The Curated Plate: A sneak peak at the festival's hottest dishes

A taste of what’s in store when The Curated Plate rolls into Queensland’s coast this July.

Merging beaches with bushland and sunny days with rainfall, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most sublime balancing acts. From the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains to the vibrant sand dunes of Rainbow Beach, optimal subtropical conditions whip up 60 kilometres of nutrient-rich soil and thriving crops, an all-natural secret sauce behind an abundance of top-shelf produce.

Showcasing the region’s finest flavours across 10 jam-packed days is The Curated Plate, a food and drink festival that’s been luring savvy gourmands since 2019.

Showcasing the region’s finest flavours across 10 jam-packed days is The Curated Plate, a food and drink festival that’s been luring savvy gourmands since 2019. In 2025, with celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita steering the event as culinary director, the spoils are set to be richer than ever across more than 90 individual events.

Seasoning applied to grilled scallops and rock oysters — The finishing touches are being applied to The Curated Plate food festival, set to launch in July on the Sunshine Coast.

Mark The Curated Plate’s start date, July 25, in your diary and take note of the most anticipated tickets below, previewed and sampled by Australian Traveller just last week. Spanning decadent long lunches to mind-blowing internationally inspired parties, taste sensations will be roasting, bubbling, shaking and stirring around every corner.

The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival

What’s planned: A two-day celebration of local ingredients that lend themselves seamlessly to authentic Asian cooking, The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival is one of The Curated Plates most popular drawcards. Think picnic blankets sprawled as live music tinkles in the background, craft beer and far-too-drinkable wine and some of the most acclaimed culinary creativity in town.

prawn toast of Rice Boi Mooloolaba — Rice Boi Mooloolaba’s mouthwatering Prawn toast is tipped to be a viral sensation.

What to eat and drink: A handful of the best Sunshine Coast restaurants, including The Tamarind at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Rice Boi and Spirit House, have locked in some knock-out bites. Rice Boi’s Mooloolaba prawn toast with mandarin dashi caramel is bound to go viral, a glistening blackened square that’s been blobbed with black sesame mayo and softens in your mouth with the lightness of a marshmallow.

skewers and oyster dishes at Curated Plate — Spirit House’s blackened Phat Wag Wagyu skewers hit all the right notes.

There’s also Spirit House’s blackened Phat wag wagyu skewers with Indonesian sate and crispy sambal, achingly tender despite a bold façade, plus The Tamarind’s grilled Hervey Bay scallops and oysters, ever-so-delicately dressed to avoid obscuring all that ocean-fresh quality.

Another hit on the festival must-eat list has to be The Tamarind’s grilled Hervey Bay scallops and oysters.

Where you’ll find it: On the lawn at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny, from August 2 to 3

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Saltwater Eco Tours’ Seafood Experience

Saltwater Eco Tours team member serving at Curated Plate festival — The Saltwater Eco Tours team will offer an exclusive cruise experience.

What’s planned: The Saltwater Eco Tours team is putting the finishing touches on an exclusive cruise around the Mooloolaba waterways aboard their heritage sailing vessel. Shining a light on the sleepy beach town’s significant Indigenous culture, the First Nations themed experience will also dish up a several-course feast littered with seafood.

cocktails served at Curated Plate — Chilli margarita cocktails infused with native pepperberry and Davidson plum.

What to eat and drink: Cocktails will be shaken with spirits from Beachtree Distilling Co., based in Caloundra, plus native ingredients — keep your eyes peeled for a chilli margarita laced with Davidson plum and native pepperberry because it’s a game-changer.

As for the seafood, expect the likes of toasted barramundi skin (as addictive as pork crackling, we learned), Mooloolaba King prawns, grilled snapper and rock oysters, all expertly layered with native ingredients.

Rock oysters with Saltwater Eco Tours — Book the exclusive cruise for a multi-course feast filled with an array of seafood delights.

Where you’ll find it: Departing from The Wharf, 123 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba. Dates TBC

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

What’s planned: A long table will poke out from among the lychee orchard at beautiful Yanalla Farms in the Glass House Mountains, where guests are invited to sport their wackiest headwear and indulge in an afternoon of boozy tipples and a mix of savoury and sweet treats.

Yanalla Farms Mad Hatter Tea Party for the Curated Plate on the Sunshine Coast — Yanalla Farms plays host for the Mad Hatter Tea Party during the festival.

What to eat and drink: Yanalla’s renowned dragon fruit, custard apples and lychees are guaranteed to take starring roles in the spread. Sweet and savoury scones will also likely come with Maleny Cuisine’s irresistible strawberry, lime and whiskey jam (the team calls it their ‘crack’ spread — one taste and you’re indeed hooked) and Hum Honey’s locally crafted raw honey. Maleny Dairies’ incredible Pure Cream will almost certainly serve as another high-quality accompaniment while gin cocktails, crafted from locally distilled spirits, should cement a memorable scene.

