Great Barrier Reef drive tops the taste test
Tourism Drives
Port Douglas isn’t just a tropical getaway - it’s a key stop on one of Australia’s top foodie road trips according to a new index, offering travellers plenty of highly rated eats along the way.
The car insurance experts at ROLLiN’ analysed Australia’s most popular road trips. Each route was then ranked on factors like the number of stops, quality, and ratings of its culinary offerings, revealing which journeys come out on top for hungry travellers.
Ranking third, behind the Legendary Pacific Coast and South Australia’s Epicurean Way, food lovers scored the Great Barrier Reef Drive a 67.4/100.
“Spanning 170km from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, this delightful route offers a unique blend of fresh seafood, tropical produce, and casual cafe dining,’’ the ROLLiN’ report said.
“Port Douglas is a prominent stop along the way, offering travellers a taste of the city’s thriving cafe scene. Highlights include local favourites like Salsa Bar & Grill (4.8/5 rating) and Bam Pow (4.9/5 rating), perfect for anyone looking to enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine in a laid-back tropical setting.
“Out of all the food stops in Port Douglas, 25 have a rating of 4 or higher, highlighting the area's broad appeal. Along the full journey, foodies can explore 177 stops, with an average Google rating of 4.27, proving this route is a top pick for culinary adventurers.’’
The findings also showed the Great Barrier Reef Drive ranked fourth for its trendy food stops. It has garnered more than 45,000 Instagram posts, highlighting its popularity among travellers who are drawn to photogenic food spots. Salt House in Cairns City has the most buzz with more than 21,000 posts on Instagram.
And there is plenty of choice along the drive, with the Great Barrier Reef drive offering just over 10 food stops per 10km, placing it second overall for routes with the most options.
ROLLiN’ executive manager Brendan Griffiths said the Great Barrier Drive route offers travellers a variety of natural attractions, including rainforests, waterfalls and beaches.
“In fact, one of the top stops is Clifton Beach, perfect for travellers looking to unwind and explore,’’ he said.
“However, it is also popular among foodies because it offers a combination of fresh seafood, tropical produce, and cafe dining. With almost 200 food stops en route, foodies can savour the flavours of Far North Queensland while being immersed in spectacular coastal landscapes.”
“Port Douglas is nestled in this road trip and is a perfect stop for foodies chasing fresh, locally inspired cuisine in a laid-back tropical setting. The data found the top food spot in Port Douglas to be the Salsa Bar and Grill, a vibrant and tropical restaurant, earning a 4.8/5 rating.
"Evidently, foodies passing through Port Douglas love the fusion of bold, tropical, beachside flavours.”
Support public interest journalism
Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.
