The traditional Australian breakfast is very similar, unsurprisingly, to a typical British or American breakfast, with a whole fry-up made up of smokey bacon, eggs in various ways, grilled mushrooms and tomatoes, with the optional addition of hash browns, beans, pork or beef sausages. There are, of course, a few variations. Plus, with Australia being such a melting pot of cultures, you’re likely to find options which feature as standard at breakfast tables across the globe.
The six most Australian breakfasts
It’s long been known that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wolfing down a bowl of freshly cut fruit, digging into a huge plate of fried eggs and bacon or chomping on a piece of Vegemite toast, these five typical Aussie breakfasts are an ideal way to start your day Down Under.
1. A full Australian breakfast
When it comes to hot food, one of the most typical Australian breakfast options is a full plate of fresh eggs served alongside bacon, either standard or smoked, with mushrooms and grilled tomato. You’ll also have the option of grilled beef or pork sausages, some baked beans, and hash browns.
Whether you’re in a major city like Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane or some of the smaller spots in the country, a full-fried breakfast can be found wherever you are in Australia. You’ll find variations of this dish all around the country that include poached or scrambled eggs, different bacon or meat options and various sides. And don’t forget to wash it down with a coffee, especially if you’re in Melbourne. It’s one of the best places to visit in Australia if you’re a fan of a good brew.
2. Vegemite on toast
Another hot option, or warm at least, is the ever-popular Vegemite on toasted bread. It’s one oft he most famous Australian foods and very similar to its British cousin, Marmite. Vegemite was invented back in 1922 in Australia and is a dark-brown savoury spread made from leftover yeast extract. It isn’t as sweet as Marmite, with a slightly more umami flavour to it.
A very popular Australian breakfast, or a light snack during the day, is Vegemite lightly spread over crackers or on toast with a little bit of butter to go with it. If you’re buying Vegemite yourself and spreading it, remember to have a light hand. The flavour is very strong, especially for first-timers, and locals usually spread a thin layer on their toast.
3. Avocado on toast
This Australian brunch dish is a delight for both young and old, with the avocado being front and centre. The avo is usually “smashed” or finely chopped and spread on a piece of buttered toast. It can be topped with a sprinkle of spices or salt and pepper and is often accompanied by poached eggs. Served on a delicious slice of sourdough toast with a few pieces of feta is also a popular variation.
To make it particularly Australian, ask for some Vegemite to be smeared on the toast before the toppings, with a little rocket to round it off with a little crunch. Avo on toast is a staple of breakfasts around the world, especially for vegetarians. It’s a healthy alternative to the fry-up which you’ll find served in cafes up and down the country – including in bustling Sydney.
4. Weet-Bix
If you learn nothing else about Australia, know that both Vegemite and the highly sought-after Weet-Bix are a staple in almost every Australian’s diet. Weet-Bix is a whole-grain wheat cereal that comes in slabs resembling bricks, though a lot softer if you prepare them properly.
This popular Australian breakfast is much lighter than the others mentioned so far and versatile in the way it’s consumed. If you’re in the mood for a bit of a crunch, stick to adding cold milk and let it sit for a minute or two while the Weet-Bix softens a little. A popular addition to this cereal is slices of banana or other pieces of fruit.
If the crunch doesn’t quite do it for you, boil a kettle beforehand and add a small amount of hot water to the cereal to soften them up. You can add in cold or hot milk afterwards, a little sugar or honey and some fruit and get ready for an unbeatable Aussie breakfast.
5. Porridge (or oats)
Although this isn’t as popular a choice (unless you’re a regular gym goer), oats are still a delightful Australian breakfast enjoyed by many. There are, of course, numerous ways to eat your oats. One of the go-to ways is with a little fruit, some milk, and brown sugar lightly layered over the top.
While they’re mostly eaten at home, you’ll still spot oats on many cafe menus. If you’re eating out, you can generally let the staff know how you’d like the oats or porridge to be cooked. My preference? Hot but only just cooked, and topped with a drizzle of honey and some sliced banana.
6. Sweetcorn fritters
As the name implies, these delicacies are a slightly sweeter version of the savoury corn-fritters you might find in America. They’re made using a cornmeal-based batter with a touch of milk, sugar and eggs mixed and fried up. In Australia, you’ll typically find these sweetcorn fritters alongside some bacon, avo, poached eggs and sauce or pesto of some sort. It’s a little healthier than a bread-based meal.
One of the best places to try them in Australia is at bills. This chain of restaurants was opened by the late chef, Bill Granger, who was famed for popularising the Australian breakfast. The branch near Bondi Beach – one of the best beaches in Australia – is a great spot to tuck into some sweetcorn fritters topped with spinach, roast tomato and avocado salsa.
Australian breakfast snacks and drinks
Although we’ve laid out the most common choices for an Australian breakfast, there are a variety of other things Aussies like to eat first thing in the morning. Here’s a little sneak peek…
7. Banana bread
Banana bread might be popular in Australia due to the reluctance to waste food during the Great Depression. Or maybe because of the wide availability of bananas in the country. Whatever the reason, we’re glad it exists, because banana bread is off-the-charts delicious!
Banana bread recipes are often one of the most searched-for recipes in the country. If you’re eating out, you’ll often find banana bread accompanied by mascarpone cream and berries. Plus, it goes incredibly well with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast.
8. French toast
Across the world, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a breakfast spot that doesn’t have French toast on its menu. Australia is no different. The great thing about French toast is its versatility. You can eat it as a savoury dish with some bacon and avocado, plain with a rich helping of butter or give in to your sweet tooth and throw some honey or syrup over the top. French toast is a sought-after breakfast food for many Australians and is often served with coconut shavings and tropical fruit.
9. Milo
Yes, Milo can also be considered a breakfast when you’re in Australia. In fact, it’s an absolute favourite for those who prefer a liquid breakfast when it’s too early for a beer. Milo is essential in most Australian households, and kids tend to grow up loving this chocolate-flavoured malt drink.
Milo was invented back in the 1930s and has been a well-loved drink ever since. The most important part of any Milo drink is the milk-to-Milo ratio. And when you’ve nailed it, you will know it. The other debate around Milo is whether to enjoy it cold or hot. One way you’ll see it served is combined with a half shot of Espresso to form a silky smooth version of a mocha.
More Australia inspiration
Now you know what to have for your Australian breakfast, it’s time to start planning the ultimate trip. Backpacking around Australia is a great way to keep it affordable (plus more money to spend on tasty food). Or why not plan a road trip around it’s breathtaking national parks, stopping off at cities en route to sample more delicious Aussie cuisine?
