Come On Up Feb/Mar19 Issue

CO

Sunshine Coast

M E

HINTERLAND www.hinterlandtourism.com.au FEB / MARCH 2019

FREE

ON

PLEASE TAKE ONE

UP

PADDOCK

e t a l P TO

Our iconic dining and events venue is perfectly positioned with coastal views stretching from Noosa to Moreton Island. Join us Wednesday through Sunday for lunch or our Famous High Tea, and Friday and Saturday for dinner.

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

February - March 2019

1

e s i l a t n Ta ds YOUR

u b e t s Ta

43

MILKSHAKE FLAVOURS

Llly mGadEe Gelato, U D IN in our loca

THE Australian Good Food and Travel Guide readers’ choice awards saw seven restaurants in this region win 2019 awards, proving once again that we are a premier food destination.

list during my Christmas holiday. We all deserve pleasure.

For beer lovers, and food fanatics, Brouhaha Brewery is another destination the readers loved. My guess is the For many years, the Fried Mapleton Eggplant Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Onion Fritters start has attracted visitors the Brouhaha food flight to indulge in the finest Kerry Brown, where your imagination cuisine; the combination President, Hinterland soars with your tastebuds. of world class chefs using Tourism Sunshine Coast. locally grown produce is www.hinterlandtourism.com.au You will be in full flight when you discover their hard to beat, and it was no beer battered chips and, try as you surprise to me that our region did so might, there is no soft landing when well. you discover tender morsels of free Secrets on the Lake is no longer a range pork belly and chorizo bites from secret, now that they are one of the the Maple Street Meats in Maleny. winners. If you have not experienced Dining on the Deck then book today and make sure you try the veggie patch platter, their Bunya Nut Pesto, Candied Walnut and Ricotta, Bloody Mary Chutney served with chargrilled veg and breads will take you to another world.

European styled luxury and sheer elegance won readers who also loved The Long Apron at Spicers Tamarind, I still dream about their Lychee Amazake with coconut and native mint, a treat that made the top of my

There is no doubt in my mind the spectacular views, lush rainforests and untamed beauty as far as the eye can see, make every mouthful even more delicious. Aahhh the endless joy of visiting the Hinterland. With so many amazing places to experience it is time to start planning your next trip.

From the boutique coffee shops to fine dining a la carte to the burger bars and breweries - there is a world of indulgence just waiting for you to Come On Up and enjoy.

rbet Ice-cream & So Monty’s of Montville offers visitors & locals a wide variety of edible locally produced products. 98% of stock is locally made with the remainder Australian made.

From jams, chutneys, sauces, oils, dressings & dukkah, Monty’s also sells locally made gourmet gelato / ice-cream /sorbet atop a home-made gluten & dairy Free waffle cone which has been prepared on site.

Monty’s gluten & dairy free waffle cones can be purchased separately if desired.

A range of hot chilli products are now available including sauces, meat rubs, corn chips, peanuts & beef jerky.

Monty’s also has a huge variety of 43 milkshake flavours to tantalise your tastebuds & refreshments sourced from around Australia.

WHAT’S

NEW

• TRUFFLE OIL & TRUFFLE SALT - QLD PRODUCED • NEW RANGE OF - CHILLI PRODUCTS • SUGAR FREE SOFT DRINKS • ROCK CANDY P (07) 5478 5556 Shop 8, 171 Main St, Montville Shop online at montysqld.com.au OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK: 10AM – 4:30PM (CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS)

2 February - March 2019

THE Sunshine Coast Hinterland truly is a gourmet’s paradise. From fine-dining at awardwinning restaurants to sampling locally-brewed craft beer - a feast of flavours awaits that will satisfy every foodie’s palate. Head to the Visit Sunshine Coast website and create your own personalised food trail and discover the flavours of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

cuisine in an understated and elegant dining room or garden terrace area.

If you’re looking for a premium dining experience in Maleny then look no further than The Tamarind, specialising in modern Asian cuisine.

