We’re not exaggerating when we say food is life. You quite literally need the nutrients that only food can provide to live. However, foodies everywhere will be quick to jump the defence of flavour – you can’t settle for any old bland tastes. You need to spice it up a bit.

Good grub doesn’t just please your taste buds. Its aesthetics satisfy your sights, the smells tickle your nose and ignites your imagination. With so many unique foods waiting to be tasted around Australia, why not dedicate your next road trip to your inner foodie?

When you rent your vehicle to transport you to all the amazing flavours that make up Australia, don’t forget to select a van with a little more trunk space than usual so you can bring some goods home with you from your travels!

And now, let your senses guide you to these unique Australian cuisines.

Quandong

It has one of the weirdest names, but it’s one of the most appetising on this list. Quandong is Australia’s bright red fruit. It looks like a shrunken pomegranate, however, it has more of a tart taste that is similar to rhubarb.

This fruit is in season from October to February and is grown in semi-arid regions across the country. Be sure to grab a crate or two of your own because you can actually make some delicious concoctions from them, including jams and even beers! It’s important to note that Quandong is protected by law, so you should not go picking without permission!

Pie floater

Have you ever heard of a pie floater? This unusual cuisine is native to Adelaide, Australia and it might be a little hard to stomach once you see it. After you know what it is though, it’s not that bad – not like any of that would stop a devout foodie from giving it a try anyway!

Recognised as a South Australian Icon by the National Trust of Australia.

A pie floater is an upside down meat pie doused in a heap of pea soup, and often topped with a drizzle of ketchup. This thick soup became popular in the late 1800s, though it wasn’t recognised as a South Australian Icon by the National Trust of Australia until hundreds of years later in 2003. Head on over to Adelaide for your first stop on your foodie road trip, and don’t forget to document it as you go!

Witchetty grubs

You probably knew some type of bug or another would show up eventually. Everyone’s got a bug to eat! This squishy, white larvae was first consumed by the adventurous palate of Aboriginal Australians. You’ll have to do a bit of a trek into central Australia, and then deeper into the brush to find these guys.

But hey, believe it or not, these don’t taste all that terrible. Some say when they’re cooked rather reminiscent of scrambled eggs. Even eating them raw isn’t so bad as they have an almond taste about them.

a group of friends fighting over pizza slices
Eager to try something new?

Beefsteak mushroom

A name like beefsteak mushroom doesn’t sound too gross, does it? In fact it sounds like a whole meal already. Truth is though, they’re lacking in that umami flavour that your traditional meal of steak and mushrooms boast. Instead, it has a sour taste and chewy texture that doesn’t always go down easily. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a taste and come to your own conclusions!

This hearty fungi was originally eaten by Aborigines in Western Australia. However, central natives actually believed this mushroom would bring evil magic on any who ate it, so it was widely avoided. Think you’ll suffer bad luck if you give one a try?

Interested in sampling these foods yourself? Of course you are! Head on over to your nearest East Coast Car Rentals centre, grab a van with your most adventurous mates, and dig in!