Visitors to the Surf Coast of Australia are encouraged to add Booln Booln to their travel itineraries, a café that showcases the rich flavors of First Nations ingredients. Located between Torquay and Geelong, this unique venue is the brainchild of Troy and Cerisa Benjamin, who also founded the tea company Blak Brews. Since its opening in 2023, the café has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative use of native Australian produce.
Nestled within the Wathaurong Booln Booln Cultural Centre, the café is set against a backdrop of bushland that features a wildlife sanctuary. This location not only enhances the dining experience but also promotes the cultural significance of the ingredients used in the dishes. The menu includes a variety of offerings, such as jaffles filled with four-hour kangaroo ragu and wattleseed dukkah, along with lemon myrtle-spiked chimichurri chicken. For younger visitors, classic toasties and roo sausage rolls are available.
Unique Dining Experience with Cultural Significance
A standout feature of Booln Booln is its Friday Outback High Tea, priced at AUD $60. Guests can indulge in an array of creative treats, including salted caramel-Vegemite macarons and saltbush-pepperberry quiches. The experience is complemented by bottomless tea and a visit to the adjacent wildlife sanctuary, making it a family-friendly outing that also emphasizes local culture.
The café’s emphasis on First Nations ingredients is a reflection of the Benjamins’ commitment to promoting Indigenous Australian culture through food. Their vision extends beyond the café, as they aim to educate visitors about the rich culinary heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples. By incorporating ingredients such as kakadu plum, quandong, and desert lime, they provide a taste of the land while supporting sustainable practices.
Plan Your Visit
For those planning a road trip along the Surf Coast, Booln Booln is a destination that combines delicious food with cultural education. The café’s inviting atmosphere and commitment to showcasing First Nations cuisine make it a worthwhile stop for both locals and tourists.
To save this unique dining experience for your next visit, consider using the Good Food app to keep track of your itinerary. With its focus on native ingredients and cultural significance, Booln Booln offers a refreshing take on Australian cuisine that highlights the importance of Indigenous traditions.