The Tamarind’s menu effortlessly combines sweet, sour and spicy Mark Skinner Deputy Chair flavours with fresh local Visit Sunshine Coast www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au produce to create original and innovative dishes that almost look too good to eat. From the whole cooked barramundi to the A visit to Flame Hill Vineyard in signature crispy duck - every meal is Montville would have to be one of a masterpiece. If you’d like to replicate Australia’s ultimate paddock to plate these Thai creations in your own experiences. The 300 acre estate kitchen, then book yourself in at the houses a vineyard, market garden cooking school. orchard and a herd of beef cattle.

The Sunshine Coast has a thriving Renowned for its commitment craft beer scene and Brouhaha to sustainable food production, Brewery is your go-to if you’re gastronomes are definitely spoilt for holidaying in Maleny. It’s a cracker of choice. Book in for a Sunday lunch a micro-brewery featuring 12 kinds of on the terrace or dine in the award amber goodness for your beer-drinking winning restaurant and enjoy the best pleasure. There’s everything from of fresh, seasonal and local produce stout (try the coffee milk stout) to pale matched with award winning wines. Sit ale. Food is fresh and locally sourced back, soak up the rural ambiance and and the service is super friendly. be entertained by the Guinea Fowls as If you’re in Montville, drop into Wild they wander among the trellises.

Rocket @ Misty’s Micro Brewery and The Long Apron restaurant has made wet your whistle with a Black Jack Spicers Clovelly Estate in Monvtille a Stout or a Montville Smooth Ale. destination for foodies from around The restaurant and micro-brewery Australia. From a croissant on the is housed in one of Montville’s most sun drenched terrace, to a seven historic buildings and oozes old-world, course degustation in the dining quirky charm. room, you’ll discover a unique taste of modern Europe in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The restaurant serves contemporary and classic European

So what are you waiting for? Come on up and experience our gourmet’s paradise for yourself.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland

A foodie paradise WELCOME to this edition of Come On Up we will explore the untamed foodie paradise and all the trimmings that go with it.

readers who tell me they jump on line and share the story with friends and family.

If you have never been to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland then you are about to discover a premier destination, a beautiful region that has been highly regarded for growing and producing award winning food for many years.

Meet Stephen Parka, he is one of the owners of Cannopathy in Montville and will be giving public talks on a controversial topic being the benefits of cannabis. He explains how the issue is very convoluted and he will help people to understand when and how it is a benefit as a medicine.

We hear from George and Aldy Johnston who have just won an award for their Dining on the Deck experience at Secrets on the Lake. They explain how the award means so much to them as it comes from the people who dine in and experience their food. Their insight is intriguing and is what makes Secrets such a special place.

Angus Richard will share his knowledge of food and produce, his quirky humour and many life experiences are always popular with our

Learn about the new Beekeeper information and research facility is to be built in Yandina. Bees are incredibly valuable to food production, in fact they are essential to a sustainable future.

So Come On Up and discover the natural and real Paddock to Plate experience in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

All About Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up SUNSHINE Coast Hinterland; Come On Up is a free independent magazine published bi-monthly and distributed to North Brisbane suburbs as well as the Sunshine Coast Airport, Visitor Information Centres, major tourist attractions, accommodation houses and other highly frequented locations.

We believe the best person to ask about an area is a local.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up is produced by locals in partnership with the peak tourism organisation Hinterland Tourism

and is jam packed with facts, useful information, local strories and stunning images of the region.

A pull out map, driving and walking map helps visitors to see and experience the best in the Hinterland.

All content is found online at www.hinterlandtourism.com.au or visit the facebook page for even more information.

So Come On Up we look forward to meeting you soon.

Hunchy Hideaway

The secluded Hunchy Hideaway

PAMPERING & PRIVACY AT HUNCHY HIDEAWAY Hidden in the Hunchy Valley, just 2km from Montville Village, Hunchy Hideaway is a perfect place for couples to relax and unwind and escape from the day to day rush. feel all your troubles fade away.

Montville Country Cabins Located in the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Montville Country Cabins delivers spectacular views, privacy and luxurious facilities ideal for your next event. We are dedicated to making your event truly special and are pleased to combine our experience and knowledge of local suppliers with our friendly service and professional manner.

