Food + travel hot spots of SE Queensland
The best food and travel on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.
Hello to all subscribers and a big thanks for supporting this publication. This April 2023 edition features the Southeast region of Queensland, Australia.
It offers so much for visitors who love beaches, national parks, wildlife experiences and the great outdoors. There’s also excellent eating and drinking to be enjoyed. Add sunshine and this becomes a brilliant destination for food and travel lovers.
Whale Watching at Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is the main destination for whale watching as this is where mothers bring their newborn calves to learn the skills required for life in the cold southern ocean. After lots of research I choose whale watching with Tasman Venture and they proved to be outstanding. The boat was great, the crew were incredibly knowledgeable about the whales and the captain crisscrossed Hervey Bay to ensure we saw whales all through the day. Food was abundant and we even had a beer at the end of the day. I’ve recommended Tasman Venture to friends and their experience was also 10/10.
Fraser Island
The Hervey Bay whale trip I choose also included a few stops on Fraser Island which was outstanding. Walking the dunes on Fraser Island is like stepping ankle deep into the finest talcum powder, which was really special. Also got to do some snorkelling, a guided kayak tour on Fraser Island and so much more. The tour I booked (and loved) was called Remote Fraser Island And Whale Experience.
Dolphin Feeding at Tin Can Bay
An early arrival at the Barnacles Cafe and Dolphin Feeding Centre is essential as the dolphins come in around 7 am. Volunteers are well informed and share facts about why the dolphins show up, their diet and life in the wild. Both adults and babies were there on the day I visited, which was brilliant, the babies are particularly playful and fun to watch. Can highly recommend this experience for kids and adults alike. Dolphin feeding happens at Barnacles Dolphin Centre.
Carlo Sandblow
I have to admit I had little idea what Carlo Sandblow was until I visited it for myself. After a short walk through some pretty bushland I was brought to a lookout with views across an incredible sand feature. A vast sand dune has developed over a forest area and created what looks like a lunar landscape. At one end it’s possible to see where sand is taking over forest. At the other there are cliff top ocean views from Double Island Point to the southern tip of Fraser Island. Definitely worth a visit.
Pomona Distilling Co
Pomona is one of the many hinterland towns waiting to be explored from Noosa. This distillery is one of the prettiest I’ve visited being set in an original bakery with an extensive tasting and dining area in a covered outdoor garden area. Settle in with excellent tasting paddles available (gin, vodka and liqueur), cocktails of all sorts and local craft beers.
The Pomona Spritz really hit the mark with me. Food here is terrific with BBQ brisket spring rolls especially good, as is their citrus gin and beetroot cured salmon with blini. They also serve up a selection of DIY bao which are excellent. If the duck bao is available it is a must-order at Pomona Distilling Co.
Sum Yung Guys
The selection of modern Asian dishes at Sum Yung Guys restaurant is excellent. Highlights include the Mooloolaba prawn toast with gochu mayo. This is definitely a must-order choice. Ditto the Thai green curry, smashed prawns, green tomato and apple eggplant which was aromatic, balanced and utterly delicious. Have to give a shout out to the fragrant lemongrass salad, pork belly, apple, mint and peanuts dish too.
When ordering I’d recommend choose 3 or 4 dishes, then order more when these are finished as service is speedy. There are excellent cocktails and an interesting wine list, with many by the glass which is great to see. The room is a buzzing place too with excellent decor and fit out. Sum Yung Guys is busy, don’t expect to wander in and grab a table without a booking.
Nine other things to do around Noosa and Sunshine Coast
There are dozens of great walks in this area. One of the best is Noosa National Park as it is set on a headland with a combination of forest and beach views.
Mt Tinbeerwah Lookout is another excellent walk with extensive views across the region. The lookout offers 360 degree views over the local area.
Catch the Noosa River passenger ferry from Hastings Street, this is especially good at sunset.
Noosa Main Beach is a top spot for a swim or just relaxing and taking in the views.
Rainbow Beach is a beautiful spot for a morning swim and photo opportunity on the Rainbow steps.
Mexican Food at Tres Salsas in Hervey Bay is a top spot for margaritas and tacos, especially the fish taco!
Stop for a cold drink on the balcony of the Coolum Surf Club and enjoy classic Queensland beach views.
Lunch at The Boat Shed overlooking the Maroochy River to enjoy excellent food and service. The spaghettini with scallops and prawns is especially good.
Breakfast at Cafe Le Monde in Noosa, which offers excellent food and drinks in a classic relaxed Queensland way.