One of the best things about living in the country region of South East Queensland is discovering its’ food and expansive outdoors. Over the past few months, I’ve embarked on an epic gastronomic adventure, exploring this hidden gem to curate a series of foodie trails that will tantalise the taste buds of anyone who visits our vibrant region. Specifically the countryside stretching from the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane, through the Toowoomba Region and out past the Western Downs as far as Goondiwindi, then south down to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. This is a vast stretch of land and embodies multiple climates and growing conditions, resulting in a wonderful array of food being grown and produced here.
The Lockyer Valley is well knowns for its fertile valleys growing a large range of vegetables – it is the salad bowl of Australia and offers some of the best little roadside honesty boxes where you’ll find fresh-from-the-soil fruit and veggies at bargain prices.
Toowoomba nestled in the picturesque Darling Downs, is a haven for culinary enthusiasts, particularly those seeking out the best beef in the country. Whether you crave the tenderness of grass-fed Angus or the exquisite marbling of wagyu, it’s here on the Downs. Toowoomba boasts an impressive lineup of top-tier restaurants and cafes, becoming a hub for innovation with a wave of trendy micro-breweries and distilleries emerging as the food scene evolves.
Bathed in warm sunshine and boasting a dry climate, the Western Downs region is a captivating destination where you can quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings at the incredible country pubs dotting the landscape. Be pleasantly surprised as you uncover one of the state’s largest fish farms and for those seeking refined indulgence, elevate your senses at the country’s highest whiskey bar.
As you venture further west, you’ll reach Goondiwindii, a friendly country town nestled on the QLD/NSW border along the Macintyre River. This quintessential rural destination is abundant in hearty country pub fare that will satisfy any appetite and it’s also known for producing some of the region’s finest olives.
Embark on a southwesterly journey from Gundi (as the locals affectionately call it), and you’ll find yourself in the enchanting food-lovers region of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. At the northern end, discover the rolling green hills of Warwick and Killarney’s fertile cattle and sheep country. Then venture further south where the landscape transforms into a tapestry of vineyards and inviting cellar doors, set upon the unique granite rock which gives the region its’ name.
There’s something very endearing about chatting with local country people about what they do – their passion for their product was infectious and I can see why travellers love this part of Queensland. So what are on the trails?
This trail celebrates twenty-five exceptional country pubs, though the region boasts countless more. The selection criteria was carefully curated to ensure a remarkable experience: each pub had to serve refreshing cold beer, feature local produce on their menu, and embody the cherished tradition of having a yarn with the publican at the bar.
My pick? The grand Victoria Hotel in Goondiwindi, whose public bar has seen it all, from horsemen riding in and lassoing bottles straight from the shelves to boats cruising through during the 1956 floods. Located in the heart of the home of champion horse Gunsynd, this pub shows its 1920s roots with a jazzy Victoriana style.
2. Boutique Breweries and Distilleries Trail
Although I’m more of a wine lover than beer drinker, these 12 boutique breweries and distinctive distilleries certainly were appealing and not just for the smell of fresh hops . Micro Breweries and small independent distilleries in the region are creating headlines as they showcase the best of the region by using local produce as ingredients. Take for example Pechey Gin who use botanicals from the 100-year-old cumquat tree, grapefruit, lemon myrtle and bay trees in their backyard. Delicious.
My pick? In keeping with the gin theme… and a whiskey on the side, head to the Bunya Mountains where Shackleton’s Whiskey Bar is the highest in Australia and they make a mean gin using the iconic bunya nut as a key ingredient in the distilling process.
3. Picnic Trail
Picnics are experiencing a revival! This trail showcases an impressive lineup of 28 local businesses that specialise in crafting extraordinary picnic hampers. Immerse yourself in the freshest, locally sourced products carefully curated to entice you outdoors where there’s an abundance of grassy spots for a “bite and hike!”
My pick? I’m keen to try out Katie’s Cocktail Vintage Van in Allora to take my picnic next level. You can hire the beautiful van “Frankie” – a vintage 1978 Franklin Hunter Caravan to come to your own creekside spot (if you happen to own a farm!) Serving up delicious locally sourced picnic fare and cocktails!
This trail is an obvious one for good reason. Our regions’ supply a large proportion of fresh produce to Queensland and beyond and the appeal is evident. However, it’s the immersive experience of visiting farms, sampling their produce, and engaging in conversations with the farmers themselves that sets these 24 farms and operators apart and earns them a spot on this coveted list.
My pick? I am keen to try the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu out at Charleys Creek Ranch at Chinchilla. Every Friday they fire up their smoker, cooking their home-grown beef brisket for 12 hours and serving it around the fire pit with baked potatoes and whole pumpkin roasted over the coals. Listen to their farm stories and learn about growing Wagyu cattle before settling down for the night camping under the stars.
5. Foodie Events and Workshops Trail
There are too many great food events in our region to list, but these 15 events and workshops are specifically focused on local produce and championing the regions food festivals and harvests. Also listed are some new cooking schools, where you get to learn about the produce while you prepare and ultimately eat it!
My pick? Awassi Cheesemaking Experience at Grantham in the Lockyer Valley. You start at 8am with milking the Awassi sheep (one of the best milk breeds in the world and its lactose-free!) then you get to make Labne and Feta cheese. Enjoy a farm lunch and end the day with cheese and local produce tastings in the avocado orchard with a glass of wine. Yes please!
6. Cellar Door and Vineyard Trail
The Granite Belt is home to more than 50 wineries so there were simply too many to put on this trail! However it features 17 wineries that offer a cellar door where you can sample the wine, get a meal and buy wine to take home.
My Pick: I’ll try them all with a cycling vineyard tour in summer through Granite Belt Bicycle tours. They even deliver the bikes to your accomodation where you can choose either a self-guided or fully guided cycling adventure through this premier wine region.