Maria Pandalai On my recent visit to the Gold Coast, I discovered more to Australia’s ‘favourite playground’ than meets the eye. Sure, the Gold Coast has glorious beaches, thrilling theme parks and the magical hinterland, but did you know that the thriving food scene is shining through? And it’s not just about dining at restaurants and cafes – sometimes it’s all about the experiences.
Cheerful Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Pineapple Tours
For a gratifying full day out grab some friends and head to the hills for some unique wine tastings. The itinerary covers five varied locations with a pit stop for a delectable two-course gourmet lunch at the stunning Hampton Estate Wines. Witches Falls Winery, with an outdoor tasting combined with cheeses such as truffle triple cream brie, was a standout. The wine tastings were diverse from sauvignon blancs to sweet muscats – described by the hostess as “nan passed out on the couch”. The day ended strong with a tasting at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, modestly claiming the most awarded distillery in Australia. The lemon myrtle vodka teleported me back to my childhood years reminiscent of a Peters lemonade icy pole on a hot summer’s day.
Learn a Fruit or Two at Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah, NSW
One for the fruit fans and educational for both children and adults, this 200-acre luscious family farm will make you see fruit in a different light. I thought my knowledge of fruit varieties was good, but I was sadly mistaken. Yellow mangosteen, buddhas hands and acerola cherries are just some of the 500 fruits from around the world that your friendly guide will explain onboard your tractor train. The café is marvellous with a fruit inspired menu including items such as Jackfruit Nachos and Dragon Fruit Juices.
Get Your Cook on at Salt Meats Cheese, Surfers Paradise
Salt Meats Cheese located in downtown Surfers Paradise offers traditional and entertaining pizza and pasta making classes by appointment for those who like a challenge. Alessandro and his team will demonstrate the art of dough making and share their tricks of the trade for that perfect pizza and perfect pasta. The best part – putting your apron away and sitting down with a glass of crisp prosecco whilst devouring the meal you prepared. Indeed, one of those satisfying experiences to tell your friends about.
Master Cocktail Making Classes at Miss Moneypenny’s, Broadbeach
Have you ever fancied mimicking Tom Cruise in Cocktail? Then the cocktail making classes at Miss Moneypenny’s will have you shaking, stirring and straining like a professional mixologist in no time. Meet your expert mixologist upon arrival while you sip on a welcoming glass of chilled sparkling wine. The interactive demonstration then commences, which includes making three cocktails of your own. It may sound straightforward but by the end of the class your take home skills coupled with the energetic experience will be eternally remembered.
The writer was a guest of Destination Gold Coast.
