The Top Vegan Travel Destinations in Australia 2024

Being an Australian platform for veganism and plant based living, vegan eating in Australia is pretty high up on our list!

So we thought we would take a look at some of the best places to visit within this great country of ours.

With an increasing number of cities and regions embracing plant-based lifestyles, 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for vegans to explore the country’s expanding vegan scene.

Here are the top vegan-friendly destinations in Australia, along with tips on where to eat.  As always if you think we may have missed something, be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

Why Visit

Melbourne is often hailed as Australia’s culinary capital, and it’s also a food haven for vegans! The city boasts a plethora of vegan eateries, markets, and events, making it a must-visit for any plant-based traveler. Vegan areas of note include Fitzroy, Brunswick, Northcote, St Kilda, Richmond & Carlton.

Where to Eat

• Smith & Daughters: One of Australia’s most well known restaurants run by the inredible Shannon Martinez, S&D is a beloved vegan restaurant offering innovative Spanish-inspired dishes.  Smith & Daughters
• Transformer Fitzroy: Known for its sophisticated, plant-based menu in a stylish setting. Transformer Fitzroy
• The Vegie Bar: A Fitzroy staple offering diverse and delicious vegan options. Vegie Bar
• Red Sparrow Pizza: A 100% vegan pizza joint in Collingwood. Red Sparrow Pizza
• Lona Misa: South Yarra features a Latin American-inspired menu with creative vegan versions of traditional dishes such as peri peri chicken and Brazilian seafood stew. Also part of the  Shannon Martinez group of restaurants. Lona Misa
• Neko Neko: This Japanese restaurant in Fitzroy specializes in vegan ramen and other Japanese dishes, making it a go-to spot for vegans craving authentic ramen. Neko Neko
• Shu Restaurant: Located in Collingwood, Shu offers a Sichuan-inspired plant-based menu with a ten-course set menu that includes dishes like vegan prawn and truffle risotto. Shu Restaurant
• Funghi e Tartufo: This vegan-friendly Italian restaurant in Carlton offers a delectable range of dishes featuring mushrooms and truffles. Their vegan pizzas and pastas are highly recommended. Funghi e Tartufo
• Love Madre: Located in Chelthnam, Love Madre is a charming vegan café offering a variety of plant-based comfort foods, including amazing vegan toasties and treats. Love Madre
• Brother Bon: Situated in Northcote, Brother Bon serves an eclectic mix of vegan Asian and Western dishes, with a menu that includes dumplings, ramen, and burgers. Brother Bon

Why Visit

Sydney combines stunning beaches with a thriving vegan scene. The city offers a variety of plant-based dining options and vegan-friendly accommodations, making it ideal for a well-rounded vegan vacation. If you really want to get into the vegan scene in Sydney then the suburb of Newtown is an absolute must, and is also home to a great deal of the best vegan places in Sydney!

Where to Eat

• Yellow: Yellow: A fine-dining establishment in Potts Point offering a fully plant-based menu.
• Soul Burger: Soul Burger: A casual eatery known for its mouth-watering vegan burgers.
• Mr. Charlie’s: Mr. Charlie’s: Famous for its plant-based take on fast food classics.
• Golden Lotus: Golden Lotus: A Vietnamese restaurant with a fully vegan menu.
• Alibi: Alibi: Located in Ovolo Woolloomooloo, offering innovative vegan cuisine and cocktails.
• Gigi’s Newtown: Gigi’s Newtown: Renowned for its authentic vegan pizzas.
• Bad Hombres: Bad Hombres: A Mexican eatery offering delicious vegan options.
• Shift Eatery: Shift Eatery: A café known for its vegan sandwiches and coffee.
• Vandal: Vandal: Offers a diverse vegan menu in a hip, casual setting.
• Buddha Bowl Cafe: Buddha Bowl Cafe: Known for its nutritious and flavorful vegan bowls.
• Oh My Days: Oh My Days: A vegan bakery and café in Glebe, offering a variety of plant-based treats.

Why Visit

Byron Bay is synonymous with a laid-back lifestyle and a strong emphasis on sustainability, so it makes sense that the place also has some epic vegan eateries. The town is a hotspot for organic and vegan food, wellness retreats, and eco-friendly accommodation so you will be right at home when you next visit.