396 Western Ave, Montville QLD 4560 P: (07) 5442 9484 E: info@montvillecabins.com.au | W: www.montvillecabins.com.au F: www.facebook.com/montvillecountrycabins www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

Stay three nights or more and you will be surprised at the value – midweek three night stays start at $630 in a Rainforest Villa. One night stays are welcome from Sunday to Thursday.

Call Denis & Ali now on: 07 5478 5470 Email: mail@hunchyhideaway.com.au www.hunchyhideaway.com.au February - March 2019

3

sunshine coast hinterland

An award for Dining on the Deck

George and Aldy Johnston celebrate the success of their restaurant ‘Dining on the Deck’

SECRETS on the Lake is a family owned and operated dream that came true, it is more than a business. George and Aldy Johnston turned their farm into what is today a multi award winning luxury retreat with 11 treetop cabins and now an award winning restaurant, Dining on the Deck.

Here is what they had to say about winning the award.

Come on up and ‘Waffle-On” at the Montville Village Square Café

Over the years we have realised that awards in the hospitality industry are often based on who you know rather than what you know. A panel of ‘experts’ sit and dissect your entry form which is either rejected for using a confusingly incorrect category system, or is disregarded for not using the special phraseology that particular awards committee require, or overlooked because you are a newcomer and need to serve your time.

In 90 per cent of cases big companies spend big money paying for a professional awards writer who then puts together a submission… and then maybe you are in with a chance.

We decided many years ago to stop playing that game. We just don’t enter awards anymore. The joy on the faces of our luxury treehouse guests, return customers, wedding couples and restaurant patrons lets us know how our business is doing. The return customers, soul smiles and excellent reviews are really all the award we need. And I guess that’s why our news this week is extra special for us… because it comes from you!

AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN STYLE FOOD Belgian Waffles - Dutch Poffertjes - Dutch Stroopwafels German Bratwurst - Italian Panini - Dutch Kroket and Frikandel - Hungarian Goulash - French Croissant Italian Coffee

What makes this different is the annual AGFG Readers’ Choice Awards are designed to give the Australian public the opportunity to vote for their favourite establishments throughout the year. Patrons recognize a business’s efforts and ethics and then vote. To have received the 2019 People Choice Award we received the most votes in 2018 in our region and for our respective category.

For us this means an awful lot! We are constantly trying to improve our facilities, service, products and food… and we are dedicated to providing you amazing service and healthy local food in a magnificent setting right on the shores of beautiful Lake Baroon.

It does our hearts good to see that our efforts and ethics have been acknowledged. We must be on the right track? And we will keep on doing what we do to the best of our ability.

Open 6 days a week (Thur - Tue) 8am -16pm Montville, 168 Main street 0429065809

4 February - March 2019

We invite you to pop in to our licensed daytime restaurant Dining on the Deck next time you escape to the hinterland and see for yourself why the good people of the Sunshine Coast area chose us for this award. We would love to share the magic with you! To check out the award listing use this link https://www.agfg.com.au/accommodation/secrets-onthe-lake-12911. For more information please contact our friendly staff on 07 5478 5888 or email info@secretsonthelake.com.au or visit www. secretsonthelake.com.au

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland

Connect with food and nature on the deck

Dine on the iconic deck overlooking Lake Baroon, the service is second to none, chances are you will meet George wondering around the restaurant spoiling his guests. Make sure you book before you go. Call Secrets on 5478 5888.

Maleny Tropical Retreat @malenytropicalretreat

DINING on the Deck is a truly special place, situated in the lush rainforest canopy right on the shores of magnificent Lake Baroon with panoramic views of the water, mountains and rainforest. This intimate connection with nature is enhanced by the incredible food that is prepared in house by our top chef Mathew Law and served by our cafe manager Di Dennis and her passionate team of helpers.

The new Autumn Winter menu kicks off from March 1st and has embraced the fantastic flavours of the Sunshine Coast region with fresh local produce and a huge range of Vegetarian and Gluten Free choice’s available. The current Summer menu has been elevated to another level for LOVE MONTH in February and now includes some mouth-watering specials available daily to help you celebrate love and friendship.

07 5435 2113 540 Maleny-Montville Rd MALENY

Maleny Tropical Retreat Ranked 3rd for accommodation on the Sunshine Coast and 24th for Queensland by Trivago.

