Tropical North Queensland: Places to eat and things to do

Head north, to the country or the coast for excellent coffee, delicious dishes and fine wines, and let your tastebuds do the travelling.

Take an underwater tour with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel in Cairns.

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In partnership with Tourism Australia

Last summer’s bushfires have left their mark, and COVID-19 has kept tourists away, but regional centres are unfurling and waiting to welcome visitors. Scenic Rim, Gold Coast and Tropical North Queensland have long been loved by foodies from all over, and with good reason. Plan your own trail to discover excellent cuisine, plus abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. And, while you’re feasting your senses, you’ll be giving a boost to the many locals who have been doing it tough.

ADVENTURE NORTH AUSTRALIA

Head up to Tropical North Queensland and learn about the tales and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people, the Traditional Owners of the land. This immersive experience from Adventure North Australia will take you from coast to rainforest. You’ll learn time-honoured hunting and gathering skills for bush tucker as well as walk along the riverbanks of Mossman Gorge.

More Information: adventurenorthaustralia.com

SUMMER LAND CAMELS HOMESTEAD CAFE

Summer Land Camels Homestead Cafe is definitely worth a visit.

If your palate runs to more exotic tastes, the dishes at the Summer Land Camels Homestead Cafe are definitely worth writing home about. All manner of camel milk creations can be enjoyed – as well as checking out the Camel Milk Artisan Collection of skincare products at the Farm Store – and the best part is that you get to spend time in the company of the majestic camels.

More Information: summerlandcamels.com.au

KOOROOMBA VINEYARD AND LAVENDER FARM

Enjoy the vines and fields of lavender.

About an hour’s drive from Brisbane and 90 minutes from the Gold Coast, chef Daniel Groneberg awaits at the Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm restaurant with a sumptuous seasonal menu, featuring the finest local ingredients. The property overlooks a six-hectare vineyard and an expanse of lavender fields with stunning views of the Scenic Rim mountains. Eat, drink and relax the day away, take a leisurely stroll around the property, and visit the cellar door and gift shop.

More Information: kooroomba.com.au

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN COFFEE PLANTATION

Time your trip to Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation to join a Crop-to-Cup tour of the coffee plantation on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Then move on to lunch, made from fresh local produce.

More Information: tamborinemountaincoffee.com.au

SCENIC RIM BREWERY

A tasting paddle at Scenic Rim Brewery.

Located in the town of Mount Alford, just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, is the small, family-owned Scenic Rim Brewery & Cafe. Mike’s craft brews and Wendy’s European-inspired homestyle cooking – think gourmet hot dogs and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs) – are the perfect combo to while away an afternoon. Test your tastebuds on their Giddy Gout Milk Stout.

More Information: scenicrimbrewery.com.au

NU NU

Nu Nu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For an unforgettable dining experience right on the beach, it’s hard to go past Tropical North Queensland standard bearer Nu Nu. A signature part of the Palm Cove experience, Nu Nu’s modern Australian menu includes dishes such as coal roasted green masala tiger prawns with curry leaf and yoghurt, and fried pork and green mango curry with mint, lemongrass and jasmine rice. Best of all, Nu Nu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a bar offering refreshing cocktails.

More Information: nunu.com.au

TOMMERUP’S DAIRY FARM

The term paddock-to-plate takes on a different meaning at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, a sixth-generation working dairy farm located in the Lost World Valley region of the Scenic Rim. It’s a great escape from city life, and a chance to buy products direct from the source, such as milk-fed and heritage-breed free-range pork; paddock-raised, bottle-fed veal; corn- and grass-fed, paddock-raised lamb; and Jersey Girl dairy products made on the farm, as well as pastured eggs from open-range hens. Time your visit to coincide with one of the farm’s dining events throughout the year, including farm picnic day and the harvest table lunch.

More Information: tommerupsfarmstay.com.au

OCHRE

The stunning Cairns waterfront location is unmissable.

The stunning Cairns waterfront location is unmissable, and Ochre’s clever use of native Australian foods in modern dishes will have you sharing rave reviews with your foodie friends.

More information: ochrerestaurant.com.au

HEMINGWAY’S BREWERY

An independent craft brewery in Tropical North Queensland, Hemingway’s has been making

waves across the nation with its artisanal range of lagers and ales. The business has now also opened two expansive gastro brewpubs, in Cairns and Port Douglas, to cater to a thirsty and keen crowd of locals and visitors alike.

More information: hemingwaysbrewery.com

THE OVERFLOW ESTATE 1895

When it comes to discovering hidden gems, this is it. Nestled beside the lake, about halfway between Beaudesert and Boonah, The Overflow Estate 1895 has 2500 vines, which the owners claim each “have a name, a personality and a favourite position in our lives”. Testimony to that passion is the menu, which features local produce and The Overflow’s own wines. Dine at their cellar door, overlooking Lake Wyaralong Dam, to feel like you’re on an inland island.

More information: theoverflowestate1895.com.au

LABART

Over in Burleigh Heads is a restaurant that has the appeal, looks and charm of a European bistro. Labart is focused on celebrating local, seasonal produce through a modern lens. On any given day, you could be enjoying Mooloolaba scallop with white asparagus in prawn and jamon XO sauce or Moreton Bay bug, with borlotti beans and cherry tomatoes. Go for the set lunch menu for a broader experience of the restaurant’s brilliant offerings – dessert included, of course.

More information: restaurantlabart.com

EXPLORE FURTHER

Try out some of these new experiences in Queensland’s beautiful Tropical North.

MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ART

The unique Museum of Underwater Art.

The first underwater art museum in the Southern Hemisphere is now open in Townsville. Snorkel and dive tours to the submerged Coral Green House installation are now available with various local operators.

More information: moua.com.au

FLYNN

Flynn, a stylish new hotel by Crystalbrook, will open its doors this month. It’s set on the Cairns Esplanade and has 311 rooms and suites, some with views of the Coral Sea. Flynn also features two swimming pools, a restaurant-come-night market and a bar. The day spa will open in 2021.

More information: crystalbrookcollection.com/Flynn

DREAMTIME DIVE AND SNORKEL

Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel.

This Cairns company combines ancient stories with eco-certified underwater safaris. Access the expertise of a marine biologist and Aboriginal sea rangers to understand the reef’s ecosystem and its connection to indigenous culture.

More information: dreamtimedive.com