Australia is known for its stunning beaches, outback adventures, and laid-back culture—but it’s also fast becoming a hot spot for plant-based dining. With growing awareness around animal welfare, sustainability, and health, veganism in Australia has seen a massive rise. In fact, according to data from Roy Morgan, over 2.5 million Australians are now eating meat-free, and countless more are reducing their intake through flexitarian or plant-forward choices.
Whether you’re a local or tourist, navigating Australia on a vegan diet has never been easier. From coastal surf towns to bustling city streets, plant-based eateries are sprouting up everywhere. This guide highlights where to find the best vegan food across Australia, covering iconic cities, hidden gems, and travel tips for enjoying a fully plant-based experience down under.
Why Veganism Is Booming in Australia
Australia is currently ranked among the top countries globally for veganism, driven by a combination of environmental awareness, ethical choices, and dietary health trends. Supermarkets are expanding their plant-based offerings, cafes are embracing dairy-free milk as a default, and local farmers’ markets are overflowing with fresh, organic produce.
Even fast-food giants like Hungry Jack’s and Domino’s have introduced vegan menus, showing that plant-based eating is no longer a niche movement—it’s mainstream.
1. Sydney: The Vegan Capital of Australia
Sydney leads the charge with one of the most vibrant vegan scenes in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether it’s fine dining or street food, Sydney has something for every type of vegan.
Top Vegan Spots in Sydney:
Gigi’s Pizzeria (Newtown) – A 100% vegan Italian pizzeria with wood-fired classics and next-level desserts.
Soul Burger (Randwick) – Australia’s first entirely plant-based burger joint, offering loaded fries and faux chicken burgers.
Yulli’s (Surry Hills) – A vegetarian-turned-vegan restaurant with Asian fusion dishes and a massive craft beer list.
Bad Hombres (Surry Hills) – Mexican fare with a vegan twist, perfect for taco night.
Local tip: Head to Newtown, the unofficial vegan district, for everything from smoothie bowls to vegan kebabs.
See Also: Vegan BBQ Delights: Grilled Veggies, Tofu, and Plant-Based Proteins
2. Melbourne: Plant-Based Artistry Meets Coffee Culture
Melbourne, known for its art, coffee, and creative food scene, doesn’t disappoint when it comes to plant-based eats. It’s a haven for vegan gourmets and experimental food lovers.
Must-Visit Vegan Eateries:
Smith & Daughters (Collingwood) – A punk-inspired vegan restaurant serving bold Latin dishes.
Transformer (Fitzroy) – A fine-dining, plant-only restaurant with botanical interiors and a seasonal menu.
Red Sparrow Pizza (Fitzroy & Prahran) – Vegan pizzeria with cult-status buffalo wings and dairy-free cheese.
Loving Hut (Northcote) – Global vegan chain offering Asian comfort food and mock meat dishes.
Local tip: For dessert lovers, Melbourne has several vegan gelato joints like Girls & Boys and Piccolina (with vegan specials).
3. Brisbane: Growing Fast and Deliciously Green
Brisbane’s vegan scene is rapidly evolving, with an influx of new plant-based cafes and a strong focus on sustainability and local produce.
Top Vegan-Friendly Places:
Greenhouse Canteen (South Brisbane) – Gourmet comfort food like jackfruit enchiladas and cashew cheese nachos.
You Came Again (West End) – Tapas-style vegan restaurant with unique dishes like beetroot sliders and ‘cheeseburger’ spring rolls.
Grown (West End) – Minimalist cafe serving seasonal, whole-food vegan meals and Australian coffee.
Netherworld (Fortitude Valley) – A vegan-friendly bar and arcade with a 90% plant-based menu.
Local tip: Visit Davies Park Market on weekends for fresh vegan pastries, smoothies, and organic veggies.
4. Perth: West Coast Wellness and Vibrant Eats
While often seen as a bit quieter than its eastern counterparts, Perth is a hidden treasure for vegan food with a focus on health, freshness, and creativity.
