Home Hill’s The Prawn Shop has become a local seafood sensation—and it all started with four humble prawn rolls.
“We opened with just seafood, but to get people through the door, we started the prawn roll,” owner Melissa Wiles says. “On my first day, I made four. By the end of the week, I was making 40 a day.”
The prawn roll’s popularity skyrocketed, gaining even wider recognition after featuring on Channel 9’s Today Show. Melissa was contacted through the local council about the opportunity, where the roll was sampled live on air. Now affectionately dubbed “the famous prawn roll,” it has helped put Home Hill on the map for food lovers traveling through the region.
“It’s been really exciting,” Melissa says. “Since the TV show aired, business has definitely picked up. We’ve had more visitors, especially grey nomads passing through town.”
The Prawn Shop’s extensive menu includes crab rolls, lobster rolls, gluten-free options, and more. Beyond prepared meals, Melissa takes pride in sourcing local produce and seafood, supporting the Home Hill community wherever possible.
“We sell local honey from a young couple in town, onions from nearby farmers, and even support local schools with vouchers and fundraising merchandise,” Melissa explains. “It’s important to us to keep everything as local and fresh as we can.”
Melissa moved to the Burdekin region 22 years ago from Brisbane, drawn by the opportunities. After working for almost two decades in the seafood industry, she took the leap to open The Prawn Shop, filling a gap she saw in the local food scene.
Behind the scenes, Melissa’s partner Billy handles the cooking, often bringing in fresh catch from local trawlers, which they use to create the shop’s popular meals. They regularly restock depending on availability, keeping the menu vibrant and seasonal.
While the shop has grown steadily, Melissa is happy with its current pace and has no plans to expand aggressively. “We’re just plotting along, enjoying what we do,” she says. “Things are working, so why change it?”
Open seven days a week, The Prawn Shop has become a beloved fixture in Home Hill, serving as the go‑to pit stop for locals and visitors alike.
Home Hill’s The Prawn Shop has become a local seafood sensation—and it all started with four humble prawn rolls. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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