Spend 19 nights tasting your way around Queensland on this epic adventure. Starting in the Tropical North, this spectacular itinerary curated with foodies in mind will take you down to the Gold Coast, through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, to the surfing and seafood hotspot of Noosa before finishing in the State's capital of Brisbane where the micro-brew industry is booming!
The first destination is Cairns, going through something of a regeneration, Cairns is the gateway to Queensland’s Tropical North and fast becoming a must-stop destination, not just for backpackers and divers, but for travellers of every designation – including foodies! Along with a host of new hotels in the city are a great range of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and pop-ups adding to the long-established venues such as Rusty’s Market which runs Friday-Sunday and has over 180 stalls showcasing everything from fruit and veg, to freshly cooked bread and a host of international cuisines.
Spend three nights at Riley, A Crystalbrook Collection Resort, one of those aforementioned newer hotels and enjoy panoramic views from Cairns’ highest rooftop bar, Rocco.
A short drive north of Cairns sits the seaside town of Palm Cove. With most of the restaurants of the town to be found along the stretch of Williams Esplanade, you don’t have to go far to discover a choice of great dining options. For something a little different, book Flames of the Forest, choose from two unique dining experiences - the Aboriginal Cultural Experience from or the Rainforest Dining Experience – in the pristine natural environment of the rainforest whilst enjoying an award-winning menu and inspirational entertainment.
Spend two nights at Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove, situated within lush green gardens and just steps away from the beach.
Leave the Tropical north behind and fly south today to the beachfront playground of the Gold Coast. With over 40 miles of beach, this is a Mecca for surfers and sun lovers alike with a vibrant dining scene to explore during your three-night stay. Australia is known for being a melting pot of cultures and cuisines that can be experienced in spades along the Gold Coast. Fish and chips is a seaside staple and some of the best on the coast can be enjoyed from Peter’s Fish Market on Main Beach, or if Asian is your preference, then take a trip to Chop Chop, the sprawling hawker market set up in Surfers Paradise. With everything from Japanese, to Middle Eastern and Mexican, the destination has cemented itself as a worthy stop on any food lovers itinerary.
Spend three nights in the VOCO Gold Coast, a surfer's paradise.
An undiscovered area of Queensland, but there is a very good reason to incorporate a trip to Toowoomba in an itinerary of this calibre, especially if you’re travelling in September. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers which takes place throughout September is not only the oldest floral event of its kind in Australia but is also a huge celebration of food and wine. Whether it is locally sourced produce, vegan delicacies, classic beer and burger combos or exciting and delicious new cocktails, this festival is a month-long commemoration of tantalising flowers, flavours and sounds. A must-do for those who want to embrace all things food and drink in Queensland.
Stay for three nights at Oaks Toowoomba Hotel, a perfect location to take a stroll to the many restaurants, bars and shops nearby.
Continue your self-drive exploration towards the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the drive from Toowoomba to Spicers Clovelly Estate, the next stop on this gastronomic journey is less than three hours. Spend the next two nights in the luxury Montville property, food and wine is at the forefront of Spicers Retreats where chefs are renowned for their passion and ingenuity in creating culinary masterpieces with the freshest of produce. Enjoy a gourmet picnic at the spot of your choice on the 22-acre estate or take a day’s trip to visit the Kenilworth Dairies Cellar Door.
Stay for two nights at Spicers Clovelly Estate, a food lover’s paradise.
Today’s drive is just about an hour to the chic, stylish town of Noosa. Back on the coast now, you’ll again find yourself amongst a hive of restaurants, bars and cafes offering up some of Australia’s most delicious dining experiences. Sails, a Noosa institution provides modern Australian fare that can be enjoyed with a glass of something from the award-winning wine list taken from the three on-site cellars. A short drive from Main Beach is Sum Yung Guys, a hotspot for contemporary Asian dishes with an ex-Masterchef contestant amongst the restaurant’s partners or jump on the bus to Land and Sea Brewery where you can take a behind the scenes tour or just sample the craft beer and enjoy the live music if visiting over the weekend.
Stay for three nights at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas, nestled in the serenity of Noosa National Park.
Lastly, drive the 85 miles to the capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane, for your final three nights in Queensland. Drop the car off and check into the Emporium Hotel South Bank. Choose from six restaurants and bars within the resort itself, meaning you can enjoy an exquisite choice of dining without having to leave the property. However, venture out to explore, and you will find that Brisbane is bustling with acclaimed eateries, sophisticated rooftop bars and cool craft breweries. Howard Smith Wharves is a top spot for experiencing the range of dining options Brisbane has to offer on a prime riverfront location. The micro-brewery scene has exploded in the city in recent years with 20 plus in the city alone to visit, tour and sample the goods!
Stay for three nights at the Emporium Hotel South Bank, a stunning 5 star boutique hotel.
Set off on the ultimate Queensland food adventure with this spectacular 19 night self-drive escape from £3,910pp. Enjoy all the greatest restaurants and bars as you travel through Queensland’s iconic sights. Price includes all accommodation, car hire and transfers.