This unique Balinese luxury retreat creates tranquillity and harmony, including private walking tracks to the Obi Creek.

Providing spectacular views, the accommodation ranges from new villas to B&B suites and cabins. Highly ranked on TripAdvisor.

Dining on the Deck daytime restaurant is the culmination of owner Aldy Johnston’s lifetime’s devotion to culinary delights and creative healthy cooking. But of course, in a family of artists and dreamers it could never be ‘just a café’, the restaurant exemplifies just what magic can happen when an artist touches wood with the right chisel in his hand, and a dream is allowed fruition. The cafe has been crafted with our trademark exquisite carvings and attention to detail. You may even find a unique gift for that special someone in our Art Gallery.

Dining on the Deck has a fully licensed bar, stocked with a fine selection of spirits, wines, beers and cocktails. We are open six days a week, from Tuesday through to Sunday, from 8.30am until 4pm. Bookings are strongly advised as we do fill up quickly – call (07) 5478 5888.

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

malenytropicalretreat.com | unwind@malenytropicalretreat.com February - March 2019

5

sunshine coast hinterland

Fine Artisan Foods Discover and indulge in the freshest flavours and individual creativity of award winning chefs and food producers

Kenilw th D A I R I E S

u d de rly deli

ious cious, udderly nutrit Photo By Leeroy Todd Photographer

6 February - March 2019

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland

Discover breathtaking views and spectacular species

Kondalilla Falls is near Montville, a family friendly location with great views of the rainforest valley. Listen out for the abundant bird life, and keep a look out for some wallabies.

A VISIT to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland would not be complete without visiting the spectacular Kondalilla Falls which is located inside the Kondalilla National Park near Montville.

Kondalilla National Park is 327 hectares of land featuring hiking tracks, spectacular mountain views, unspoilt rainforest and the breathtaking waterfall, where Skene Creek plummets 90 meters into a rainforest valley below.

Kondalilla is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘rushing waters’ and describes the park’s waterfall during the summer wet season.

Kondalilla National Park a great place to go bushwalking, have a picnic, or cool down in the rock pool near the waterfall.

The park and waterfall also offer spectacular photographic opportunities – so don’t forget to bring your camera and appropriate footwear so you can explore the walking tracks which vary in degrees of difficulty.

Above the falls, tall open eucalypt forest mingles with rainforest species in wetter areas.

A drier forest grows on the western escarpment, featuring casuarinas with a grass tree understorey.

This spectacular parcel of land is an important refuge for many animals and plants including the rare pouched frog, Assa darlingtoni and the bopple nut, Macadamia ternifolia, which is vulnerable to extinction.

More than 107 species of birds and 70 species of reptiles, plus 32 species of frogs have been seen in the park and recorded from the nearby ranges.

Kondalilla National Park is open to the public and provides toilets, barbeque facilities, lookouts and walking tracks.

The park is close to a range of accommodation providers and other tourist attractions including farms, cottage industries, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and retailers who provide that unique experience only available when you visit the Hinterland.

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

February - March 2019

7

sunshine coast hinterland

The facts about Medicinal cannabis

By Richard Bruinsma

A LOCAL expert in cannabis and its health benefits will hold a number of public talks about the controversial issue in Sunshine Coast Council libraries in coming months.

Stephen Parka, a business partner in the Cannopathy outlet at Montville, said the issue was incredibly convoluted, with some 750 known strains of cannabis, a wide range of technical information as well as misinformation in the public realm, and still many unknowns about many of the strains.

“What we will be talking about will be very much to the point and will help people understand the very basics of cannabis, will help them understand where it’s medicine and where it’s not,” Mr Parka said.

“And also to help them understand how to go about it if they feel they need to pursue that… who to speak to, what doctors, what the processes are , the forms involved are, the access clinics, specialists and all that sort of thing.

WHOLE PLANT / MULTI PLANT SOLUTIONS

we haved move

www.cannopathy.com

169B Main St, Montville, Qld 4560 Phone: 07 5478 5957 OPEN 7 DAYS:

Mon & Tues: 11am - 4pm, Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm

“People should be able to walk away from that having a very good understanding as to what constitutes cannabis, what’s the difference between medical, recreational, food grade, industrial, clothing, all those sorts of things.”

