Nivard Nelson shares foodie gems from our region

Culinary tourism, or food tourism, is the exploration of food as the purpose of tourism.

It is now considered a vital component of the tourism experience.

Dining out is common among tourists and food is believed to rank alongside climate, accommodation, and scenery in importance to tourists.

Let’s take a look at our diverse region from the Darling Downs to Stanthorpe, the Scenic Rim, Kingaroy and the Lockyer Valley.

Stanthorpe is mainly known for wine, but also has amazing fruit and vegetables.

Sutton’s makes an amazing apple pie that is worth the drive.

While visiting, also check out the Granite Belt Brewery. Producing great beer is one of many local success stories.

The Scenic Rim is an area with hidden treasures.

Just outside Aratula is a local farm growing freshwater yabbies.

Their sweet flesh would rival prawns for taste and many restaurants are using these ingredients.

The Lockyer Valley is growing in popularity due to the ambassadorship of chefs like Alistair Mcleod.

Alistair is passionate about using local producers in his cooking.

Supporting local events, like our own It’s A Bloke Thing, allows Alistair to give these producers a platform to promote their produce to a wide range of people.

Kingaroy and the Bunya Mountains are known for peanuts and cheese.

What people may not know is that there are also wineries and even a distillery.

Kingaroy is also home to Queensland’s largest pig abattoir – Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory.

This is just a brief introduction into this diverse and interesting region we live in.

Let’s get out and enjoy what is on offer and support our local producers.