Best Vegan Spots in Perth:
The Raw Kitchen (Fremantle) – A beautifully designed cafe with raw and cooked vegan dishes, kombucha on tap, and sustainable living goods.
Mother (Fremantle) – Elegant, plant-based dining from the team behind The Raw Kitchen, with a natural wine list and high-end feel.
Flora & Fauna (Northbridge) – A cozy laneway cafe with vibrant, Instagram-worthy vegan brunch plates.
Annalakshmi (Perth CBD) – Pay-what-you-can Indian vegan buffet with a spiritual, community-driven mission.
5. Adelaide: South Australia’s Underrated Vegan Scene
Adelaide might not always make the vegan headlines, but it offers an impressive range of options—especially when paired with the region’s famous wine and produce.
Adelaide Vegan Highlights:
Staazi & Co. (CBD) – Vegan Greek street food stall turned restaurant known for its seitan gyros and loaded fries.
Zenhouse (CBD) – Asian vegetarian cafe with a large vegan selection, bubble tea, and faux meats.
Two-Bit Villains (Adelaide Arcade) – Retro-inspired diner with vegan burgers, loaded hot dogs, and soda floats.
Local tip: Explore Adelaide Hills or McLaren Vale for vegan-friendly wineries offering plant-based cheese boards and tastings.
6. Hobart: Fresh, Local, and Naturally Vegan-Friendly
Tasmania’s capital is small but mighty when it comes to local produce and earthy, conscious cooking. Hobart leans into whole foods, sustainability, and seasonality.
Where to Eat in Hobart:
Pulp Friction (North Hobart) – Vibrant vegan food truck serving loaded nachos, burgers, and burritos.
Sweetbrew (Hobart CBD) – A vegetarian cafe with vegan-friendly brunch, smoothies, and great espresso.
The Source (MONA) – Fine dining with a rotating menu; call ahead for vegan tasting options.
Local tip: Hobart’s Salamanca Market has several vegan vendors with fresh, seasonal offerings and Tasmanian-made plant-based treats.
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7. Darwin: A Laid-Back and Diverse Vegan Scene
Darwin’s tropical weather and multicultural influence bring Southeast Asian flavours, market culture, and naturally plant-rich cuisine to the table.
Vegan Eats in Darwin:
Hanuman (CBD) – Upscale Asian fusion with a separate vegan menu featuring Thai, Indian, and Sri Lankan dishes.
Kings Wholefood Artisans (Stuart Park) – All-vegan cafe with smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and baked treats.
Parap Village Markets – Perfect for fresh produce, vegan laksa, Vietnamese rolls, and tropical fruit smoothies.
8. Regional and Road Trip-Friendly Vegan Stops
Plant-based eating isn’t limited to cities. Across Australia’s regions and highways, vegan eats are increasingly accessible.
Tips for Travelling Vegans:
Use apps like HappyCow or VeggieHotels to locate vegan-friendly options.
Stock up at health food stores and Woolworths/Coles, both of which carry a growing selection of plant-based products.
Look out for vegan bakeries, pubs, or food trucks in tourist towns like Byron Bay, Noosa, and Margaret River.
Call to Action: Explore Plant-Based Australia Today
Australia’s plant-based scene is no longer a hidden subculture—it’s thriving from coast to coast. Whether you’re living vegan, curious about transitioning, or simply love good food, there’s a seat at the vegan table for everyone.
Share this guide with fellow foodies, bookmark it for your next Aussie adventure, and don’t forget to leave reviews for vegan eateries you love—it helps keep these businesses growing strong.
Conclusion
Exploring Australia on a vegan diet is more exciting, delicious, and accessible than ever before. From Melbourne’s gourmet plant-based dining to Darwin’s tropical markets and Tasmania’s slow-food cafes, the country caters to conscious eaters with creativity and warmth.
With each meal, Australians are proving that plant-based food isn’t just possible—it’s a movement rooted in taste, ethics, and environmental care. Whether you’re on a foodie road trip or just looking for a Sunday brunch spot, Australia’s plant-based eats are here to satisfy your cravings and inspire your palate.
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