Sunshine Coast Council clarified that hosting the talks in the public libraries should not be seen as an endorsement.

“Mr Parker will discuss the healing properties of Hemp oils and products,” a Council spokesperson told the Gazette.

“He is advocating for people to get facts.” “…the core function of libraries … is to provide public access to information that enables people to make informed decisions on any subject matter”.

“The role of libraries to provide a space where the community can be given the opportunity to discuss and reflect.”

Mr Parka said the planned talks come only after a lengthy process that included numerous interviews and assessment of the planned subject matter of the talks.

“The biggest concern was that there was no one who’s been able to present a valid or feasible, or appropriate presentation of information, to go along with the depth of subject,” he said.

8 February - March 2019

“There are a lot of people talking, but there’s no one that’s been given an agreement or an approval, as such, and what excites me about that

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland handmade montville fudge

Stephen Parka, an expert in the health benefits of cannabis and cannabis oils, will host talks about the controversial and convoluted topic in Sunshine Coast Council libraries.

Photo: Richard Bruinsma

• fine fudge • lollies • ginger • macadamias • soft nougat • souvenirs • corporate functions • weddings • gifts

All fudge is made right here on the premises

Owned by a local family, employing local people

The ORIGINAL and the BEST since 1996 is that they’ve seen the context of what we talk about and what we discuss, and our approach to cannabis in general.

Voted Montville's

“Most Popular Business"

“It’s exciting to us because we get to talk about what we know and what we do, but at the same time we’re also excited that they understand that we’re to the point, we’re not talking about whether or not it should be recreational; we like to be able to give people the proper amount of information to help them make informed decisions about their health, and to rule out things that will get people into trouble.”

in the 2013 Town Proud Campaign

Mr Parka noted there were hundreds of cannabinoids in cannabis plants but more than 480 cannabinoids known to science – some types are actually produced in other plant species and some in the human body – and a very small number has actually been thoroughly tested for any specific health benefits.

Mr Parka has previously presented at expos and at community groups.

His local talks are expected to be held at SCC libraries around May and June.

HOP IN! We have EGG-CEPTIONAL

Easter Treats!

12 / 168 Main St, MONTVILLE www.fudgyboombahs.com.au Bulk Orders Available

07 5478 5455 OPEN 7 DAYS 10am - 5pm

Free Shipping within Australia (orders over $100)

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

February - March 2019

9

10 February - March 2019

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

February - March 2019

11

12 February - March 2019

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland

A world of indulgence on a plate

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

February - March 2019

13

sunshine coast hinterland

The journey to Kenilworth’s ever-changing Strangler Cairn is worth the effort

The mysterious Strangler Cairn art installation in Conondale National Park.

By Richard Bruinsma

THE first word to come out of my mouth when I first laid eyes on the Strangler Cairn in Conondale National Park, quite honestly, was “wow”.

I had trudged for around one hour, along rainforest tracks that were somewhat poorly maintained and lacking in signage – even getting lost at one stage - and I was feeling a little grumpy when I approached the bright open clearing that is home to what is a unique work of art.

There, the Strangler Cairn appeared suddenly through the clearing. It is an imposing sculpture, standing 3.7metres tall, in the shape of a giant egg, and created by piecing together hundreds of chiselled rocks sourced from a nearby quarry.

The secluded artwork, deep in the forest, is unique in that it is not exactly finished. It will likely never be finished.

On the very top of the cairn is a Strangler Fig sapling, which has been placed here with the aim that, as it grows bigger, its roots will become entwined with the rocks and influence how the structure evolves and changes over time. Perhaps the cairn will be encased by the fig’s roots, or perhaps broken up as hair-thin roots expand and push the rocks apart - the changes are at the whim of Mother Nature.

The sapling today is around 40cm tall, so it will take years before it has a major influence on the cairn, but that is part of the attraction. It also means repeat visitors to the structure will never quite know the changes

Our iconic dining and events venue is perfectly positioned with coastal views stretching from Noosa to Moreton Island. Join us Wednesday through Sunday for lunch or our Famous High Tea, and Friday and Saturday for dinner.

