Explore iconic markets, award-winning wineries, artisan farms, and hidden culinary treasures on Queensland's most delicious adventure
Welcome to Cooee Tours' Sunshine Coast foodie tours, where Queensland's most spectacular coastal region comes alive through its incredible food and wine scene. The Sunshine Coast has emerged as one of Australia's premier culinary destinations, and our expertly curated tours showcase the very best this vibrant region has to offer.
From the legendary Eumundi Markets bursting with fresh local produce to the rolling vineyards of Montville and Maleny's renowned artisan cheese makers, the Sunshine Coast hinterland is a paradise for food lovers. Our guided foodie tours take you beyond the typical tourist experience, connecting you directly with passionate local producers, award-winning winemakers, and talented chefs who are shaping the region's exciting culinary landscape.
Whether you're a dedicated foodie seeking rare artisan products, a wine enthusiast eager to discover boutique vineyards, or simply someone who appreciates fresh, seasonal produce prepared with care, our Sunshine Coast food tours deliver unforgettable experiences that engage all your senses. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to showcase the region's seasonal bounty while providing insights into sustainable farming practices and the stories behind the food you'll taste.
Duration: 8 hours | Includes: Luxury transport, expert guide, multiple tastings, gourmet lunch, all entry fees
Our flagship full-day tour is the ultimate Sunshine Coast foodie experience, combining the best markets, wineries, artisan producers, and restaurants into one seamless culinary journey. This comprehensive tour showcases why the Sunshine Coast has become one of Australia's most exciting food destinations.
Detailed Itinerary:
This comprehensive tour is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts, couples celebrating special occasions, and anyone wanting to experience the full diversity of the Sunshine Coast's culinary offerings in one incredible day. Our small group sizes (maximum 11 guests) ensure personalized attention and the flexibility to adapt to your group's interests.
Book Gourmet ExperienceDuration: 4 hours | Includes: Premium transport, guided wine tastings, gourmet lunch with wine pairings
Perfect for wine lovers and those with limited time, this focused half-day tour concentrates on the Sunshine Coast's exceptional wine and dining scene. Experience the region's boutique wineries and sample carefully paired gourmet cuisine in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Detailed Itinerary:
This tour is ideal for wine connoisseurs, romantic getaways, and those who want to focus specifically on the region's exceptional wine culture. The afternoon timing means you can enjoy your morning at the beach before diving into this sophisticated culinary experience.
Book Wine & Dine TourDuration: 6 hours | Includes: Market shopping tour, hands-on cooking class, lunch you've prepared, wine pairings, recipes to take home
This interactive culinary experience is perfect for food lovers who want to get hands-on. Shop at local markets with a professional chef, then learn to create stunning dishes using your fresh purchases in a beautiful hinterland cooking school.
Detailed Itinerary:
This tour is perfect for aspiring home cooks, food enthusiasts who love hands-on experiences, and anyone wanting to take a piece of the Sunshine Coast's culinary culture home with them. You'll leave with practical skills, confidence in the kitchen, and tested recipes that showcase seasonal Australian ingredients.
Book Market-to-Table TourFamily-owned and operated since 2005, Maleny Cheese has become synonymous with premium Australian cheese. Their range includes everything from creamy brie to sharp aged cheddar, all crafted using traditional methods and milk from local sustainable dairy farms. During your visit, you'll taste multiple varieties while learning about the aging process, different milk cultures, and what makes artisan cheese special. The cheese makers are passionate about their craft and love sharing their knowledge with visitors. Learn more about Queensland's food and wine experiences.
The Sunshine Coast hinterland's elevation and climate create perfect conditions for cool-climate wines. Montville's boutique wineries produce exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Verdelho, and Shiraz that rival wines from anywhere in Australia. Many are small, family-run operations where you'll meet the winemakers themselves. They'll guide you through tastings, explain their winemaking philosophy, and share the story of their vineyard. The stunning mountain views from the cellar doors are an added bonus to the world-class wines. Explore more about Australian wine regions.
