If you love your food and you love the beach, you’ll be salivating over the 2016 Noosa Food & Wine Festival on Queensland's Sunshine Coast – the perfect place to escape the winter chill. The festival takes place from May 20-22 on the sands of Noosa Main Beach, in the storied restaurants of Hastings Street and surrounds, along the Noosa River, at the Noosa Farmers Market and more.

The popular event has attracted more than 50 chefs, including Alistair McLeod, Ben O’Donoghue, David Pugh, Luke Mangan, Matt Golinski, Pete Evans and Peter Kuruvita, who’ll be warming bellies and hearts with a range of produce, master classes and soirees. The opening cocktail party on Main Beach has sold out, as has the signature Makepeace Island Seafood Experience – a seafood lunch designed by David Pugh, Massimo Mele and Kuruvita on Sir Richard Branson’s private island.

Alas, the Noosa Street Feast long lunch on Hastings Street has also sold out – and other events are filling up fast. But here’s a tasting plate of foodie fun still on the menu.

Taste Of Noosa

Ben O'Donoghue is cooking up a seafood feast. Picture: Tourism Noosa

Enjoy an array of lunches and dinners in Noosa restaurants, such as An Evening At Season With Ben O’Donoghue on the Friday night. Think seafood and local produce over three courses, with matching wines right by the beach.

Up Close & Personal With Pete Evans

Pete Evans talks all things Paleo. Picture: Tourism Noosa

My Kitchen Rules judge and co-host Pete Evans has championed the ‘Paleo’ style of eating and he hits Noosa on Saturday morning for an intimate conversation about just that. Guests will enjoy a light bite and a welcome drink, and the chance to ask everything they ever wanted to know about the popular eating trend.

You’re Better On Beef

Beef, barbie, and beer on the beach? Say no more. Picture: Tourism Noosa

This all-day barbecue on the shores of the Noosa River on the Sunday will see chefs Matt Golinksi, Alastair McLeod, Sunny Gilbert, Shane Bailey, and Sammy and Bella from MKR celebrate all things beef, along with craft beer, Aussie wines and music by the Sunny Coast’s Carl Wockner and band Honey. Bring a picnic blanket and your appetite.

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Courses On Course At Noosa Springs

Everyone's a winner, of course. Picture: Tourism Noosa

No matter your handicap, you’ll want to be well over par at this fun, nine-hole Ambrose event on the Thursday before the official festival opening. Each green will have four individually themed food holes and five beverage stations showcasing wine and craft beer. Follow it up with a one-hour wind-down session at the Sunset Lounge overlooking the hinterland.

Champagne Master Class

Champagne expert Bernadette O’Shea and wine guru Ken Gargett take you through a master class at the Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa on Sunday afternoon. Choose from Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut, Pol Roger Brut Reserve en magnum, Ruinart Brut Blanc de blancs, Louise Roederer vintage 2008 and Jacquart Brut Rose. Champagne will be paired with canapes, including that perennial favourite, caviar.

There’s a smorgasbord of other sessions, too, including a slow food safari, twilight markets, Spanish fiestas and more. So get in quick, or make sure you’ve marked your calendar for next year.

Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Noosa.