A sub-tropical climate, terrain that runs from the beaches to the mountains, and a burgeoning restaurant scene means the Gold Coast is turning heads for its unique produce and providores. The top-quality seafood is a given, the own-grown coffee is a pleasant bonus, and we’ll take the breweries and cheese shops too, thanks.
With its own airport, a journey to this food lover’s paradise is only a domestic flight away. Here, we’ve pulled together a starting list of some great producers on the Gold Coast, showcasing the best the region has to offer.
Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation
In the Gold Coast’s vast hinterland lies this boutique micro-lot coffee plantation where beans are grown and harvested, then roasted and ground into black gold onsite. Join a tour to hear how the coffee goes from crop to cup, and learn more about sustainable farming practices used throughout the plantation. Afterwards head to The Coffee House and kick back with a latte, and grab a take-home bag of freshly roasted beans on your way out.
64 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain, Qld, tamborinemountaincoffee.com.au
Book a tour to hear how the coffee goes from crop to cup at this bespoke micro plantation.
(Photo: @tamborinemtcoffee.)Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-Op
To get your hands on the freshest seafood, head straight to the source. Here, a dozen-strong fleet of fishing trawlers sell their wares directly from their boats. You could find spanner crabs, king prawns and Balmain bugs, plucked from the water that very morning, plus cuttlefish, octopus and squid. It’s ultra-fresh seafood guaranteed, provided you arrive early enough – the co-op opens at 7am, and trades until produce is sold out.
168 Seaworld Drive, Gold Coast, Qld, freshestcatch.com.au
Fortitude Brewing Co.
Seek out this rugged and charming brewery for some fine local beers. Founded when two friends quit their corporate jobs to follow their hops- and yeast-fuelled passion, the brewery has gone on to create six signature beers. (The offshoot label, Noisy Minor, focuses on more experimental, single-batch drops). Tasting paddles are available if you’d prefer to sample their range; there’s a pizza menu too if hunger strikes. Plus, if the weather’s fine, head to the beer garden to while away your afternoon session.
165 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain, Qld, fortitudebrewing.com.au
Fortitude Brewing Co. has six signature beers and its own offshoot label, Noisy Minor. Photo: @fortitudebrewing.
Quince Fromagerie & Cellar
Located within the Cornerstone Stores precinct, this providore offers an excellent selection of local and international cheese, wine, spirits and beer. Whether you’re after Diprotodon Nigorizake cloudy sake from Yulli’s from Sydney, a chilled red by South Australia’s Charlotte Dalton or a red from Beaujolais, the selection of drops is as impressive as it is expansive. It’s your go-to stop if you’re planning a beachside picnic – there could brie or a salami that catches your eye, as well as picnic accoutrements like rugs, wine coolers and knives. Pantry staples like pasta, olive oil and marinated peppers round out the take-home bounty.
Shop 5/570 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun, Qld quincefc.com
A plant-based ashed cashew brie from Quince Fromagerie. Photo: @quince.fromagerie via @allthethings_au.
Brought to you by Destination Gold Coast