Yanalla Farms showcases local produce during the Curated Plate festival — Some of the local produce on offer during the long lunch.

Where you’ll find it: Yanalla Farms, Glass House Mountains. Dates TBC

Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market

Queensland's Sunshine Party Twilight Market makers — The Twilight Market is a celebration of the region’s producers and makers.

What’s planned: Grab your reusable shopping bags — the Queensland Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market is a one-stop shop for all things local and delicious. Featuring stalls from more than 100 stellar producers, the much-loved one-evening-only market event offers a total foodie immersion, plus loads of opportunities to take a slice of the Sunshine Coast home with you. Just add cooking demonstrations, live music and performances.

What to eat and drink: Local stalwarts including Barry Family Butchers (don’t miss their epic super-pudgy ham steaks if they’re out for the evening), Mountain View Poultry and Little White Goat Cheese are likely to showcase delectable goods, while exceptional caffeine from the likes of Montville Coffee and cold drip from Glass House Plantation should keep crowds buzzing.

Where you’ll find it: The Station, 201/8 The Avenue, Birtinya, on July 25

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Tour of Mooloolaba seafood trawlers

seafood tour — Peter Kuruvita (right) gives guests a behind-the-scenes tour of Mooloolaba trawlers.

What’s planned: An eye-opening behind-the-scenes tour of the Mooloolaba trawlers. Led by Peter Kuruvita himself, the tour will take guests through local fishing docks and mammoth freezers where the good stuff takes up residence before getting swiftly shipped out to local kitchens. Think gigantic yellowfin tuna, barramundi, spanner crabs and the region’s tireless MVP, the Mooloolaba prawn.

What to eat and drink: After learning about the sustainable practices of the Sunshine Coast’s seafood industry from local teams like Rockliff Seafood and Silver Sea Seafoods, Australian Traveller was treated to crab and avocado sandwiches slapped together by Peter himself. Sparkling wine was also readily poured, so here’s hoping the scheduled tour will mirror such top-notch perks.

Where you’ll find it: The Spit, Mooloolaba. Dates TBC

Grape vs Grain lunch

grape vs grain at curated plate — 10 Toes Brewing and Brockenchack Wines team up to give guests an expert wine and craft beer food pairing.

What’s planned: A clash of the titans, the Grape vs Grain lunch will determine what pairs best with quality seafood and beef — wine or craft beer? Guests are invited to get in on a highly entertaining several-course fine dining meal with expert pairings from Brockenchack Wines and 10 Toes Brewing.

steak at curated plate — The Mary Valley grass-fed eye fillet with greens was a standout on the menu.

What to eat and drink: At Fish on Parkyn, one of the best seafood restaurants within the Sunshine Coast, dock-to-table dining reigns supreme. Expect to wash down generous pours of competing drops (riesling vs pale ale, rosé vs hazy and more) with the likes of spanner crab capellini in a smoky Japanese-inspired broth, Moreton Bay bug gratin with sour plum and prickly ash bechamel, and a Mary Valley grass-fed eye fillet with greens.

Where you’ll find it: Fish on Parkyn, 25 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba, on July 25

There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

With Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander buildings, an abundance of manicured gardens and the famous Carnival of Flowers painting the streets in vibrant colours each spring, Toowoomba is one of the most charming regional cities in Queensland Country.

While its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, there are lesser-known sides to Toowoomba that locals love most, from its burgeoning culinary scene to its artistic flair. Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane (or a direct flight from Sydney), it’s all too easy to discover on a long weekend away.

1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

tour group walking in front of toowoomba street art — Find incredible works of art around Toowoomba’s streets. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)

Australia’s second largest inland city is a flourishing arts and culture hub waiting to be discovered. Over 100 vibrant street art murals and graffiti works decorate the city, and they’re best viewed along Bank Lane and Searles Walk.

Regional Queensland’s oldest public art gallery can also be found in Toowoomba – it’s home to 20th-century Australian works created by Queensland artists and those connected to the Toowoomba region.

2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

rosalie house aerial toowoomba secrets — Stop into Rosalie House to wine and dine.

As a regional city, Toowoomba has direct access to incredibly fresh produce that’s shaping its culinary scene. At sunset, head to the verandah at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant for a grazing-style dining experience and to discover Queensland’s underrated wine scene. Indulge in dishes such as Warilba lamb rump and roasted pumpkin with ginger-roasted potatoes and lime yoghurt, paired with their delicious cool-climate wines.

For a more relaxed affair, sweet tooths should make a beeline for award-winning The Baker’s Duck. Be sure to try their cult favourite strawberry cheesecake danish; you’ll learn why 35,000 of these treats are sold annually.

3. Small bars are doing big work

table spread at Uno Más small bar in toowoomba secrets — Pop into small bars like Uno Más.

