You can’t afford to miss these farm to table experiences in Queensland

Forget about a white tablecloth - a truly memorable feast is one that embraces a farm to table philosophy. Queensland is a place overflowing with these celebrations of local produce in both drinking and dining. From dairies armed with an on-site restaurant to sustainable distilleries, the Sunshine State has you covered.

Tuck into these truly unmissable farm to table experiences in Queensland.

Oaks Kitchen & Garden, Port Douglas

Two Southeast Asian cuisine heavyweights are behind this Tropical North Queensland establishment with quite the reputation when it comes to its Thai-focused fare. Ben Wallace and Rachael Boon lead the charge at Port Douglas’ Oaks Kitchen & Garden, a cooking school and eatery in one which uses only what is available and seasonal, thanks to an ample garden out back rich in Thai eggplants and kaffir lime (among much more).

Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Bundaberg

Not the typical farm to table experience in Queensland, but a quintessentially Sunshine State one can be found in Bundaberg at the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Since 1888 it’s been procuring sugarcane from surrounding suburbs, and processing it at the sugar mill next door, churning through 4 Olympic swimming pools worth of molasses each year. Throw in some yeast and water to ferment and you have yourself one of the country’s most famous spirits which you can taste for yourself at its devoted distillery, equipped with an impressive Visitor Tour and well-equipped bar.

Crystalbrook Bailey, Cairns

A burgeoning group with a focus on farm to table is Crystalbrook Collection with a trio of hotels in Cairns - Riley, Bailey and Flynn. This operator has turned the concept of hotel dining on its head with a fresh philosophy when it comes to sourcing ingredients. It’s at Bailey that you’ll find CC’s Bar and Grill, a modern steakhouse which sources its meat from Crystalbrook Station, a property purchased solely for raising restaurant-worthy Brangus cattle three hours from Cairns.

Brisbane Distillery, Brisbane

West End is the designated home of the capital’s first grain to glass distillery where gins, rhums (fermented sugarcane juice), and even botanical vodkas are crafted daily. The aptly named Brisbane Distillery welcomes visitors to drop by and get to know the spirits made in house, with plenty of sampling available (of course), alongside a thorough history of each drink and its creation process from the resident Master Distiller. Here also sits the city’s only gin school where you can blend your own brew from 180 botanicals.

Tommerups Dairy Farm, Scenic Rim

A fellow focus on dairy goods can be found in the Scenic Rim (just your luck). Kerry resident Tommerups Dairy Farm is one of the best farm to table experiences in Queensland - a sixth-generation working dairy farm running 200 acres of dairy cattle, pigs, and sheep.

It’s a family-friendly establishment with accommodation on site, though it’s foodies who truly benefit thanks to the Tommerups Farm Larder where shelves overflow with the likes of ethically raised Heritage breed free-range pork, rose veal, gourmet ice cream and Tommy's pastured eggs.

Can't get enough? Spend a while longer on their farm stay experience. 

Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy and Café, Atherton Tablelands

Dairy fanatic? You best make your way to the Atherton Tablelands stat where in Millaa Millaa there’s an eatery which grants you the chance to tuck into the creamy produce crafted on site. Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy and Cafe is a second-generation dairy farm run by the Watson family who are firm believers in biodynamic farming and embrace it for the milk used to make its own cheese and yoghurts. Sample them for yourself while enjoying views out onto Mt Bartle Frere - Queensland's Highest Mountain.

Homage, Ipswich

It’s not just luxury accommodation which will attract you to pay a visit to Spicers Hidden Vale, but it's resident eatery Homage, another memorable farm to table experience in Queensland. The fine diner is hosted within a historic barn, and served a menu laden with on-site produce including vegetables grown on its 89-bed-strong onsite market garden, honey plucked from its own hives, and animals raised on surrounding paddocks. The kitchen here also has a smokehouse, coal pit and preserving room which guests are welcome to explore.

Flame Hill Restaurant, Sunshine Coast

Tucked into the rolling hills surrounding the Sunshine Coast’s slew of beaches is the award-winning Flame Hill Vineyard and Restaurant. Ingredients for this eatery can’t get more local, with the venue’s farm and kitchen garden producing the grass-fed Angus beef and majority of the herbs and vegetables served on its menu. And to drink? You’ll find the same paddock to plate mentality with Flame Hill’s wines made from 100% estate-grown grapes made at the farm itself.

Granite Belt Brewery, Stanthorpe

Some of Queensland’s best producers can be found scattered across the Granite Belt, from wine, to dairy, and even beer. Granite Belt Brewery is one of these makers, a local beer haven that’s been crafting and brewing its own yeast sensations since 2012 courtesy of its own 1000 litre microbrewery. Drop by the Stanthorpe establishment to quench your thirst for one of its Pale Ales, Lagers, IPAs, Ciders, or gathering of seasonal brews (including barrel-aged sours).

Odyssey Bistro, Hervey Bay

At Hervey Bay institution Odyssey Bistro, you’ll be able to taste the distance from farm to plate, with each dish made up of the freshest seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables all sourced from just around the corner. Like The Seafood Smokery in Bundaberg and The Falls Farm on the Sunshine Coast. Owners Scott Thompson and Jason England ensure every visit here is unique with an everchanging menu that embraces what is in season. Think flavour bombs like, lamb belly, oyster mushroom and dandelion or spanner crab gazpacho. Even better, the duo is committed to implementing sustainable practices in the kitchen and low-waste food prep.

Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton

Another Granite Belt inhabitant is the rather famed Sirromet Winery. This destination on the cusp of Brisbane’s borders is set across 560 acres and boasts breathtaking views over Moreton Bay. But it’s not just the property itself but its reputation for outstanding food and drink which attracts visitors in their droves. The Italian-inspired Tuscan Terrace celebrates local produce at its eatery, but it's the vineyard which is a true paddock to plate sensation - Sirromet crafts a cluster of award-winning and delicious drops (including Chardonnay and Viognier) from its 100 hectares of vine.