hero media

The battle of Australia’s 18 best summer ice creams

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
These cult-favourite ice creams prove Australian summers are built on nostalgia, loyalty and strong opinions. 

There are many ways Australians mark the start of summer. Swapping jumpers for thongs. Complaining it’s already too hot. And standing in front of a freezer, debating ice cream like it’s a life decision.  

Every summer, the same cult favourites rise to the top, sparking fierce loyalty, friendly rivalry and the occasional “sorry but that one’s overrated" hot take. From supermarket legends to scoop shops with lines out the door, this is the annual, unofficial battle for Australia’s most beloved summer ice cream, ranked only by how fiercely I love them. 

18. Paddle Pop

A cornerstone of Australian childhoods. Creamy, simple and deeply nostalgic, Paddle Pops are proof that you don’t need fancy flavours to win hearts. Still elite, still dependable and still best eaten on a hot afternoon when you probably should’ve had lunch. 

17. Drumstick

drumstick
Drumstick comes in new flavours.

Ice cream with theatre. The chocolate-lined cone, the crunchy base, the way everyone saves the last bite for maximum satisfaction. It’s so iconic that it’s now part of Australia’s Big Things ice cream legacy, which feels entirely correct. 

16. Cow and the Moon

The gelato shop that turned pistachio into a religion. Known for balance, depth of flavour and queues that barely move, Cow and the Moon is for people who say “just one scoop" and then immediately order another. 

15. Lifesavers

The ice cream version of the lolly you used to sort by colour. Sweet, refreshing and gone in about 30 seconds. Still fun. Still nostalgic. 

14. Bubble O’Bill

A cowboy hat, a bubblegum nose and a personality all of its own. It’s chaotic, divisive and impossible to forget. An icon, whether you loved it or not. 

13. Zooper Dooper

Not technically ice cream, but spiritually essential. The freezer staple of Aussie summers, best enjoyed dripping down your wrist on the hottest day of the year. 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

12. Calippo

The squeeze, the slurp, the citrus hit. Calippos are refreshment first, dessert second, and perfect when it’s too hot for anything creamy. 

11. Cornetto

The sophisticated cousin to the Drumstick. Chocolate tip, crunchy cone, creamy centre and just enough drama to feel indulgent. 

10. Cyclone

A tropical throwback that tastes like swimming carnivals and beach kiosks. Bright, fun and instantly nostalgic. 

9. Icy Pole

Simple, effective and still undefeated in extreme heat. Sometimes you don’t need bells and whistles, just cold, sweet relief. 

8. Milo Scoop Shake

Comfort in a cup. Chocolatey, creamy and deeply familiar, this one feels like a hug from your childhood pantry. 

7. Connoisseur

The freezer staple you buy “for guests" and then eat yourself. Rich flavours, smooth textures and quietly luxurious without being flashy. 

6. Frosty Fruits

Peak nostalgia. The kind of ice cream that lives in grandparents’ freezers and tastes like backyard summers. Sweet, refreshing and deeply sentimental. 

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

5. Splice

The perfect balance of creamy vanilla and icy fruit. One bite and you’re instantly transported to holiday mode. 

4. Messina

You might not be able to find these in your local corner store, but no ice cream list is complete without the juggernaut. Weekly specials, experimental flavours and queues that prove Australians will wait patiently for exceptional gelato. Love it or roll your eyes at it, Messina has earned its cult status.

3. Magnum

Decadent, indulgent and unmistakable. Thick chocolate shell, rich centre and zero apologies. This is ice cream as a treat.

2. Weis Mango and Ice Cream Bar

A national treasure. Real mango flavour, creamy vanilla and the confidence of an ice cream that doesn’t need gimmicks to be perfect. 

1. Golden Gaytime

The undisputed legend. Biscuit bits, caramel, vanilla and nostalgia all working together in chaotic harmony. If summer had a flavour, this would be it. 

Will this spark debates? Absolutely. Should it. Definitely. Because in Australia, summer isn’t just about the heat. It’s about standing in front of the freezer, arguing passionately, and knowing deep down that the best ice cream is the one you’re eating right now. 

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
View profile and articles
Qantas releases over 170,000 discounted regional fares from $99
Australia

Qantas releases over 170,000 discounted regional fares from $99

Hey Australia, your next regional escape just got a whole lot cheaper.

Read more
top beach towns in Australia
Australia

The 10 best Aussie beach towns for an easy coastal getaway

Classic beachside destinations defined by sun, sand and sea. 

Read more
Richmond Bridge
Australia

Australia’s top 10 historic towns worth exploring now 

These heritage towns seamlessly blend Australia’s past and present. 

Read more
Glass House Mountains National Park from above
Australia

The 10 Aussie towns made for nature lovers and adventure seekers

Wild landscapes and natural beauty turn these towns into outdoor playgrounds.

Read more
hero media

Makers, good food and the great outdoors: your guide to a long weekend in the Moorabool Valley

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    Continue

    A true hidden gem, the picturesque Moorabool Valley makes for a relaxing and rewarding long weekend escape.

