Food should be at the heart of any good road trip and you definitely won’t go wrong with these solid eating destinations just south of the mountain.

PANKO CHAN

23 Beach Road, Kingston Beach

If you’re a fan of Japanese food, this fish and chippery needs to be on your list. With a vibrant, seaside vibe and menu to match, Panko Chan specialises in Japanese/fish and chip fusion dishes with a modern twist. Like any good fish and chip shop, you choose your fish, whether you want it tempura battered or panko crumbed, and then pick your sides and condiments. The crusted soy ginger with sesame garlic aioli goes really well together with a side of renkon lotus chips. If you prefer more traditional Japanese eats, they also do a mean takoyaki (octopus balls) or Agedashi Tofu.

LONGLEY HOTEL

Huon Road, Longley 

Nothing beats a good pub feed…‘cept when there’s a roaring fire and decent live music to go with it. The Longley International Hotel, founded in 1861, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon south of the mountain. With a sprawling beer garden bordering beautiful bushland and the longest Huon Pine bar in the world, the welcoming atmosphere and top-notch food make it so easy to ditch other plans and settle with the live entertainment. Highlights from the classic pub menu are the BBQ pulled pork parmi and steak with pepper sauce, both punching well above their weight in flavour. As you’d expect in a pub, there’s an extensive range of local beers and ciders.

BUSH BAKERY

682 Leslie Road Leslie Vale

While this isn’t gourmet fare, it’s good, honest bakery food and we love it. Go hungry and you’ll be rewarded with delicious hot beef pies (ask the baker to point out where the beef comes from…hint, it’s in the paddock out the back!), sausage rolls, mini pizzas and pasties. After a sweet treat? You’re spoilt for choice with slices, biscuits, lamingtons, tarts and full cakes. The bakery is next to a residential home, and there’s a gazebo and chairs and tables to enjoy your haul.