FEASTING TOP FIVE GUIDE · FEASTING TOP FIVE GUIDE
Queensland food stops worth the drive
Five regional Queensland stops that give the journey a destination worth tasting.
There are drives measured in kilometres and drives measured by what waits at the other end. I am far more interested in the second kind.
Five regional Queensland stops that give the journey a destination worth tasting. These five stops belong together because each approaches the theme differently, giving the story contrast rather than five versions of the same recommendation.
01 · Gold Coast, Queensland
Yatala Pies
The story begins with Yatala Pies. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to road trip pie runs and sweet bakery treats.
Stepping past the welcome sign at Famous Yatala Pies, it is easy to see why so many pastry lovers regard this venue as a true Australian icon. To experience what makes the bakery such a staple, we ordered a savoury combination of their cheese and bacon pie alongside the cheese and bacon sausage roll.
Famous Yatala Pies lives up to its iconic reputation with generous savoury options and an apple and cream pie that delivers just the right amount of sweetness.
What I’d start with: Cheese and bacon sausage roll, Cheese and bacon pie, Apple and cream pie.
Read the full recommendation02 · Fernvale, Queensland
Old Fernvale Bakery
The second stop changes the pace at Old Fernvale Bakery. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to road trip pitstops, flaky meat pie cravings, and traditional queensland bakery treats..
The line was stretching almost out the door when we arrived at Old Fernvale Bakery along the Brisbane Valley Highway. Above the entrance, the signage proudly promises pies, breads, cakes, and sandwiches, and stepping inside to see a queue weaving past display cabinets filled with fresh cream buns, M&M doughnuts, and apple strudels, it was immediately clear why this roadside spot stays so popular.
Old Fernvale Bakery delivers standout regional baking, backed by an exceptionally light and flaky pie crust and a fresh cream and jam doughnut that makes any pitstop in Fernvale worthwhile.
What I’d start with: Chunky steak, cheese & bacon pie, Vietnamese iced coffee lamington, Fresh cream & jam doughnut.
Read the full recommendation03 · Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Kenilworth Coastal Bakery
Halfway through, the guide turns towards Kenilworth Coastal Bakery. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to sweet tooth challenge seekers, novelty dessert lovers, and group sharing at the wharf mooloolaba..
Deciding to celebrate my 31st birthday by eating a one-kilogram donut sounded like a brilliant idea right up until the sheer richness of the pastry set in. Standing at The Wharf Mooloolaba, I stepped up to Kenilworth Bakery to tackle their famous 1kg Long Boi donut challenge.
The 1kg Long Boi donut at Kenilworth Bakery at The Wharf Mooloolaba makes for an entertaining challenge, though the overwhelming sweetness of its cream and custard filling is far better suited to group sharing than a solo attempt.
What I’d start with: 1kg Long Boi donut challenge attempt.
Read the full recommendation04 · Bundaberg, Queensland
The Bundaberg Barrel
Then comes The Bundaberg Barrel. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to day trippers, soda enthusiasts, and families visiting the bundaberg region..
Pushing open the heavy entrance door at The Bundaberg Barrel brings you straight into an interactive hall dedicated to Queensland's famous sodas. Located in Bundaberg, Queensland, the self-guided walkthrough lets you explore the local brewing story at your own pace before heading over to the tasting counter.
The Bundaberg Barrel provides an engaging self-guided look at Queensland's famous sodas, complete with an interactive tasting counter and a custom take-home six-pack.
What I’d start with: The Bundaberg Barrel Tasting & Self-Guided Tour ticket, Ginger Beer sample, Creaming Soda sample.
Read the full recommendation05 · Townsville, Queensland
C Bar The Strand
The final table belongs to C Bar The Strand. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to a customisable townsville breakfast featuring brioche eggs benedict with house-made hollandaise on the side..
Having house-made hollandaise served on the side changes the whole dynamic of an eggs Benedict. At C Bar in Townsville, receiving the sauce in its own small vessel gives complete control over the plate, keeping the toasted brioche crisp until the very last bite.
C Bar in Townsville elevates a classic morning order by serving house-made hollandaise on the side of a brioche Benedict and offering a potato and fetta hash brown as a crisp, salty side addition.
What I’d start with: Eggs Benedict on toasted brioche loaf with spinach, bacon, two poached eggs, and house-made hollandaise sauce on the side, Potato and fetta hash brown.
Read the full recommendationA worthwhile detour should become part of the memory, not merely a break in the drive. These are the stops that gave the road trip its punctuation.