Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival

Overview

Looking for an excuse to head north, up to the Sunshine Coast and into the hinterland? An afternoon of eating, drinking and wandering through a rainforest should do it. That's all on the agenda at the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival, which takes over Maleny's Spicers Tamarind Retreat on Saturday, February 22 with plenty of food, booze and leafy greenery.

The plantlife is the easiest part to take care of, because it surrounds the hotel anyway — and provides quite the backdrop for all the culinary fun. As for what you'll be snacking on, ready your appetite for a feast of Asian street food. Lamb-stuffed steamed bao, Asian-style tacos with char sui-marinated slow-braised pork, pad thai chicken wings and Asian-inspired gelato will all be on offer.

Drinks-wise, you'll be sipping wine, Brouhaha Beer's finest, and ciders and spirits from Noosa's Fortune Distillery, including gin and vodka.

Your $99 ticket will nab you a dish at each of the five food stalls, two beverages, access to cooking demonstrations and live music — while for $145 you can also attend a riesling masterclass.

Bring blankets and cushions with you, too, for lazing around on the grass between bites.