14 February - March 2019

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland

Camphor Cottage Café CAFÉ • GALLERY • GIFTWARE

The Garden Enjoy brunch, lunch, sweet treats or our popular Devonshire Teas in our delightful garden. Dogs are welcome to bring their owners.

The old gold mine in Conondale National Park

Our Gallery We have a permanent exhibition of the artwork of Dr. Seuss featuring his well loved characters – the Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, The Grinch, Horton and many more as well as his lesser known ‘Secret Art’ Delight the children or take a walk down memory lane.

The Strangler Cairn, with its stranger fig at its top.

they will notice on each return visit.

We stock a unique range of Giftware • Humorous K Design • Quirky Imagine Ellie • Hand painted Happy Hens • Intriguing Framed Butterflies and Bugs • Intricate U Gears Models and much more!

The Strangler Cairns was created in 2011 by English artist Andy Goldsworthy, who is known globally for his works created in natural and often remote environments.

The work was positioned beneath a clearing in the rainforest canopy caused when a massive fig crashed to the ground; fittingly, the sapling was grown from a cutting of this fallen tree.

I had heard conflicting reports of the difficulties accessing the unique structure, so I decided to trek there myself and record my personal observations.

The walk to the Strangler Cairn was not physically difficult, although it would require at least a moderate level of fitness. Along the route, I counted four small rock staircases of around five steps each. There are a small number of steeper sections along the walk and also some quite narrow sections of track, but nothing overly extreme in my view.

Children aged around 10, for example, would enjoy the walk and should also have no difficulties with any of the terrain.

There is also no phone signal for much of the walk, so it’s advisable to switch your phone to airplane mode to avoid wasting battery power as the phone searches relentlessly for a signal.

A visit to this unique and ever-changing sculpture is well worth the effort.

It’s a beautiful walk that winds through thick forest and regularly along a creek bank, keeps the heart pumping nicely, and has a unique and rewarding payoff at its final and stunning destination.

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

Camphor Cottage Café Something for Everyone

190 Main Street, Montville Qld 4560 | 0428 580 555 | February - March 2019

15

sunshine coast hinterland

SC beekeepers to build info and research centre Sunshine Coast Beekeepers Alby Taylor in action demonstrating how to de-cap a frame and extract honey at the Sunshine Coast Show at Nambour. Photo: Sunshine Coast Beekeepers

A transparent hive to observe the activity of the bees.

Photo: Richard Bruinsma

Sunshine Coast Beekeepers publicity officer Katie Livock and president Alby Taylor inspect a centrifuge that extracts honey from hive frames. Photo: Richard Bruinsma

By Richard Bruinsma

SUNSHINE Coast beekeepers have started to build the first stage of a new bee information and research centre, to support what is a fascinating and vital insect for our food production.

The information centre, at Yandina, will promote beekeeping and highlight the vital work of bees.

“We’re calling it the Centre of Excellence on all aspects of beekeeping,” Sunshine Coast Beekeepers president Alby Taylor said.

The first stage of the new centre is a simple shed and bee enclosure funded thanks to the Australian Government, Sunshine Coast Council and the beekeepers themselves - on a site on Farrell Street.

“It’s starting off as an introduction to beekeeping, where we will train new beekeepers and encourage new people to get involved in beekeeping,” Mr Taylor said.

“From then on, stage two will include a production line so that we can sell honey to the public and produce honey as a source of revenue.

“Stage three will be a reception area where we can demonstrate glass hives to people and, hopefully, have research facilities that will attract PhD students from Sunshine Coast University and any other university.”

Perhaps surprisingly, the production of honey is only about 1/140th of what bees actually do – their biggest value to the world – including food

16 February - March 2019

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland

Honey produced by Sunshine Coast Beekeepers. Photo: Sunshine Coast Beekeepers

production and the horticultural industry - is pollination.

“Without bees you won’t have avocados, you won’t have macadamias,” Mr Taylor explained.

“All those coastal crops that we depend on, depend on bees, so it’s important that the Sunshine Coast keeps it bee population healthy.