Where to Eat

• Folk Byron Bay: A café known for its locally-sourced, organic vegan dishes.
• No Bones: A popular spot offering a creative and delicious vegan menu.
• Elixiba: A unique bar and restaurant featuring plant-based food and herbal cocktails.
• Mana Haven: Mana Haven: Known for its wholesome and nourishing vegan dishes.
• The General Store: The General Store: Offers vegan options in a historic and charming setting.
• Cardomom Pod: Cardamom Pod: A vibrant eatery with a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
• Yulli’s: Yulli’s Byron Bay: Known for its eclectic vegan menu and relaxed atmosphere.

Why Visit

Brisbane is emerging as a vibrant vegan destination, with a growing number of restaurants and markets catering to plant-based diets. The city’s warm climate and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect spot for vegan travelers.

Where to Eat

• Grown: Grown: A modern eatery focused on seasonal, locally-sourced vegan ingredients.
• Yavanna: Yavanna: A popular vegan restaurant known for its comfort food and decadent desserts.
• Dicki’s New Farm: Dicki’s: A café in New Farm offering a variety of vegan dishes.
• El Planta: El Planta: Known for its delicious vegan Mexican cuisine.
• Vegan Restaurant West End: Vegan Restaurant: Offers a diverse menu with fully vegan options.
• You Came Again: You Came Again: A tapas bar offering a variety of vegan dishes.
• Loving Hut: Loving Hut: Part of a global chain offering a wide range of vegan Asian cuisine.
• The Green Edge: The Green Edge: A vegan grocery store and café with a diverse menu.
• Archie AM PM: Archie: A popular café with many vegan options.
• Charlie’s Raw Squeeze: Charlie’s Raw Squeeze: Offers fresh juices, smoothies, and vegan snacks.
• VegeMe: VegeMe: A restaurant specializing in vegan Asian fusion cuisine.
• Vega Café: Vega Café: A cozy café offering a variety of vegan dishes.
• Naim: Naim: Known for its Middle Eastern-inspired vegan options.
• Neon Ramen: Neon Ramen: Offers a range of vegan ramen dishes.

Why Visit

The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush hinterlands, and a growing vegan scene. This region offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of vegan-friendly cafes, restaurants, and health-conscious eateries.

Where to Eat

• Elixiba: Elixiba Sunshine Coast: Located in Maroochydore, this restaurant features plant-based food and herbal cocktails in a vibrant setting.
• Raw Energy: Raw Energy: A chain of cafes offering a range of vegan-friendly smoothies, juices, and meals.
• Kind Living Cafe: Kind Living Cafe: Known for its organic, vegan, and gluten-free menu.
• The Shak Organic Cafe and Wine Bar: The Shak: A cozy spot in Buderim offering a wide range of vegan and organic dishes.
• Grounded at Woombye: Grounded at Woombye: A community-focused cafe with an extensive vegan menu.
• Decisions Cafe: Decisions Cafe: Located in Birtinya, known for its health-conscious menu with plenty of vegan options.
• GURU Life: GURU Life: A cafe in Rosemount offering a variety of vegan-friendly dishes and drinks.
• CK Coffee Bar & Wholefoods: CK Coffee Bar & Wholefoods: A Maroochydore favorite known for its nutritious, vegan-friendly offerings.

Tips for Vegan Travelers on the Sunshine Coast

1. Explore Farmers Markets: Visit the local farmers markets for fresh, organic produce and unique vegan products. The Eumundi Markets are particularly popular.
2. Wellness Retreats: Consider booking a stay at one of the region’s wellness retreats that cater to vegan diets.
3. Eco-Tourism: Take advantage of the eco-tourism opportunities, including hiking in the Glass House Mountains and visiting Noosa National Park.

The Sunshine Coast’s combination of beautiful natural scenery and a burgeoning vegan scene makes it a fantastic destination for plant-based travelers. Whether you’re looking for gourmet dining, casual cafes, or relaxing stays, the Sunshine Coast offers a variety of vegan-friendly options.