WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ELLA?

Food Editor Ella, travels the world in search of the perfect food experiences.

Hello Sunshine! Nothing was going to stop me from getting on a plane and heading north bound as soon as the borders opened! And of course what better place to escape to than Noosa?

For decades Noosa, on the south-east coast of Queensland, has been an all-year -round escape for southerners looking for some winter sun with Sydney vibes. This time, however it wasn’t just Noosa I was interested in, but the general Sunny Coast region. I had heard rumours of donuts so perfectly puffed and filled to the brim with chocolate, custard and jam - something that visitors and locals travel far and wide for and an edamame dish so perfectly executed it was motivation enough to leave Noosa’s charms.

After a few nervous twinges about getting back on a plane, I was off to the Sunshine Coast. Upon landing I was hit with that classic humid warm Queensland air that just screams tropical holiday vibes.

First stop, was the pretty hinterland town of Maleny and a wander into the Maleny

Cheese shop for some local fromage deliciousness. After a wander along the pretty main street, a browse through the shops and lunch at one of the local restaurants, it was time to hit the beach for some serious sunshine.

Too much sunshine is no good for anyone, or so my grandmother used to say, so after an afternoon nap under a swaying palm tree and a few tropical cocktails it was time to head to Maroochydore for dinner at Rice Boi, the lantern lit wharfside restaurant making sunny coast waves. A yellow curry tofu, seemingly innocent enough, was elevated to the next level with pillows of soft tofu drenched in creamy curry goodenss, accompanied by butter edamame - wow - who new mixing butter and edmame could result in something so more-ish, it could be reason alone to visit Rice Boi. After a food-filled dreamy sleep it was time to seek out the famous donuts I had heard so much about. I headed back to the hinterland to Kenilworth Country Bakery, home to the 1kg donut. These donuts regularly sell out so my tip is to go early and go hungry, prepared to fill up on light doughy donuts filled with dreamy sweet fillings. A sweet tooth’s paradise!