“It is estimated that one third of everything we put in our mouths depends on bees, so, lose the bees, the price of food will just skyrocket.”

The Sunshine Coast Beekeepers group runs beginner classes for those wanting to learn beekeeping, even for their back yard.

“We run through all the different diseases that bees get and hive management, things to recognise, questions to ask, things to look out for to try and maintain a healthy hive,” publicity officer Katie Livock said.

“Ultimately, we want to have healthy hives, and healthy bees, and sustain the environment.”

For more information, visit: www.sunshinecoastbeekeepersinc.org.au/

A modern bee hive, made from hardy plastic as an alternative to timber. Photo: Richard Bruinsma

Secrets on the Lake

A magical world of romance and creativity on your doorstep...

Amazing facts about the life of bees The Sunny Coast’s best kept Secret....

Luxury treehouse accommodation retreat by Lake Baroon at Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. A peaceful haven 40 minutes from Maroochydore Airport & just over an hour from Brisbane.

A place that is uniquely different from anywhere else. Situated on the shores of Lake Baroon and adjoining Obi Obi Gorge and The Great Walk. Many package options featuring our award-winning food. Retreat, canoe, bushwalk, visit iconic destinations or shop in Montville.

Bees are incredibly fascinating. Here are some interesting facts about life in a hive.

• There is no leader of the hive; the Queen, worker bees and drones just all work their roles and major decisions are based on need and are carried out together; • It takes around 12 bees their entire lives (about 7 weeks) to together produce one teaspoon of honey; • New prospective Queens are fed only royal jelly from birth. When the Queen hatches, she immediately kills unhatched rivals who were also being groomed for the position; • The new Queen flies straight up high into the air, where she mates with around 12 drone bees that were genetically strong enough to also fly high and keep up with her; on her return to the hive she never mates again but proceeds to lay about 2000 eggs per day (using the sperm she has stored in her body) for up to five years; • When the hive collectively believes the Queen’s eggs are not up to standard, the bees will kill her – pulling off her wings and suffocating her;

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

World class treehouse retreat for romantic getaways, special occasions, honeymoons, anniversaries & more... n Dining on the Deck daytime rainforest restaurant and Art Gallery with great food, great service &breathtaking lake views. n Wedding venues in our stunning gardens, rustic and rainforest settings, or waterfront, jetty and lake house settings. n Evening wedding receptions in our restaurant and art gallery. n

07 5478 5888 info@secretsonthelake.com.au www.secretsonthelake.com.au 207 Narrows Road Montville 4560

February - March 2019

17

sunshine coast hinterland

“From Paddock to Plate.”

Flamehill Winery is in Montville and famous for its stunning views, unique wines and sustainable production of the ingredients used in delicious meals. Open 7 days a week for wine tastings and Al fresco dining.

By Angus Richard

IN putting pen to paper on the subject of “from Paddock to Plate” I have to confess that like Me Too, crowd funding, toxic masculinity, search engine optimisation, butler’s pantries and pelvic floors, I had only the vaguest idea of the concept behind the name of what “from Paddock to Plate” really means.

We live in a digital society where we are bombarded through social media with the latest concepts, fashions and hip words. So often we lack the time to take on board any form of real understanding.

18 February - March 2019

It would seem we have achieved the intellectual vibrancy of day time television! We are transfixed on what sort of world will we leave to our children at the expense of what sort of children will we leave to our world.

All of which brings me back to the concept of “from Paddock to Plate” and my ignorance of the thought behind the idea.

Initially you could envisage someone with a shotgun from Goodna stomping across a field in pursuit of aeronautically challenged birds seeking to transform them into puffs of white feathers from which to extract a riddled carcass for consumption at home. A very basic if both noisy and messy concept of from paddock (to pot) to plate and unlikely to

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up

sunshine coast hinterland

Visit Kenilworth Dairies and experience the freshest, highest quality milk from their dairy farms in the Mary Valley. Try their ‘Udderly’ delicious and nutritious cheese, yoghurt and dairy foods.

be broadly adopted.

