Backyard Tourist: Time to visit Freeman’s Organic Farm stall for fresh food and live music

HAVEN’T been out to Freeman’s Organic Farm stall yet? Well, it’s time to get your health kick on and grab some organic produce as you take a scenic drive through the Gold Coast Hinterland.

The Freeman banana farm in Currumbin Valley has been running for nearly 100 years. The family alson run the Freeman's Fruit Stall on Tomewin Mountain. 89 year old Bill Freeman with his grandsons Charles Freeman (16) and George Freeman (13). Picture by Scott Fletcher

FREEMAN’S ORGANIC FARM

WE’RE going organic this week.

And not just because I’ve been eating sea-salt chocolate each day to get me through night shifts and need a health kick. I needed an excuse to head out there again.

What more do you need than organic fruit and veggies, fresh air, live music and a scenic drive?

GET A NEW TABLET WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN

Not much, am I right? This one is something to pencil in for the weekend, sure to please the entire family.

The Freeman farm in Currumbin Valley has been running for more than 100 years. Picture by Scott Fletcher

Established in 1915 by Arthur Freeman, the Currumbin Valley farm became the largest banana plantation in Australia in the 1920s, but is now a family-owned organic farm growing fruit, veggies and herbs.

The family attribute their high-quality produce to the “fertile basalt soils and the warm north-easterly aspect” of the area.

But while the farm offers everything from corn and carrots to beetroot and, of course, bananas, there’s a little more to it.

You could spot some feathered friends during the scenic drive to the farm. Supplied by Donna Mroz Turcic of Southport.

The Platform Cafe on site has coffees galore and yummy snacks for those who are a bit peckish, and local performers and buskers can often be found strumming away on a guitar close by.

If you’re keen for a photo, there are ample opportunities with a stunning view of the valley once you’ve finished shopping.

Of course, if you just want to take time to chill out, the relaxed atmosphere will help with that.

The scenic route along winding roads through rainforests also makes the 45-minute drive from the Gold Coast seem much shorter.

The Freeman’s Organic Farm at 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin, is open Friday to Sunday, 7.30am-2.30pm.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE ... DO

Don’t forget to head out on a tour. Picture by Scott Fletcher

FANCY a walk and a bit of exploring around the farm?

Guided tours are available each Friday and Sunday at 10am.

But don’t stuff yourself before the tour, as it’s likely you’ll get a taste of the beautiful produce as Farmer David takes you around the property.

It costs $15 and you can even pick delicious samples to take home.

DISCOVER

Arthur Freeman Lookout Picture: Connecting Southern Gold Coast

ARTHUR Freeman Lookout is just 1km down the road from the farm, so an easy drive to round out your trip once you’ve finished sipping your coffee and buying up all the beetroot.

It’s kind of easy to miss, but just keep a good eye out for the sign showing you where the lookout is.

Once there, you’ll be able to see the regal cliff face of Mount Tallebudgera, so don’t put away that camera just yet.

EAT AND DRINK

Confit Duck at the Elephant Rock Cafe.

WHILE not exactly off the beaten track, I’m staying with the organic theme today and so my pick for good food is at the Elephant Rock Cafe.

Focused on local and organic produce, the cafe offers a wonderful mixture of food, including quinoa and tempeh zucchini, bircher rolled oats and the Diet Starts Tomorrow plate of bacon, chorizo, smashed avocado, eggs, halloumi and toast.

And that’s just the breakfast menu.

The cafe is open from 7am-10pm most days.