Queensland: An Epicurean Adventure

Spanning around 4,000 miles of sun-drenched Pacific coastline, Queensland combines rainforest, mountains, outback, golden sandy beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Meanwhile, the vibrant city of Brisbane offers world-class culture and nightlife, and Cairns provides a laid-back gateway to the tropical north.

Queensland’s incredible diversity of landscapes is mirrored in its dynamic culinary scene. Hyper-local is more than a passing food trend here, with the chance to dig into farm-to-table fare, from mountain to coast, and experience indigenous food culture first hand.

Cairns and its surroundings offer a wealth of tropical flavours, epitomised by Daintree Ice Cream’s inventive creations, complemented by orchard tours. On the edge of the Unesco-listed Daintree National Park, Silky Oaks Lodge transforms over 100 plants from its kitchen garden into creative dishes also highlighting regional stars like barramundi. Join Kuku Yalanji guides for immersive rainforest experiences, learning about traditional plant uses and hunting techniques.

Further insights into indigenous culture in Queensland are offered by 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned Saltwater Eco Tours and Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, which combine culinary and nature encounters – outdoor feasts, sunset cruises and storytelling sessions – to illuminate a 65,000-year-old heritage.