5 Restaurants You Must Visit During Your Trip to Queensland

Whether you've visiting Queensland for a business trip or a holiday, you probably have plans for what you want to do and see. But before you visit any tourist stops, you need to find something to eat.

Fortunately, Queensland has no shortage of authentic restaurants offering delectable cuisine. As soon as you get the keys to your rental car, hop in the driver seat and head to one of these popular Queensland restaurants.

1. Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront

If you're looking for a true Australian experience, Dundee's Restaurant is your perfect locale. With its location right on the Cairns waterfront, you can eat outdoors and watch boats travelling to and from the Great Barrier Reef.

The food is true Australian fare as well. Let your mouth water as you read some of the options:

• Oysters Kilpatrick: succulent grilled oysters topped with bacon and Worchester sauce
• Roast Duck Spring Rolls: a spring roll containing shredded roast duck, vegetables and rice noodles; accompanied with dipping sauce and coleslaw
• Smoked Salmon and Avocado Stack: a fresh tortilla layered with snow pea sprouts, smoked salmon and guacamole, and topped with caviar

While Dundee's Restaurant isn't for travellers on a budget, its delectable fare definitely makes it worth its price.

2. Ochre Restaurant

If you're staying in Cairns, don't miss Ochre Restaurant. It's a popular source for catering, but you can also dine in the trendy establishment, which displays works from local artists.

Executive chef Craig Squire opened the restaurant 20 years ago when he was just 20 years old. His dream to bring delicious local dining to both tourists and residents allowed his restaurant to flourish.

The menu changes each season, so it's hard to predict exactly what you'll get. However, you can count on dishes made from local produce, purchased directly from farmers. There's also a licensed bar.

3. Nautilus Restaurant

If you're looking for a dining experience to write home about, plan to visit Nautilus Restaurant. The restaurant is completely outdoors in a tropical setting. The sights and sounds of the tropics surround your table while you enjoy modern Australian food.

Guests can choose an a la carte menu, or an expansive menu with up to seven courses. One of the featured menu items is Nautilus Whole Coral Trout, a sweet, moist fish caught by local fishermen.

4. Rocks@lt Bar & Restaurant

Rocks@lt in Gladstone has a little something for everyone, including a cocktail and tapas lounge. Main courses include:

• Homemade potato gnocchi
• Sumac spiced lamb rump
• Roasted pork belly
• 12-hour cooked rib fillet
• Braised beef cheek

These offerings also come with sides such as steamed greens, buttered mash and fresh herbs.

5. Blue Moon Grill

Blue Moon Grill offers "great food and good times." Here, you'll find not only delicious food, but also a wide selection of both local and imported beers and wine. Food selections include:

• Blue Swimmer Crab Brushetta: brushetta featuring pure crab meat
• Japanese Oysters: come with seaweed strips, pickled ginger and wasabi
• Ich Liebe Dich Salad: calamari with rice noodles, bean sprouts and sweet chilli beurre blanc dressing

Don't be fooled by Blue Moon Grill's relaxing atmosphere. It's professional as well, winning many awards.

You won't go hungry in Queensland. You'll find a variety of restaurants that meet your taste preferences, and that give you an exciting dining atmosphere as well!

But to get to any of these restaurants, you'll need to rent a car. Whether you prefer a van or a fourwheel drive truck, you can find a great price from a local car rental company. Rent your car today and travel the Queensland terrain to these unforgettable restaurants.