Alongside being a favourite weekend getaway destination for Brisbanites, the Darling Downs region is also home to some of Australia’s most prolific and diverse makers and mongers. From farms and orchards to cafes, breweries, and even catering companies that partner with hotels and venues, our local community of small businesses here in the Darling Downs produce foodie delights that are actually enjoyed far and wide.
Whether you’re staying locally or staying in Gold Coast accommodation and debating whether or not to head on a little day road trip down to Darling Downs, let this guide sway you in the right direction. Here’s where you should enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks when visiting Darling Downs.
As we all know, one of the best parts of road trips is taking pit stops to enjoy an authentic country pie. The combination of that savoury filling and fresh buttery crust so easily alleviates driver fatigue and growling stomachs.
But Goondiwindi’s own Goomeri Bakery is more than just a layover. Alongside providing freshly baked country pies with a range of different fillings (including salmon chowder, lamb and rosemary, and beef and peppercorn) and a variety of other pastries made in-house, the Goomeri Bakery also houses an assortment of locally made wares. You can purchase jams, spices, oils, sauces, and even freshly cut flowers, handmade and hand-painted mugs, and a variety of other locally made pantry goods, kitchenware, and home decor. So if you’re looking to pick up some practical souvenirs from artisans, Goomeri Bakery is a must-add to your Darling Downs itinerary.
Located in Goondiwindi, The Larder and its accompanying ‘Larder Market’ provide a similar atmosphere to the Goomeri Bakery – providing freshly baked country pies, paninis and cafe-style smashed avos, big brekkies, and other brunch favourites. On top of these, The Larder also offers expertly curated charcuteries and tartines for special occasions, including special offers on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
The adjoining Larder Market provides this Darling Downs cafe with another major selling point that attracts tourists and visitors year-round. Stocking locally made pantry goods like chilli-infused oils, at-home noodle kits, pre-packed artisanal bar nuts, and handmade candies, breakfast cereals, tonics, soda pops and more, the Larder Market is a veritable haven for anybody looking to bring some of the delights of the Darling Downs and surrounds back home with them. Be sure to make space in your travel luggage to bring a few bottles, jars, and packets home with you!
For a slight change of pace now, let’s highlight one of the Darling Downs’ most highly sought after catering companies: Monkey Business Catering. If you’ve ever attended a corporate event in a hotel on the Gold Coast and saw a little monkey chef decal on the side of the boxes, then you’ve already enjoyed a delectable package from the folks at Monkey Business.
As one of Darling Downs’ most highly regarded catering companies, Monkey Business Catering have made a name for themselves in providing hospitality enterprises across Toowoomba, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast with fruit and cheese platters, fresh pastries, finger sandwiches, and all the other tasty, freshly delivered staples that make up your continental breakfast. As these guys also cater for weddings and big parties, anybody looking to tie the knot or even celebrate an anniversary in Darling Downs will definitely want to give these guys a call.
And if you’re heading to the coast after your stay in Darling Downs, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that monkey chef decal in your hotels, cafes, and eateries.
If you’re visiting Stanthorpe (our local apple and orchard country) to take the kids to see Australia’s own Big Apple, then keep your eyes peeled for a big grey building that says ‘JUICE FACTORY’ in big white block letters. Follow this beacon across the road and it’ll lead you to Sutton’s Farm and coincidentally also Sutton’s Juice Factory!
Known for their artisanal apple juices, jams, butters, ciders, cider vinegars, and a range of fruit liqueurs, Sutton’s boasts both a gift store where you can purchase all these pantry goods, as well as cafe where you can enjoy a range of breakfast and lunch dishes that have been prepared with the family’s own wares. If you are stopping at the cafe for lunch, then you absolutely cannot leave without trying their famous apple pie, that’s served with a side of spiced cider ice cream and Sutton’s own apple syrup. With gluten-free options available, everybody can sample some of Sutton’s pastry and pantry delights.
Most families tend to visit Sutton’s on their way either back to the Gold Coast or back down south through NSW, depending on where you’re travelling from. It’s in this region, the Granite Belt that connects the Great Dividing Range to the Gold Coast hinterland, where you’re actually most likely to find Darling Downs’ own hidden gems.
Considering that there is plenty to see and do in the Granite Belt, we have to recommend staying at least a night or two before you conclude your Darling Downs getaway. That way, you can enjoy all the gastronomical delights of Sutton’s, the Heritage Estate Winery, and a range of other foodie havens that call this region home.
We also cannot in good conscience end this list of Darling Downs artisans feeding foodies statewide without at least mentioning the Granite Belt Brewery – because they’re not only feeding foodies, but hosting them too! With the Granite Belt Retreat attached for a woodland getaway, the Granite Belt Brewery hosts travelling families year-round in their 20 cedar cabins, all with rustic log fireplaces for the ultimate cold weather retreat.
Alongside exploring the brewery’s 30 acres of natural bushland, guests can also visit the bar and restaurant to sample some of their latest microbrew or enjoy a dinner that pairs perfectly with their wide range of ciders and craft beers. And best of all – the Granite Belt Brewery is not just kid-friendly but dog-friendly too, so the whole family can come along!
Found a few local haunts you’d like to explore across this list? Or are there some names here that you recognise from a Gold Coast pub, cafe, or even from the shelves of your own local grocery store?
Then come and sample these wares at the source! If any of these artisans have piqued your interest, be sure to add them to your next Darling Downs trip itinerary. Your tastebuds will thank you later!