Berries in winter? This Queensland strawberry trail shatters the myth that this fine fruit is just for summer.
You may think of the Sunshine State as a destination for tropical fruits: juicy mangoes, lychees, and dragon fruits all ripened beneath that sweltering Queensland sun. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But many miss out on the fantastic berries that ripen in Queensland’s winter months, meaning you don’t have to wait until summer to grab your basket and get pickin’. In fact, Queensland’s berry season is actually at its height between July and September. Here’s where to pick your own berries this winter in the Sunshine State.
1. Moreton Bay
Did you know Moreton Bay produces around one-third of Australia’s strawberries? And if that’s not reason enough to head there basket-in-hand, Oasis Berries on Bribie Island Road runs an annual Strawberry Festival every September and October. The region stays pleasantly warm in winter, meaning you can go from picking strawberries straight to a sandy bay for a swim.
Moreton Bay produces roughly a third of the country’s strawberries.
2. Sunshine Coast
You’ll find plenty of family-friendly berry farms around the Sunshine Coast. McMartins Strawberry Farm is a local favourite with freshly-made ice cream that kids will love. For the adults, Cooloola Berries makes a delicious berry cider and grows up to 10 types of strawberries, making it a sweet stop for all ages.
3. Gold Coast
Head away from the brouhaha of Surfers Paradise and head into the hinterland for a wholesome day trip to the strawberry farms. You’ll likely encounter lots of honesty boxes roadside teeming with fresh produce, so keep your eyes peeled. Try fifth-generation strawberry farmers at Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm , where you can have your pick of the bunch.
Strawberries grow well in Queensland during the winter. (Image: Getty Images/Yana Tatevosian)
4. Bundaberg Region
The berries are popping off all the way up to Bundaberg. Stop in at SSS Strawberries to PYO with the help of the expert farmers, or cool off at Bargara Berries with a scoop of their freshly-made strawberry ice cream.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.
This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.
Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa
Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.
Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)
In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.
Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.
Refuel at Park & Cove.
Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg
Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.
After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.
Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)
Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton
Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.
Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.
Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)
Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay
Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.
Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.
Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)
Day 6: Mackay to Townsville
Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.
Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.
Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)
Day 7: Townsville to Cairns
After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.
Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.
No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.
Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.
Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.
