From farmgate tours to factory tastings and café-restaurant cuisine, you’ll be able to sample some of the best of what Queensland's Sunshine Pantry has to offer... all while learning from some of the leading growers, makers and brewers in Australia! Here, we've rounded up some of the best farm-to-fork experiences to make sure you experience the best of Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Indulge in a Hinterland Farm-to-Fork Tour
Strap in for an epic day out with award-winning Creative Tours’, Farm to Fork experience. The tour begins with life’s finest nectar, coffee, where you’ll get behind the scenes insights into the complexities of coffee making. Having worked up a healthy appetite at two farm tours, your day only gets better with a stop-off at beloved local brewery Brouhaha.
The day concludes by soaking up the sunset from one of the best views of the Glass House Mountains and a wander through Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Here, you can tune into the sights and sounds of the soothing rainforest and hundreds of bird species.
Timeless views from a 112-year-old pub
Mapleton Public House
As you drive along the picturesque range of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and take in the beautiful sweeping views, you'll come across this classic Queenslander. Mouthwatering local produce direct from their farm, Falls Farm is the basis for their incredible seasonal menu. Make sure you follow them on social media for updates on their menu and when you can expect to see some live music performances. Keep in mind, on Mondays and Tuesdays the kitchen is currently closed.
Devour the gouda stuff at Maleny Cheese
Maleny Cheese Picnic
Maleny Cheese is a most-stop spot to sample award-winning cheeses. Take your picnic to the next level of greatness with a beautiful oozey triple cream brie or stock up with a selection of club cheddars for a cheese platter at home. With a massive range of cheeses and yoghurts, all made from local happy hinterland cow milk, your tastebuds will thank you for dropping by!
Dine with purpose at Flame Hill Vineyard
Flame Hill Vineyard, Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Arriving at Flame Hill Vineyard is a feast for the eyes with its undulating vine-covered hills, gardens and blossoming flame trees all beaconing you to take your time and stay for a while. With its well-stocked veggie garden and only locally sourced produce, the team at Flame Hill are determined to take you on a heart-warming culinary experience with flavour to the max. Paired with their lovingly, hand-produced whites and reds, it’s mission complete really. Prepare to indulge.
The Tamarind
Spicers Tamarind
For more than 18 years, The Tamarind’s head chef Daniel Jarrett has been transforming the best raw ingredients into award-winning cuisine that people are queuing up for. Dubbed ‘modern Asian with a Thai heart’ The Tamarind’s tasting menu brings Daniel and his teams’ bold flavours to the plate among a retreat-like rainforest setting.
With dishes ranging from sashimi or seared duck to baked tofu and sweet potato noodles on the vegetarian menu, The Tamarind’s five course signature tasting menu will take you on a culinary journey you and your friends will be raving about for years.
The Long Apron
The Long Apron, Montville
If escaping to France for the night (or day..) is more your thing, make a reservation at the Tamarind’s sister restaurant The Long Apron, a multi award-winning restaurant serving refined French cuisine in a picture perfect countryside setting. Exemplifying local produce with culinary creativity and their take on classics like locally sourced beef tartare and chicken liver parfait.
Planning a romantic day out in the Hinterland? Make it ultra-memorable with a five-star gourmet picnic hamper for two packed with slow graze style foods like carefully crafted charcuterie and cheese, pickles and the chef’s selection of sweets.
Meet the happy cows of Kenilworth Dairies
Kenilworth Dairies, Kenilworth
Getting to Kenilworth Dairies is almost as delightful as the dairy itself. With winding roads through green undulating pastures, sweeping bends and massive gumtrees at every turn, this is a quintessential Hinterland tourist drive. Meet the happy cows of this historical dairy and take your time sampling handcrafted cheeses from traditional recipes, plus yoghurts, ice creams and mousses. Udderly sensational!
Lose track of time at Terra Firma Dining
Terra Firma at Kenilworth Homestead
Inspired by the Argentinian barbecue culture of Asado, prepare to be mesmerised while watching your meal be prepared hanging over the open fire. Terra Firma brings the fire to you for an unforgettable dining experience where you can interact with the chefs and bask in the delicious aromas of foods like smoked salmon made on the log or six-hour smoked, hung pineapple baked in honey. Do you feel your mouth watering yet?!
