SAVOURING THE FOODIE SCENE

The Sunshine Coast’s food scene begins in the rich, volcanic soil where a thriving modern agricultural industry grows. Then it finds its way to you.

The bountiful harvest – including macadamia nuts, avocados, coffee, mainstay and exotic vegetable crops, tropical fruit plantings from bananas and pineapples to strawberries – is blessed by sunshine and a mild climate. Trawler-fresh prawns, spanner crabs and reef fish such as snapper and coral trout daily supply seafood co-ops, local fish shops and restaurants throughout the region, as Mooloolaba is home to one of the largest fishing ports on Australia’s eastern seaboard.

An enthusiastic network of producers, chefs, food artisans, coffee roasters, craft brewers and distillers – with a focus on sustainability, collaboration and innovation – uses that smorgasbord of local, seasonal goodness to its tastiest advantage.

Be impressed by their efforts on a farm-to-fork tour that goes behind the scenes and tells the story of their creative journeys. Indulge in award-winning products from household names such as Maleny Cheese with its handcrafted cheese and yoghurt. Pop into one of the bustling farmers’ markets of the region or buy superfresh from the farmgate at the many roadside stalls dotted throughout the hinterland to have some of the best produce in Australia at your fingertips.