From laid back Tropical North Queensland to the big-city thrum of Brisbane, Queensland has its very own culinary style, flavours and influences. If you’ve never explored the Sunshine State from a foodie’s point of view, sit back and prepare to be tempted by these tantalising gourmet experiences from Queensland’s south east...
World flavours on the Sunshine Coast
In 2017, celebrity chef Pete Kuruvita of Noosa Beach House brought Sunshine Coast produce and cuisine to TV screens across Australia. His specialty is blending local Sunshine Coast produce with the flavours of Asia – all of which you’ll be able to sample for yourself at his much-loved Hastings Street restaurant in Noosa. If you’re looking for relaxed coastal dining in a stylishly chic setting (of course you are, you’re in Noosa!) mark this out on your must-do list of Queensland’s culinary delights. Pull up a chair and savour the flavours.
Noosa Beach House
16 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
Craft beer tours
No slouch in the beer stakes, the Sunshine Coast produces some of the state’s finest craft beer. From revived Queensland favourite Eumundi Lager to hinterland-based Brouhaha Brewery, award-winning Moffat Beach Brewing Co and small outfit Your Mates (which took to crowd funding to get beer into the cans), boutique brewers have been setting up to quench the thirst of both locals and beer-lovers further afield. The first-ever Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Festival was held in November 2017 and there’ll be another one this year. If you just can’t wait, you’re in luck: the Sunshine Coast runs craft beer tours all year round.
Notable Queensland beer mentions: The Bargara-based Good Beer Co, Australia’s first social enterprise beer company; Balter Brewing in Currumbin on the Gold Coast, brainchild of surfing greats Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Bede Durbridge and Josh Kerr; Ocean View Estates at Dayboro and its wonderful gluten-free beer.
Farm-to-table
Queensland is famous for its roadside fruit stalls, hinting at the abundant farms which lie just out of view. In fact, pick-your-own farm experiences, fresh organic restaurants and incredible local markets can be found up and down the state. Don’t miss Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast, which is one of the biggest farmers’ markets in Australia and offers a huge choice of fresh produce, freshly baked breads, locally made cheese and yoghurts. Eumundi Markets are open Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Eumundi Markets
80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
Find mountain vistas, boutique wineries and warm country hospitality in Southern Queensland Country. Image: Tourism & Events QueenslandWineries of Southern Queensland Country
With the cooler climate and country setting, it’s no wonder southern Queensland is a gourmand’s paradise. The highlands of the Great Dividing Range are home to world-class vineyards and olive groves, while the open plains are filled with strawberry fields and orchards of cherries and apples. Drive through the Granite Belt for a tour of the region’s best vineyards and cellar doors. Grapes have been grown here since 1870 and varieties range from top-shelf Shiraz and Chardonnay to Viognier, Mourvedre and Tempranillo.
Lush Yandina is also home to the highly regarded Spirit House Restaurant. Image: Tourism & Events QueenslandA ginger treat
While the Ginger Factory in Yandina is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular pit-stops for families, you don’t need to have kids in tow to enjoy a journey into the world of ginger. The Factory Tour will give you an eye-opening insight into how ginger is grown and harvested, before introducing you to a delicious range of ginger-inspired treats. And if you do happen to be travelling with children, they’ll be sure to get a kick out of the Superbee Live Show, a ride on the 115-year-old Ginger Train or the Gingerbread Man’s puppet show.
The Ginger Factory
50 Pioneer Road, Yandina
Devonshire Tea at Maleny Dairies
Not that you need an excuse to venture into the foodie capital of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, but Maleny Dairies is one of the region’s most-loved farms. Take a tour – they run from Monday to Saturday – and you’ll get to see a short film about the farm, visit the factory where the produce is packaged up, then venture outside to meet Millie the cow for a hand-milking demonstration. From here it’s in to the baby pen to bottle-feed the calves (and if you’re thinking ‘the kids will love this’, you’re spot on).
Maleny Dairies
70 McCarthy Road, Maleny
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