18 Amazing Aussie Ice Cream Shops

The days are heating up Down Under, and nothing cools you off like a couple scoops of well-crafted ice cream. But where to go for the best of the best? We ask the top Aussie bloggers around the country to share their favourite spots to grab a sweet treat.

ADELAIDE

Bushtucker Ice Cream
“The name says it all, and they use unique Australian flavours found in the bush to make their ice cream. Think of mallee honey, wattleseed and quandong as some examples.”
– Bernadette Chan of ionlyeatdesserts.com

Live A Little
“For those of you who are after a dairy-free/vegan dessert, Live A Little is loved by many across Adelaide. They use organic ingredients free of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives – and they’re delicious. Check them out on Sundays at The Market Shed on Holland in the CBD.”
– Nathan Morelli of onthechoppingboard.com

Dolcetti Espresso Bar
“Dolcetti Espresso Bar is a family-owned business and our top pick for favourite gelato in Adelaide. We love to visit whether it’s sunshine or rain, to enjoy the 24 creamy, dreamy flavours of house-made gelati. Hazelnut is our go-to every time, thanks to that surprise crunch of whole hazelnuts sprinkled throughout.”
– Amanda Kozuch of onthechoppingboard.com

Gelato Bello
“Whether it’s cold or hot, we can always rely on Gelato Bello in Glynde to be open for business, serving up their delicious, homemade gelati or hot waffles and chocolates. Being a family-owned business and a local favourite, Gelato Bello boasts smooth and creamy gelati full of intense flavours.”
– Sofia Romanova of onthechoppingboard.com

48 Flavours
“The name says it all; this ice cream shop has 48 flavour options available at any time, created in-house by the talented team. Each flavour is made fresh using local Australian produce, often purchased from the Central Market down the road. While the traditional winners like chocolate, strawberry and vanilla can be found here, other original flavours like Red Bull, Double Choc Raspberry and their award-winning Roasted Walnut and Honey Crunch are definitely worth a try.”
– Kristen Byass and Mel Zahorujko of theadelaidian.net

BRISBANE

Charlie’s Raw Squeeze
“With several stores spread across Brisbane, from Clontarf to Newstead, Charlie’s Raw Squeeze is a 100% vegan bar offering an impressive range of vegan raw treats, including options to quench your ice cream thirst! Their fully loaded ‘nice cream’ is something not to be missed, with flavours like Choc Mini, Mango Tango, Pecan Coffee and Salted Caramel (one of my favourites!). They’ve just added a new icy edition to their menu, Vegan Gelato, for which you can pick and choose what topping you want. I recommend Oreo – it’s simply scrumptious!”
– Aicha Robertson of thefashionheist.com

The Green Edge
“One of Brisbane’s largest vegan pantries, The Green Edge has all your vegan needs covered, from breakfast to dinner, and there are plenty of dessert treats to sink your teeth into. When it comes to ice cream, they offer something pretty special: a chocolate sundae covered in vegan-friendly soy whip, brownie bits, choc chip cookie and chocolate sauce. There’s also the decadent ’ice cream boat’, made with CocoLuscious vanilla ice cream topped with a sweet sauce of your choosing.”
– Aicha Robertson of thefashionheist.com

Mister Fitz
“An absolute must-visit is ice cream sandwich shop Mister Fitz, located in South Bank and East Brisbane. They have the most delicious milk shakes and some of the best ice cream flavours available. My favourite is Pink Sea Salt & Caramel – the best salted caramel ever! You can create your own sandwich or pick from their signature creations.”
– Samantha MacKenzie of briscitylifestyle.com.au

HOBART

Sweet Envy
“If you can make it past the rows of richly coated chocolate biscuits, decadent pastries and layered cakes of jelly, sponge, fruit and cream, you might reach Sweet Envy’s house-made ice cream. The small selection changes regularly, but you’re likely to find a very adult ice cream made with vodka or Guinness beer. Local produce is also a strong feature in what’s on offer.”
– Skye Fraser and Angela Percy of livinglovinghobart.com.au

Valhalla Ice Cream
“Strategically located in Moonah next to the Intercity Cycleway, Tasmania’s own Valhalla Ice Cream is the perfect pit stop for the whole family to cool down with a double-scoop waffle cone! Hokey Pokey is always a winner, but if you’re feeling adventurous try their Devil’s Chilli Chocolate. It packs a punch!”
– Andrew Strikis of twoclownstripping.com

