13 December 2024
6 mins Read
The humble chippo is an Aussie staple. We’re blessed with vast stretches of coast that give rise to a bounty of seafood that’s among the best in the world.
What’s the recipe for fish and chip perfection? It looks something like this: golden chips, a decent portion of fish (always battered over grilled), a potato scallop or some calamari to mix it up, a wedge of lemon, tartare sauce, lots of butcher’s paper to wrap it up and a nice spot to enjoy it all.
If you’re curious to see where to get the best fish and chips around Australia, our well-fed readers have given us the lowdown on the best chippys in each state.
New South Wales is renowned for its stunning stretch of coastline – made all the better with a parcel of fish and chips in hand. But the best chippo in the state is actually on the far-flung Lord Howe Island. Benny’s Fish Truck can be found in a different spot each day, serving up juicy, local catch battered to perfection. Wherever the truck is parked for the day, it’s worth tracking down for a great feed and excellent views.
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Out of the Blue in Clovelly, Sydney is a classic Aussie chippy with a flavoursome French twist. Run by French-born duo Jean and Sophie, this cozy takeaway has earned a loyal following, particularly for its mouthwatering fish burgers. Small but always buzzing with activity, it’s a cherished staple of the community.
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Other chippos we love:
Mollymook Beach Hut Cafe on the South Coast and Bobby’s Cronulla in Sydney’s Shire.
Down in Tasmania, the pristine environment and passionate local producers makes the state an ideal place to hit the coastal road and indulge in its best local bounties.
Fish Frenzy opened on Hobart’s Elizabeth Street Pier in 1998. In the years since, its quality seafood, fast service and innovative presentation have won accolade after accolade. The chippy is located in an old warehouse overlooking the pier, providing a side of great views to a delectable feed.
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Oysters are technically the focus at Freycinet Marine Farm. But these briny bivalves make a great addition to a classic plate of fish and chips that you can enjoy on the deck or for takeaway. And with the water sparkling just metres away, you know the seafood hasn’t come far.
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Other chippos we love:
Tasmanian Coastal Seafoods in Bicheno and Rupert and Hound in Launceston for a fancy feed.
According to our readers, the Great Ocean Road provides the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy a humble serving of fish and chips. And the crème de la crème was singled out as a feed at Fishos Torquay. Here, produce here is about as local as you can get. Potatoes come fresh from the farm and are hand-cut onsite. Seafood is locally sourced. There are also elevated twists on classic fish shop fare, such as kingfish crudo and mussels cooked in parsley butter. Yum.
Fishos Torquay is about as local as you can get.
Apollo Bay is the Victorian capital of the southern rock lobster and the Fish and Chip Co-Op is where it’s done best. Drop by and try the latest fresh catch while watching the crays being offloaded from the boats.
San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op has serviced the needs of the seafood-loving Gippsland community since 1948 – and they were a name that up came up frequently with our readers. The locally caught gummy shark is a menu highlight.
The latest catch at Fish and Chip Co-Op.
Other chippos we love:
Hunky Dory in Melbourne and Peninsula Fresh Seafood on the Mornington Peninsula.
Western Australia is blessed with beautiful beachside breaks stretching right along the magnificent mainland coastline. If you don’t mind doing a bit of the food prep yourself, the state’s back of boat crayfish sales are booming.
Wild-caught WA crayfish are a highlight of the region. (Image: Rachel Claire)
Swap out your fish for a half crayfish at Dynamite Bay takeaway, an oft-cited favourite gem tucked away in Green Bay between Geraldton and Perth. Expect succulent fish, delightfully stringy calamari and a tempting dessert cabinet.
Grand Lane Fish House in Perth and Frankie’s On Rotto on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island
If our readers were anything to go by, you’d think The Stunned Mullet was the only fish and chip shop in South Australia.
Meet you at Henley Beach.
Each summer, a line of fish-and-chip-lovers winds out the door of Henley Beach’s favourite store. Most are in search of the decadent King George whiting, accompanied by an excessive amount of chips. If you prefer your bounty on a budget, the butterfish is another winner.
Other chippos we love: Vivonne Bay General Store on Kangaroo Island, Fish Out Of Water in Adelaide and Flying Fish Restaurant & Café in Port Elliot.
It’s not quite classic chip shop fare, but the ocean-side dining institution Rick Shores does a highly Instagrammable (and delicious) Moreton Bay bug roll that we simply can’t fail to mention.
Rick Shores is an upscale eatery which has built a cult following for its Moreton Bay bug roll. (Image: Mathilde Bouby)
Other chippos we love: Three Girls Fishing in Brisbane and Burleigh’s Red Hot Cod.
Frying Nemo Fish and Chips is consistently ranked as a finalist in national seafood awards, not just in the state, but in the entire country. This truly Territorian experience is positioned right on the waterfront at Tipperary Waters Marina.
Frying Nemo specialises in wild-caught produce – with a menu that runs the gamut of animals like crocodile, buffalo, camel and kangaroo, alongside the NT’s famous Barramundi. They’re also fully licensed, with a well-stocked fridge of Territorian brews.
Frying Nemo on the water is Darwin’s favourite fish and chippery.
Other chippos we love: Wulagi Fish and Chips and La Beach Fish & Chips, both in Darwin.
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No thanks, I like to travel solo
Interesting selection.
The fresh fish place.
Proper bay road. Port Lincoln
Is in a class of its own.
What about ACT? – without a doubt Snapper on the Lake!