Nourishing eats on the Sunshine Coast

Here are our top picks from the abundance of cafes, restaurants, and unique eats in the region.

Saltwater Eco Tours

Cruise down the Mooloolaba River munching on bush tucker canapes and fresh seafood as you take in the riverside sights. This relaxed lunchtime experience hosted by Saltwater Eco Tours is held on board their beautifully restored 114-year-old timber sailing vessel, “Spray of the Coral Coast”. The ever-changing menu includes indigenous inspired treats such as native spiced prawn bites, fresh oysters, wattle seed cupcakes and kangaroo meatballs with bush relish. Plus, you’ll get your own personal grazing box and a complimentary glass of bubbles or beer.

Shambhala Farm deserves a mention for its incredible commitment to re-establishing regenerative farming practices. Join a farm tour and spend a beautiful morning walking around the 12-acre property and learning some of the growing practices (you’ll even get a sneak peek at the yoga shala and a superfood green smoothie!). If growing your own food is of interest, they also offer a 12 week online regenerative farming course or 6-day on-farm intensive version where you’ll learn the secret formula for growing the most nutrient-dense food possible.

Spirit House

Both an amazing restaurant and hands-on cooking school, Spirit House offers a taste of Asia in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Dining in the restaurant, surrounded by tropical gardens and on the edge of a tranquil lagoon, is designed to be an experience. Choose your preferred courses from their menu and sit back to enjoy the scenery as each delicious dish is brought out to you gradually over the course of two or so hours. The cooking classes run most days and you can choose from a range of themes such as Feasting with Friends, Fast Fab Thai or Spirit House Restaurant Classics.

Where better to get fresh, local produce than from the growers themselves? Nestled amongst fragrant gum trees, the Noosa Farmers Market is a hive of activity and features a vast array of fresh produce. Sample fresh sourdough and pastries as you pick up your fruit and vegetables for the week. Some of the growers are certified organic and you’ll also find natural skincare, fresh sauces, olives, cheeses, fresh-caught seafood and so much more.

The program for this annual culinary festival features the region’s extensive array of producers, chefs, restaurants, cafes, farm-gate experiences and unique food events. Ticket holders can expect to taste their way around the Sunshine Coast, join informative masterclasses or dine on delicious degustation lunches. The program offers a vast array of family friendly experiences as well as some memorable not-to-be-missed one off events. Sign up to their newsletter to be first to hear about next year’s event.

Humble on Duke

If you’re looking for a quick meal, Humble on Duke is not the place for you. A meal here is a journey – an experience of sharing good honest food with your favourite people. With an ever-changing menu that highlights fresh, seasonal, sustainably grown local produce, you can choose from a collection of mouth-watering snacks and larger share plates, all made by the sole chef Stacey. Our pick? Opt for the “Feed me” menu and sit back as dish after delicious dish is brought to the table. Prepare to be rolled home.

Rickys

A bit of a Noosa institution, Rickys sits on the waterfront of Noosa River. Their menu showcases the best of the Sunshine Coast’s local produce – some picked from their very own organic culinary garden at Marivista Farm. With a ‘zero waste’ philosophy, all food waste is transformed into compost and used on the crops. Make the most of your visit by starting at the River Bar – Rickys relaxed bar, perfect for sipping cocktails as the sun sets before moving to the restaurant to enjoy a leisurely dinner.

Looking for more nourishing wellness experiences? Check out these stories – On the trail of fine food in SA and Where to dine in the Tweed.

Image credits: Tourism Australia, Shambhala Farm