MELBOURNE

Jocks Ice Creams and Dex2Rose
“Jocks Ice Creams is an institution, and families have been stopping for a refreshing waffle cone for many years. A less traditional favourite is Dex2Rose, hidden in the CBD; their gelatos and flavours change constantly to reflect the season or mood of the mastermind behind it all. Currently they’re serving ‘Dude, Where’s my Kaya ‘and ‘Kung Fu Pandan’ with mango, coconut, pandan and a gula melaka (coconut palm sugar) syringe.”
– Emma Porter of foodieabouttown.com

Pidapipo and Spring Street Grocer
“There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to great gelato and ice cream in Melbourne. Two of the best places for a scoop of two of the best gelato in town are Pidapipo and Spring Street Grocer, which use quality ingredients and offer a range of tasty flavours.”
– Paul Kristoff of thecitylane.com

Aqua S
“The humble soft serve re-imagined by Aqua S has landed in Melbourne, offering their signature dreamy sky blue Sea Salt flavour as a staple, and a colourful rotating roster of flavours. It definitely keeps me coming back, and as pretty as they are, my favourite thing about them is the rich and creamy quality. Don’t forget to snap a pic against the sky blue backdrop before taking a bite!”
– Jane River of shortxstout.tumblr.com

PERTH

Astor Gelato
“Astor Gelato is a hole-in-the-wall gelato shop adjoining the art-deco-inspired historic Astor Theatre in Mt Lawley. The cheery larger-than-life ice cream cone seats outside the shop will bring a smile to your face, almost as big as the grin you’ll have after slurping up a refreshing gelato treat. My favourite picks are the lemon sorbet and hazelnut gelato.”
– Nita Teoh of perthwalkabout.com

Ubuntu Real Food Co
“Soak up the atmosphere of the Inglewood Night Markets on the bustling Beaufort Street on a Monday night, and along the way pop in to get a yummy ice cream at the Ubuntu Real Food Co pop-up. Mix it up with your own choice of ice cream, fruit and nut toppings, mixed right in front of you, or try the raw vegan ice cream.”
– Nita Teoh of perthwalkabout.com

SYDNEY

Good Times Artisan Ice Cream
“Good Times Artisan Ice Cream, located in Potts Point, is an ice cream lover’s dream by the former head chef of Nomad, Nathan Sasi. Everything is made in-house, and the flavours and toppings are anything but ordinary. Some of my favourite ice cream flavours that have appeared on the menu include smoked vanilla bean and ricotta cheesecake, which are decorated with toppings such as torched marshmallows, pop rocks or flame-grilled banana. The menu changes regularly, so make sure you come back to see what other innovative flavour combinations they dream up!”
– Sarah Shrapnel of loveswah.com

Cow and the Moon
“When a local gelato shop called Cow and the Moon in Enmore won the Gelato World Tour a few years ago, Sydney-siders paid attention. Soon enough, a queue of gelato-enthusiasts desperate to try this award-winning dessert was snaking down the street. Make sure you try the Mandorla affogato flavour – it’s a recreation of the classic affogato and features caramelised almonds and single-origin coffee mixed through Madagascan vanilla gelato.”
– Sarah Shrapnel of loveswah.com

Gelato Blue
“My favourite ice cream spot has to be without a doubt, Gelato Blue in Newtown. Having recently gone 100% vegan, this place sees queues out of the door, all day long. If you didn’t know it was vegan, you’d have no idea, as there’s just one small vegan sign in the whole shop. With their coconut dairy replacement, their ice cream is to die for – It’s my go to weekend treat!”
– Annabel Symonds of londonerinsydney.com [Photo: L/Flickr]

Gelato Messina
“My go-to ice cream shop in Sydney is Gelato Messina. There are a couple of Messina outlets across Sydney, including the ever-popular Surry Hills location, but not many people know that you can also drop into Messina’s HQ in the inner city suburb of Rosebery. The Rosebery store has all the classic Messina flavours (my favourite is Salted Caramel and White Chocolate) as well as the weekly changing specials, but none of the queues associated with the other outlets. Also held at this location are gelato appreciation classes and behind-the-scenes tours of the Messina factory.”
– Jayne Gorman of girltweetsworld.com