    With its undulating hills and vineyards, the Moorabool Valley is both a beautiful sight and a generous mix of things to do and discover. Expect boutique wineries, farm-to-table eateries, charming accommodation and stunning natural scenery.

    The best part? Despite its many drawcards, the region is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to truly switch off. It’s also only 90 minutes from Melbourne and just west of Geelong, making it an easy and accessible getaway when you’ve only got a few days to spare.

    If you’re after a ready-made long weekend itinerary, the Moorabool Valley and Geelong make an ideal pairing.

    Day 1

    Morning

    Blend your own signature scent from a table of fragrances.
    Create your own signature scent. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Start your day in central Geelong, in one of the city’s most cosmopolitan locales. The inner suburb of Newtown is leafy and vibrant, with a host of cafes, boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.

    Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances is a must-visit if you’re a fragrance enthusiast. The artisan perfumer hosts hands-on workshops on weekends, when you can create your own signature scent from a selection of botanical and exotic essences. Beyond being a unique experience, the perfume is a personalised memento of your escape.

    Afternoon

    A stroll through Austin’s Wines, lined with bottles and warm dining spaces.
    Head to Austin’s Wines for a relaxed, seasonal lunch.

    Now it’s time to head to the Moorabool Valley for a weekend of tasting, wandering and unwinding.

    Stop into Austin’s Wines for a light and seasonal lunch. The family-run winery offers a casual menu filled with locally sourced foods for snacking and pairing with their cool-climate wines – think grazing and cheese boards, flatbreads and small plates. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Austin’s signature pinot noir to take home.

    While boutique accommodation abounds, Blame Mabel is a favourite – and for good reason. Check in after lunch for sweeping views over the surrounding hills, a collection of thoughtfully designed accommodation and a distinctly rustic charm. It offers a genuine country stay that allows you to really slow down. If you’re not sampling at the onsite cellar door, you’ll be spending your downtime exploring the property and your evenings warming up around a crackling open fire.

    Night

    A scrumptious plate of food and a beer.
    Settle in for a memorable dinner. (Image: Batesford Hotel)

    Dinner at the historic Batesford Hotel is a must. This welcoming venue offers country character and refined elegance in equal measure, and the food is a standout.

    Order a round of share plates or pizzas with creative toppings, or go for hearty mains like slow-cooked lamb rump with ancient grains and ricotta gnocchi that melts in your mouth. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids’ menu is surprisingly considered, with options to suit even the pickiest eaters.

    Day 2

    Morning

    A person slicing food from a plate at the Meredith Farm Store.
    Dig into a homestyle feast. (Image: Meredith Farm Store)

    It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll wake up at Blame Mabel feeling rested and recharged – and very ready for a proper breakfast.

    The Meredith Farm Store is a go-to for a homestyle feast. The morning menu is simple but seriously delicious, with classics like smashed avo, Turkish eggs and breakfast muffins given a Meredith twist. Many of the dishes incorporate the farm’s famed dairy products (including the iconic goat cheese) and seasonal produce.

    Pick up some sweet and savoury treats and a few drinks from the shop to fuel the rest of your day – you’re about to explore on foot.

    Afternoon

    Hikers exploring the scenic trails of Brisbane Ranges National Park.
    Hit the trails and explore rugged beauty.

    Your afternoon is best spent in the rugged Brisbane Ranges National Park, a sprawling bushland reserve with Victoria’s most significant habitat for wildflowers. Choose from a network of walks and hikes that range from relatively flat trails to more challenging terrain.

    You can expect plenty of gorgeous scenery whichever path you opt for, with eucalypt forests, rocky outcrops and panoramic lookouts throughout the park. There are also several scenic picnic spots where you can savour your Meredith Farm bounty.

    Night

    A cosy charcuterie spread by the fireplace.
    Cosy up by the fireplace with a charcuterie board. (Image: Sarah Miles)

    A busy day of exploring calls for a relaxed evening in, and Blame Mabel delivers. Whether you’re staying in the restored farmhouse, the cosy self-contained cabin or the communal lodge, you’ll have access to ample cooking facilities and plenty of cosy corners to unwind in after dark.

    Finish the evening with a round of board games, cosying up with a good book from the well-stocked bookshelf or a soak in the outdoor tub under a sky thick with stars.

    Day 3

    Morning

    On your third and final day, you’ll want to soak up the quiet beauty of your surrounds. After being woken by the soft glow of morning sunlight, enjoy a lazy breakfast of freshly collected and cooked eggs or build-your-own muesli and creamy yoghurt, paired with seasonal produce from the garden.

    Once you’ve packed, ease back towards Geelong for a relaxed afternoon.

    Afternoon

    Paddock Bakery glowing on a bright, sunny day.
    Take home freshly baked treats. (Image: Paddock Bakery)

    Pop by the Geelong Vintage Market to wander rows upon rows of collectable retro treasures, from furniture and home decor to books and vinyl.

    To wrap up your long weekend adventure, wander through the surrounding Federal Mills precinct, which houses a mix of businesses, retailers and eateries. The precinct itself is a historic and character-filled space with large-scale hand-painted murals, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Grab some freshly baked pastries from Paddock Bakery for the drive home.

    Plan your Moorabool Valley adventure now at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.