Wild truth about whiteboard in Sydney bedroom

Aussies sure love their fish and chips, but there’s one takeaway joint that’s proven to be just as popular as the rest with thousands of reviews.

Aussies sure love their fish and chips, but there’s one takeaway joint in the country that’s proven to be more popular than the rest, attracting thousands of reviews.

In celebration of Google Maps 20th anniversary, the platform has released a huge list of ‘Australia’s Most Talked-About Places’ such as where Aussies and tourists love to go, explore, eat and of course review – and some of the results may (or may not) come as a surprise.

But, before we get stuck into that, what many people may not realise is this whiteboard (pictured below), tucked away in an apartment in Hunters Hill in Sydney, is how Google Maps all started.

Google Maps began with this whiteboard, tucked away in an apartment in Hunters Hill in Sydney.

The annotations, revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald in 2014, were scrawled in 2004 by Australian software engineer Noel Gordon, one of the four men who founded the Sydney-based digital mapping start-up Where 2 Technologies.

The board hung in Gordon’s spare room and was used to sketch out their vision, building the core technology that would become what is now known as Google Maps.

“The 20 year anniversary of Maps is a particularly special milestone here in Australia,” Matthew Lawrence, group product manager of Google Maps in Australia, said.

“After all, it was an Aussie start-up that built the core technology that became Google Maps.”

Mr Lawrence told news.com.au that since then it has evolved and scaled globally, helping Aussies find their way, monitor bushfires, plan commutes and road trips, discover the latest dining spots and more.

In 2024 alone, it provided 1 trillion kilometres of directions. This is the distance of Earth orbiting the sun over one thousand times. Huge.

“These trends offer a fascinating glimpse into what Aussies are craving and raving about right now, from fish and chip shops to museums, vintage stores and parks.”

“It shows that Aussies turn to Maps not just for directions, but as a word-of-mouth guide to explore their communities and beyond.”

To commemorate its 20-year milestone, a list of Australia’s most reviewed locations on Google Maps has been curated. The results offer a fascinating snapshot of our nation’s most talked-about places right now, based on reviews.

Most-Reviewed Fish and Chip shop

Charis Seafoods in Labrador, Queensland earned the title of ‘Most Reviewed Fish and Chip Shop’ with 5,100 reviews and a 4.05 average rating.

To kick things off – and probably one of the more important categories – is the ‘Most-Reviewed Fish and Chip shop’ in the country.

Charis Seafoods located on Marine Parade in Labrador, Queensland earned this title with 5,100 reviews and a 4.05 average rating.

“Every review is a good review,” owner Jim Stamoudis said while laughing.

The family-run business has been going strong for 33 years with Jim attributing “consistency” as the key to its success.

“It comes down to being consistent and being open all the time allows people to come in any time,” he said.

Charis Seafoods is open 7am to 7pm daily with 50 staff working the floor to keep the business pumping.

The family-run business has been going strong since 1993. Also, that looks so tasty.

“We have a lot of regulars come in – we know them by name. It’s all about the atmosphere and creating a space where people can come, have a talk, a laugh and buy some fish.”

“Haddock, cod, or barramundi – whatever your favourite, people clearly can’t resist fish and chips by the beach,” Google Maps wrote alongside its description of the shop.

“Thousands have flocked to Google Maps to review the nation’s best fish and chip shops, with Queensland’s Charis Seafoods reeling in the top spot.”

Coming in second place is Mures Lower Deck, Hobart (4,055 reviews, 4.1 average rating), followed by San Remo Fishermans Co-Op in Victoria (2,930 reviews, 4.25 average rating) and

Blu By Australian Seafood Group, Melbourne (2,284 reviews, 4.42 average rating).

Most-Reviewed Restaurant

Dosa Hut Indian Restaurant, Harris Park in NSW is the ‘Most-Reviewed Restaurant’ with 14,000 reviews and a 4.61 average rating.

Dosa Hut Indian Restaurant, Harris Park in NSW took out this title with 14,000 reviews and a 4.61 average rating.

“Indian restaurants feature prominently in Australia’s top ten most-reviewed eateries on Google Maps, with Dosa Hut in Harris Park leading the pack boasting over 14,000 reviews,” Google Maps explains.

“Harris Park is clearly a foodie attraction as it’s also home to Chatkazz, the second most-reviewed restaurant in the country! And Sydney’s Opera Bar, with its magnificent harbour views, has also earned its place as a must-visit dining destination, securing a spot in the top five most-reviewed restaurants in Australia.”

Most-Reviewed Cafe

Andonis Cafe & Bar in Yeerongpilly, NSW nabbed this title with 8200 reviews and a 4.68 average rating.

“People don’t just want breakfast; they want a show. Brisbane’s Andonis Cafe & Bar clearly boasts culinary creativity, earning the title of Australia’s most-reviewed cafe,” Google Maps states.

“And with Sydney’s The Grounds of the City also ranking high, it shows that Aussie foodies crave a visually impressive setting to enjoy their coffee and smashed avo.”

Most-Reviewed Visitor attraction

That title goes to none other than, Darling Harbour.

This may come as no surprise, but it’s Darling Harbour in Sydney with a huge 58,300 reviews and 4.64 average rating.

“The bustling waterfront precinct clearly captures the hearts (and smartphones) of tourists and locals alike! But Western Australia also features, boasting two of the nation’s top five most-reviewed attractions: Elizabeth Quay in Perth and the breathtakingly beautiful Busselton Jetty, a pier stretching out into the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay.”

Most-Reviewed Ice Cream shop

A rare snap of Cow & Moon in Enmore with no lines. The popular cafe is the most-reviewed ice cream shop with 3,400 reviews and a 4.6 average rating.

Cow & The Moon in Enmore, NSW, has long been a popular ice cream cafe and it’s still going strong with 3,400 reviews and a 4.6 average rating.

“Australia is a nation obsessed with ice cream, with some shops rivalling nightclub queues on a Friday night! Enmore’s iconic Cow & The Moon takes the crown as Australia’s most-reviewed ice cream shop, and of course, Messina gets a special mention, as the South Brisbane store scoops up the second spot.”

Most-Reviewed Thrift shop

Savers, Brunswick in Victoria took out this title with 1500 reviews and a 4.27 average rating.

“Amid the rising cost of living, it’s no surprise that Aussies are turning to thrift shops to refresh their wardrobes and donate preloved clothing. Savers stores across the nation claimed all top ten spots for most-reviewed thrift shops, with the Brunswick location leading the way.”

For the full list and runners up click here.