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Must be all that sunshine as the food on the Sunshine Coast radiates goodness - a veritable treasure trove of delicious delights and culinary capers. Here are six temptations you should have on your radar.
The Mary Valley in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a region renowned for its produce, such as award-winning cheese and dairy, macadamias and local meats.
One of the best ways to experience the region's produce is on board the Mary Valley Rattler. The Rattler launched its 'Tasting Train' in late 2019, taking guests on a scenic journey of gastronomy through the Mary Valley on board their vintage railmotor RM76.
The menu highlights the region's produce, and includes a tasting plate on board followed by lunch at the historic Gympie Station. The Tasting Train is currently operating return from Gympie to Amamoor stations. For tickets click here.
A Culinary Drive
When you drive up the winding ranges of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland you'll spot farm gate stalls by the roadside offering everything from pineapples to avocados and fresh honey. A great way to get out of the city, tand spend some time stocking up on the best of nature's bounty.
Final course on the Farm to Fork Experience is a selection of house made desserts paired with the Strawberry Rhubarb Sour. Photo credit creative tours and events
Held in different locations across the Sunshine Coast, The team at People, Plates and Places offer a truly unique food experience with their 'plate to paddock' ethos. The setting might be on working farms or at orchards but you will dine where the food is grown. You'll hear from the producers as you sample everything from grass-fed beef to organic tomatoes at these restaurants without walls. The next event will be held in Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on 25 July and feature a multi-course menu with paired wines. But check their website as they have lots of upcoming events including dining for those who prefer to go solo. Click here.
Hands on at a Cooking School
Source Facebook Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School
The Sunshine Coast is home to a number of leading cooking schools. One that you should not miss out is Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School set amongst lush tropical gardens in the hinterland town of Yandina. The focus is on Asian cuisine. Often booked up well in advance, this is one of Australia's best food experiences. They offer classes such as 'Feast From the East' and 'Quick and Easy Thai – With a Twist' and there are lots of fascinating ingredients including finger limes.
Source Facebook Spirit House Restaurant and Cooking School
Set against the background of the Glasshouse Mountains on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast is Australia's premium supplier of certified organic camel milk - QCamel. The family-run dairy invites you behind the scenes on their farmgate 'Camel Cuddles' tour that includes sampling camel-milk products.
There are all kinds of new taste sensations including creamy camel milk fetta, camel milk chocolates and smoothies, made from camel milk which has several health benefits including high levels of iron, protein, and vitamin C, and less fat.
Camel milk chocolates QCamels Facebook
Meet the camels, who love nothing more than a selfie and will lean in for camel cuddles. Camel tours can be done directly through QCamel or including transfers with Design It Tours.
Mooloolaba is the biggest swordfish port in Australia, and trawlers also bring in boatloads of tuna, Mooloolaba prawns, lobsters and spanner crabs each day.
Mooloolaba Spit has a throng of fish and chipperies making it the perfect destination for a seafood picnic, while the nearby Mooloolaba Wharf is home to a number of bustling eateries.
For a unique experience, take to the water at sunset with Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba for a seafood dining experience. Enjoy a fresh local seafood platter - a glass of wine in hand - as you cruise along the delightful Mooloolah River.
Note it is best to book ahead for attractions/tours and dining venues to avoid disappointment.