Toowoomba doesn’t disappoint with fantastic pubs, but discerning drinkers can take happy hour to the next level at one of the city’s impressive small bars. Savour Spanish-style bites paired with a thoughtful line-up of wines at the newly opened Uno Más Tapas & Wine Bar. On Thursdays, head to Cork & Lever to tap your feet to live music over creative cocktails made with their all-Australian gin collection. And enjoy elevated toasties and premium drops at the cosy Press’d Coffee & Wine. Or try newly opened The Book Pour.

4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

Whether you prefer the buzz of the city centre or retreating to the hinterland, there are stylish stays aplenty to settle into in this idyllic corner of the world. Apartment-style living can be found at Quest Toowoomba; partly housed in a heritage church building in the city, it’s a comfortable and convenient base. And at The Arbour Boutique Apartments, spacious rooms are injected with old-world charm.

In the hinterland, enjoy bucolic bliss at the boutique Bunnyconnellen, where an 1880s farmhouse and self-contained cottage are backdropped by rolling hills. And at the secluded Ravensbourne Escape, one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom chalets and three-bedroom holiday homes overlook Ravensbourne National Park and the Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys.

5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain — Tackle Table Top Mountain. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)

Toowoomba is hugged by national parks, making it a haven for nature lovers. On its doorstep you’ll find the extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain, where keen hikers can tackle the challenging two-kilometre return trail which rewards them with 360° views of the Lockyer Valley and surrounds.

For a more gentle experience, Ravensbourne National Park offers peaceful walking trails within lush rainforest. It’s a top spot for bird watching as there are over 110 bird species that call the area home, including the paradise riflebird. Crows Nest National Park is home to platypus and koalas, and its refreshing natural swimming spots, like Kauyoo Pool, are a great place to beat the heat.

6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

Toowoomba’s cool and calm energy lends itself to a wellness-focused getaway. Slated to open in August 2026, soak in the serenity at Vikasati Toowoomba, a bathhouse oasis with outdoor hot and cold magnesium pools, ice baths and Finnish saunas. Rest and recharge at City Cave Toowoomba, which offers float therapy, infrared sauna and massage services, or visit Kalm Springs for LED therapy, cryotherapy and float therapy.

7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

inside Queensland Museum Cobb + Co — Learn all about the history of Cobb+Co.

History buffs can step back in time at Toowoomba’s fascinating cultural and historical museums.

Explore 50,000 years of Darling Downs and Toowoomba history at the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co; it’s known for its impressive National Carriage Collection of 47 restored horse-drawn vehicles, which were put to use for Queensland’s urban expansion. Visitors can also try their hand at blacksmithing or leadlighting in heritage workshops, refuelling with traditional scones at the onsite cafe.

Train enthusiasts can celebrate the golden era of rail travel on a heritage steam locomotive thanks to the volunteer-driven, community-led organisation DownsSteam Toowoomba. Vintage train rides range from a two-hour journey between Toowoomba Station and DownsSteam Railway Museum to an overnight adventure from Toowoomba to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

Whether it’s to pick up a unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind accessory for a loved one, you’re guaranteed to find something special in one of Toowoomba’s antique and vintage stores. Range Antiques sells everything from furniture, rugs and lamps to fine porcelain, jewellery and art, while Toowoomba Antiques & Collectables is a treasure trove of Art Deco, farmhouse, retro and mid-century modern pieces.

Start planning your weekender of a lifetime in Queensland Country region at queenslandcountrytourism.com.au.

First look: Every delicious thing we ate at Sunshine Coast food fest

A taste of what’s in store when The Curated Plate rolls into Queensland’s coast this July.

The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival

Saltwater Eco Tours’ Seafood Experience

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market

Tour of Mooloolaba seafood trawlers

Grape vs Grain lunch

I stayed on Richard Branson’s $25,000 per night private Noosa island – here’s what it’s like

This hidden stargazing spot in Queensland just joined a list of the world’s best

Australia’s most famous pineapple is getting a glow-up – and it comes with a microbrewery

Is Noosa’s most talked-about new resort actually worth it?

Wine, dine and vintage gems: 8 things you didn’t know about Toowoomba

There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

3. Small bars are doing big work

4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

A taste of what’s in store when The Curated Plate rolls into Queensland’s coast this July.

The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival

AI Prompt

Saltwater Eco Tours’ Seafood Experience

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry Twilight Market

Tour of Mooloolaba seafood trawlers

Grape vs Grain lunch

I stayed on Richard Branson’s $25,000 per night private Noosa island – here’s what it’s like

This hidden stargazing spot in Queensland just joined a list of the world’s best

Australia’s most famous pineapple is getting a glow-up – and it comes with a microbrewery

Is Noosa’s most talked-about new resort actually worth it?

There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

3. Small bars are doing big work

4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found