Way, delivers a quintessential Queensland dining experience where beefs meets the reef. The restaurant is renowned for its paddock-to-plate philosophy, showcasing award-winning Banana Station Beef sourced directly from the Wilson family's Central Queensland cattle properties just two hours away. From the signature Beef Tataki to the hearty Cowboys Benedict, the menu features a tantalising lineup of dishes that hero this premium grass-fed beef, cementing the region's title as Australia's beef capital. 

10. Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, The Whitsundays
    Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill near Airlie Beach is a tropical detour with a nautical twist, set right on the water overlooking the idyllic Whitsundays islands. The venue features maritime relics like jetty poles and anchors, and its bar is built from a retired prawn trawler. Adding a touch of Hollywood, the coconut trees onsite were rehomed from the set of Pirates of the Caribbean, which was filmed on nearby Whitehaven Beach. The nautical theme continues next door at Freedom Shores Resort, which features unique boat-style accommodation, looking out towards the Coral Sea.

11. Bommie Restaurant, The Whitsundays
    Located within the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie Restaurant offers a refined dining experience with uninterrupted views over Dent Passage and the Whitsundays. Named after the Aboriginal word bombora, referring to the vibrant reef patches surrounding the island, Bommie blends the region's natural beauty with a world-class culinary excellence. The waterfront venue showcases a contemporary Australian menu crafted by Executive Chef Ryan Locke, celebrating seasonal produce and native flavours. Signature dishes include Moreton Bay bug tortellini, Queensland tiger prawns, and MB+9 beef tenderloin. 

12. Marmor, Townsville
    Perched above the Coral Sea, Marmor at ARDO is Townsville's premier fine dining destination, where ocean meets pasture in a celebration of North Queensland's most mouthwatering produce. Park up for a feast with dishes like Black Opal Wagyu and grilled crayfish featuring on the menu, paired with sweeping views across the water to Magnetic Island. For a more relaxed experience, head to Ardo Rooftop, for panoramic casual dining. The rooftop bar serves up small plates, cocktails, and a laid-back vibe perfect for sunset drinks or a weekend brunch pitstop.

12. Orpheus Island Lodge, Townsville
    Orpheus Island Lodge on the Great Barrier Reef delivers an intimate island escape where luxury blends seamlessly with one of Australia's most loved natural icons. The island's signature culinary experience, Dining with the Tides, is a one-of-a-kind overwater degustation served privately under the stars on the island's timber-clad pier above the Coral Sea. As reef sharks, rays and spangled emperor glide beneath, each course is paired with premium wines from the island's expertly curated cellar. The menu changes daily, showcasing fresh seafood, native ingredients, and produce from the island's own garden. With just 14 beachfront suites and access to fringing reef right off the beach, Orpheus is a glistening gem for both the soul, and the tastebuds.

14. Prawn Star Cairns, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
    Moored at Marlin Marina in the heart of Cairns, Prawn Star Cairns is a floating seafood restaurant that delivers one of Queensland's most authentic dining experiences. Set aboard three refurbished prawn trawlers, diners feast on fresh, local catch, such as tiger prawns, bugs, oysters and sashimi, all served straight from the boat in a laid-back, open-air setting. With long communal tables, cold beer on tap, and uninterrupted views of Trinity Inlet, it's a must-do for seafood lovers chasing big flavour and community-minded atmosphere. It's no frills, no fuss. Just the freshest seafood and salty sea breezes in one of Cairns' most iconic waterfront spots.

15. NuNu, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
    Set right by the water in Palm Cove, Nu Nu Restaurant delivers a vibrant taste of Tropical North Queensland. Steering the experience is acclaimed Executive Chef Nick Holloway, known nationally for his flare in top Melbourne kitchens and MasterChef Australia appearances. The menu features reef-caught seafood, rainforest fruits, and native ingredients, served just metres from the Coral Sea under swaying palm trees. With its beachfront location, bold tropical flavours, and menu that captures the spirit and heart of the region, Nu Nu stands out as a must-do for travellers seeking a truly immersive and memorable dining experience.

Every great road trip needs a few brag-worthy pit stops, and these 15 waterfront dining gems are the ultimate appetisers for flavour-loving holidaymakers. With each bite bringing travellers closer to the heart of Queensland's bounty, it's time to park up, grab a plate and savour the bold flavours and jaw-dropping views. Visit www.queensland.com to map out a Pacific Coast Way adventure, bursting with delicious detours.

/ENDS

Editor's note:

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More information:

Jacinta Bonus

Consumer PR Leader, Tourism and Events Queensland

P: 07 3535 5337 | E: jacinta.bonus@queensland.com