There’s something about the tail end of summer that makes dining out feel a little more golden – the days are still stretching out, the water is warm, and the urge for a spontaneous day trip is strong. Luckily, our little corner of the world – from the Sunshine Coast to the Northern Rivers – does summer dining particularly well. Here are the best waterfront restaurants to visit before the cool weather sets in.
Tucked along the Noosa River, away from the bustle of Hastings Street, Ricky’s feels like an escape. It’s practically made for sunny, unhurried lunches that drift into afternoon drinks. The menu reflects its waterfront setting and the best of the wider Sunshine Coast region – fresh seafood, seasonal produce and modern Australian flavours. For the full experience, arrive by ferry and step straight onto the restaurant’s private jetty. It sets the tone before you’ve even ordered your first glass of wine.
Housed in a former sailing clubhouse, Manly Boathouse is single-handedly transforming Brisbane’s bayside dining scene. The panoramic views across Moreton Bay are reason enough to visit, but the menu more than holds its own. Expect fresh, comforting dishes that reflect both land and sea – seafood done simply (and oh so well) is served alongside produce-driven plates. Pair it with a stroll along the esplanade and you’ve got an easy end-of-summer ritual sorted.
Most of the venues at Brisbane’s now-iconic Howard Smith Wharves offer river glimpses, but Mr Percival’s gets you right to the edge. Suspended over the Brisbane River, it’s better known for late nights – but don’t overlook it as a lunch or dinner destination. The menu leans into elevated share plates, from small seafood dishes to generous mains and pizzas that are ideal for a group. Time it for sunset and watch the Story Bridge light up as you settle in for another round (or two).
Overlooking the Gold Coast’s Broadwater, MĀRE by La Luna delivers poolside glamour with a Mediterranean edge. It’s easy to forget you’re minutes from home when you’re sipping something citrusy and grazing on seafood designed for sharing. The menu draws on Mediterranean flavours – think fresh fish, vibrant salads and generous plates that feel made for long, balmy evenings. Book in for late afternoon and let the Broadwater do the rest.
What is there to say about Rick Shores that hasn’t already been said? Sitting directly on Burleigh’s shoreline, Rick Shores is as close to the ocean as it gets. Yes, the bug rolls are iconic – but there’s far more to explore here. Fresh seafood and local produce meet Asian flavours in dishes that are punchy, polished and perfect for sharing. With waves almost at your feet and the Glitter Strip sparkling in the background, it’s an unmissable Gold Coast dining experience – especially as summer starts to soften.
Located within Halcyon House, Paper Daisy offers a literal taste of luxury, without the overnight stay. Just steps from Cabarita Beach, it offers a double dose of luxury and relaxation – ideal for a Northern Rivers mini-break or an indulgent day trip. Sip from the cocktail list, settle in with refined bar snacks or commit to a full lunch or dinner (trust us, you won’t need much convincing). It’s easy to see why Paper Daisy has earned its hat.
Waterfront doesn’t have to mean oceanfront. At Tweed River House, the river, cane fields and surrounding mountains provide a different – but equally captivating – backdrop. Set within a beautifully restored heritage home, the restaurant celebrates local ingredients with refined, seasonal dishes. It’s the perfect excuse for a scenic drive south, with a long lunch that stretches well into the afternoon.
In a town packed with good food, Beach stands out. Overlooking Clarkes Beach, its vantage point alone is worth the drive – but the menu seals the deal. Chef Barret Jones crafts dishes that change with the seasons – from Yellowfin tuna with bright citrus accents to freshly shucked oysters and bright pasta dishes, it’s the very best of the Northern Rivers. Book an early dinner, wander the sand beforehand and let the last light of summer do what it does best.
These long days won’t last forever. Consider this your sign to follow the water – north or south – and turn one more sunny afternoon into a meal worth remembering.