It then occurred to me that the essence of the concept might well be the simplicity of it. The idea of going forth at sunrise naked to stalk a lettuce in the kitchen garden, throw yourself upon it, slaughter it and consume for breakfast seemed to have a strong appeal specifically to those vegan and vegetarian herbivores amongst us. On reflection it loses its attraction in not delivering the thrill of the chase as lettuce are not known for their speed across the ground. Vegetables are living things but just easier to catch.

I came to the conclusion that this form of paddock to plate had a limited future as a sole entity. The growing and consumption of vegetables from your garden is certainly very attractive but is limited in its variety. I suspect an over indulgence of root vegetables on their own over an extended period could lead to anti-social outcomes like line dancing. I was once a vegetarian but gave it away when I started leaning towards the sunlight.

Banging a beast on the head in the proverbial back paddock to butcher and eat at home seems to full fill the geographic immediacy of paddock to plate. One minute “Daisy” is out there loved and pampered doing her reflective bovine thing and the next, somewhat unfairly, she’s in cry vac in the freezer. It would seem that the concept has an element of minimising processing, transport and preparation. Clive James appears to have succinctly summed this up when asked at a famous restaurant how he would like his steak shot back “Just knock off its horns and wipe its arse!”

Thus I was somewhat confused. There seemed to be any number of answers to the concept of “from paddock to plate”. To arrive at a conclusion was about as difficult as mustering cats.

I then had a “Road to Damascus” moment. I should seek help from our local oracle on all things food, Rob Outridge who owns and operates the brilliant IGA Supermarket in Maleny.

Rob was as anticipated patient, lucid and helpful. He explained it was all about being as close as possible to the grower or producer. This reduces the lunacy of avoidable transport costs. He has a retail mate in Bowen who found he was buying Bowen tomatoes from the Brisbane Markets and bringing them back up to Bowen to sell. These tomatoes were doing the round trip and will now certainly have enough frequent flyer points for a seven day escorted coach holiday in Portugal. Bowen tomatoes should be re-named “Grey Nomads” as they spend most of their time on the road.

It is of course all about freshness. When you pick or harvest a product it starts to die. The speed at which you get it to market determines the degree of death. If you are sourcing locally your product will be fresher and with less product loss due to spoilage and most importantly less transport costs and thus the price will be lower and the quality will be higher. The money stays in the local area and you are dealing with friends. The longer term underlying story is about sustainability.

Rob is proof positive that our hinterland growers, producers and retailers understand and practice this concept. So there you have it, the real story behind “from paddock to plate”.

If at the next P & C function some bright digitally self-absorbed young parent speaks in support of the truly daft fad of teaching feminist, gender and post- colonial theories to primary school children jump in smartly with your proverbial Bowen tomatoes and blow them away with the conceptual beauty and practicality of “from paddock to plate”. Oh and do please mention the Hinterland as a destination to experience it for yourself!

www.hinterlandtourism.com.au

AS UNIQUE

as you are.

Released from the rough, carefully shaped, and polished to perfection. It's rare, it's precious and utterly unique. There will never be another one like it.

We know that what we do is something very special because there is nothing quite like the moment when an opal captures your heart.

See the full collection in-store or online .

11 Ballantyne Ct, Glenview QLD 4553 (07) 5494 5400 opalsdownunder.com.au February - March 2019

19

28-34 Main Street, Palmwoods

PH: 1300 PALMWOODS

FREE Courtesy BusExtended Coverage

From 5pm Thursday, 4pm Friday & 12 noon Saturday & Sunday.

www.palmwoodshotel.com.au

Experience the Legend... for the best in steaks and& live music

•Family owned and family friendly hotels • Great food, specialising in local Nolan’s steaks (from Gym pie) and local Mooloolaba sea food • Great friendly service • NEW & FRESH live entertainment ever y Frida y and Saturday nights

Great Food & Quality Entertainment

PH: 1300 BEERWAH Cnr Mawhinney St & Beerwah Pde www.beerwahhotel.com.au

A Taste Of Country

Visit the Beerwah Hotel- it’s well worth the drive Tuck into our fabulous food.

FREE Courtesy Bus Ph 0448 123 700 Thursday, Friday & Saturday 20 February - March 2019

For a drink, for a meal, for the best in live entertainment...

Sunshine Coast Hinterland; Come On Up