Brimming with fresh produce, from the land to the sea, the Southern Great Barrier Reef puts the reef into reef and beef. Here’s just some of the delectable dining experiences in the region.
A tree to table experience, unwind and savour locally produced macadamia gelato or specialty sweet treats, while enjoying a cup of barista-made coffee or something bubbly from the licensed bar.
With a menu that changes through the seasons to ensure the freshest local ingredients, one thing stays the same; the quality macadamia nuts grown on the farm that are lovingly featured year-round throughout all dishes. With everything made fresh daily on site, let the talented chef and pastry cooks will open up a whole new world of flavours to you each time you visit. A proud dedication to quality and taste means The Orchard Table sources their ingredients from local producers who are as proud of their harvests as they are.
Everchanging selections feature vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options will satisfy everyone at the table.
A stone’s throw to the beach of Bargara sits a replica Dutch Windmill - a café driven by love for community, locally grown produce and heartfelt service. With two Gold Queensland Tourism Awards under their aprons, this boutique café serves up hearty dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch, packed full of goodness, curated by the surrounding farm-gates. From vibrant Dragonfruit Bowls to the classic Windmill Stack and everything in between- you’re guaranteed to leave with your camera rolls just as full as your stomachs. Surrounded by tropical gardens, sip on coffee brewed with filtered rainwater or treat your four legged friend to a pup-approved gelato.
Not only are the sunset views superb at this Burnett River-front restaurant, but so are the meals at this seafood market and takeaway. Home cooks will enjoy foraging through the market section which is home to wild-caught prawns, Bundaberg scallops and fresh reef and estuary fish. Diners with a little more time or money will enjoy the open-air dining experience on the deck while selecting from menu items such as lobster mornay and grilled Moreton Bay bugs.
Water St Kitchen's ‘bare to the bone’ traditional cooking style champions local producers with both simple and creative techniques. The tiny team are passionate about our unique approach, one that values the art of craftsmanship and sharing our knowledge and values with the new generation of chefs, without shortcuts. Savour the very best ingredients from local producers into culinary experiences that celebrate the richness of our community, matching them with beautiful Australian wines & fine champagne.
Stop into One Little Farm, a cosy boutique café where fresh local produce not only features on your plate but on their shelves too! Owned and operated by local farmers Kate and Anthony Rehbein, you’ll find their passion for local shining strong the moment you step foot through the door.
Step into The Garden Mill, an enchanting culinary escape where dietary-friendly offerings flourish in both taste and presentation. Amidst lush greenery, this cafe transforms every meal into a celebration of nature's bounty. Here, you can relish in the art of mindful dining with a menu that boasts fresh salads, inventive dishes, and a commitment to quality ingredients. The tranquil ambiance and thoughtfully curated dishes make The Garden Mill a haven for those seeking a dining experience that nourishes the soul as much as the body.
There’s a striking mural on the wall of Vue, along the Yeppoon esplanade which serves everything from tapas to pastas and pizzas. For something more filling, try the grilled snapper with prawns and green coconut curry; or the aged ribbed fillet served on a baked potato stack with broccolini and red wine glaze.
Yeppoon’s newest hot spot, offering a vibrant beachside experience. This seafood-inspired venue serves up creative cocktails, craft beers, and wines, all with a relaxed, tropical vibe that makes it a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
Nestled within Keppel Bay Marina, this restaurant offers a serene setting with views of the marina. Enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including local wines and specialty cocktails, while watching the boats drift by.
A vibrant spot where you can enjoy a wide array of Indian-inspired drinks, from exotic cocktails to carefully selected wines. The lively atmosphere enhances the experience, making it a great place to enjoy bold flavors and creative beverages.
If you like some live bull riding with your steak dinner, you’ve come to the right place. This firm favourite on Rockhampton’s dining scene serves plenty of beef dishes in its Bullhead Steakhouse – try the 500g Beaumont t.bone 100-day grain fed steak - and if you’re there on a Wednesday or Friday, you can witness live bull riding too.
It doesn’t come any fresher than this. Beaches owner Ross O’Reilly originally set up an organic garden to service his Kemp Beach restaurant, down at Yeppoon. Now, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm and Beaches Restaurant is offering the truest farm to fork experience. Feast on fresh herbs, garden salads and vegetables plucked straight from Ross’ 56ha farm, perched five minutes away, and paired with sustainably-caught seafood, and local beef, while enjoying the views over the Capricorn coastline. Head here on a Sunday for a flaming Argentinian barbecue.
www.beachesrestaurant.com.au
For a taste of Bali right in the heart of the Town of 1770, the Getaway Garden Café delivers from the moment you enter the yawning Indonesian teak doors into this gorgeous garden. There’s lush foliage and gushing fountains here as you sit on the deck and dine on the likes of cakes, slices, tortes and pastries.
For one of the best café views along Australia’s east coast overlooking a beautiful stretch of sand, Holidays Café at Agnes Water Beach is ideal. Feast on fish and chips, burgers, salads, fresh juices, smoothies and organic coffee while you watch the waves here.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and set amid the luscious lagoon at Lagoons 1770 Resort & Spa, feast on seared scallops with cauliflower puree, prosciutto crisp and salmon roe for entrée, and try the crispy roasted pork belly with coconut rice, Asian slaw, nam jim and fresh lime for main.
There’s a little bit of everything on the menu of this Gladstone establishment from charcuterie boards to small plates, large plates, side bowls, sweets and pizzas. Embrace the spirit of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and try the Reef and Beef pizza, a concoction of banana prawns, pulled beef, heirloom tomatoes, basil pesto, fresh mozzarella and lemon aioli. You’ll love the vertical garden in this former alley way.
In the heart of Gladstone’s CBD, check out Rocksalt with its small plates including nam jim, coriander and sesame crocodile ribs; or mains such as the Grilled North Queensland barramundi. Dessert here pays homage to Queensland with a chocolate and macadamia nut brownie. For a brew with a view, there’s also a Rocksalt Bar & Restaurant at nearby Tannum Sands.
