Top experiences revealed as food tourism surges
THOUSANDS of millennials are the driving force behind a surge in food tourism across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
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THOUSANDS of millennials are the driving force behind a surge in food tourism across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
New Tourism Research Australia figures have revealed more than 235,000 people aged 15-34 dined out at restaurants and cafes across the Southern Queensland Country region in 2017, a 6.6 per cent increase from 2014.
Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO Mary-Clare Power said young people were interested in knowing where their food was sourced from, and this had contributed to the food tourism boom.
"They want unique food tourism experiences like visiting farm gates, meeting producers and sampling fresh local produce in the region's restaurants and cafes," Ms Power said.
There was a 9.1 per cent increase in visitors dining out across the three year period in Southern Queensland Country.
Ms Power said social media was a powerful influence for younger people when it came to food experiences.
"Images of food are prolific on social media and, for many millennials, they serve as a primary source of information on where to go and what to try," she said.
Southern Queensland Country Tourism's top food experiences
1. Bunnyconnellen, Crows Nest: Sample olives and olive oil at the Crows Nest olive grove and sheep farming property. Open by appointment only.
2. Paddock to Potager, Pechey: Book in for a morning tea or a picnic hamper lunch or visit cafe The Gourmet Collective, open each Sunday from 10am-3pm.
3. Hampton Blue, Hampton: From November to February you can buy fresh blueberries, jam, sauces and vinegar at this organic berry farm.
4. Macbeth Farms, Cabarlah: Buy rhubarb, avocados, pumpkins and potatoes from this farm gate stall from Monday-Saturday.
5. The Baker's Duck, Toowoomba: This artisian bakery opens to the public from 7am-1pm selling sausage rolls, croissants and pastries.
6. Little Seed by Firefly, Toowoomba: This vegetarian and vegan friendly cafe is in a semi-industrial space, and is open from Thursday-Saturday 9am-9pm.
7. Walton Stores, Toowoomba: This precinct is home to Junk, Hello Harry, Harajuku Gyoza and The Moose, in addition to the Saturday morning Toowoomba Farmers' Market.
8. Emeraude, Hampton: This eatery features local produce, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 7am.
Originally published as Top experiences revealed as food tourism surges
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