Staphylococcus aureus proved to be the most sensitive of the bacteria tested against the solvent extracts with all extracts displaying activity ranging from 125 to 7.8 μg ml−1, while E. coli and L. monocytogenes, on the other hand, proved the least sensitive with only five of 15 herb/extract combinations displaying any activity against these pathogens. The extracts of the Australian native herbs examined in this study have potential for application in foods to increase shelf-life or promote safety.