Operating since 1979, Eumundi Markets has grown into one of Australia's most famous and beloved markets. Every Wednesday and Saturday, over 600 stallholders showcase their wares, from fresh organic vegetables and tropical fruits to artisan bread, local honey, handmade pasta, and specialty coffee. The market is more than just shopping—it's a cultural experience where you can meet the farmers who grew your food, watch craftspeople at work, and discover products you won't find anywhere else. Our guides know the best stalls and the stories behind them, ensuring you discover hidden gems and taste the freshest seasonal specialties.
The Sunshine Coast's artisan chocolate makers are pushing creative boundaries, incorporating native Australian ingredients like wattleseed, bush tucker, and local fruits into their creations. Watch chocolate being made using traditional Belgian techniques, learn about bean-to-bar processing, and taste unique flavors you've never experienced before. From rich dark chocolates to creamy milk varieties and innovative flavor combinations, these small-batch producers create chocolates that are true works of art. Many also offer pairing suggestions with local wines and cheeses, creating a complete gourmet experience.
The Sunshine Coast's subtropical climate means incredible produce year-round, but each season brings its own special delights. Our tours are designed to showcase whatever is at its peak, ensuring you experience the region's ingredients at their absolute best. Learn more about seasonal eating on the Sunshine Coast. Here's your month-by-month guide:
Peak season for luscious mangoes, sweet pineapples, and juicy strawberries. The markets overflow with tropical fruits perfect for smoothies, desserts, and fresh eating.
Succulent peaches, nectarines, and plums are at their peak. Heirloom tomatoes in every color create stunning salads.
Papayas, mandarins, and passionfruit dominate. Last chance for summer's tropical bounty before autumn arrives.
Rich, creamy avocados and earthy mushrooms make a perfect pairing for market tastings and cooking workshops.
Warm, hearty vegetables ideal for autumnal dishes. Try pumpkin soup and roasted sweet potatoes on tour.
Spinach, kale, and oranges dominate. Perfect for fresh salads and juice tastings.
Strawberries, blueberries, and aromatic herbs shine. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and fresh herb tastings.
Delicious peaches, plums, and root vegetables appear. Sample roasted vegetables and seasonal tarts.
Oranges, lemons, and early strawberries emerge. Ideal for fresh juice and preserves.
Summer approaches with ripe mangoes, pineapples, and papayas. Join our tours for fresh fruit tasting.
Peaches, nectarines, and melons peak. Perfect for market tastings and farm visits.
Strawberries, mangoes, and lychees are abundant. Join festive tours and enjoy seasonal treats.
Planning your Sunshine Coast food adventure? Check out these helpful resources and related experiences:
All our tours include premium air-conditioned transport, an expert local guide, all tastings and food samples, gourmet lunch with beverages, and entry fees to all venues. You won't need to bring any money except for optional purchases of products you'd like to take home. We handle all the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. View our complete tour inclusions.
Absolutely! We cater to all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, and other specific needs. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking, and we'll work with our partner venues to ensure you have a wonderful experience with suitable alternatives. Our producers are experienced with various dietary needs and take allergies very seriously. Read our guide to dietary accommodations.
Not at all! Our tours are designed for everyone, from curious beginners to passionate food enthusiasts. Our guides explain everything in an engaging, accessible way without assuming prior knowledge. Whether you're looking to learn more about food and wine or simply enjoy delicious tastings in beautiful settings, you'll have a fantastic time. Many guests tell us they discovered new flavors and interests they never knew they had!
Wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for the weather and closed-toe shoes for walking. We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket (the hinterland can be cooler than the coast). A camera or phone for photos is a must—the views and food presentations are stunning! We provide water bottles, but feel free to bring a reusable one. You might also want a bag for any artisan products you purchase to take home. Check our complete packing list.
We keep our group sizes small with a maximum of 11 guests to ensure a personalized, intimate experience. This allows for better interaction with producers, more questions to guides, and flexibility in the itinerary. Yes, we absolutely offer private tours for couples, families, or groups! Private tours can be customized to your specific interests, dietary preferences, and pace. Contact us directly for private booking options and pricing.
The Sunshine Coast offers incredible food experiences year-round, but each season has its highlights. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer mild weather and abundant seasonal produce. Summer (December-February) brings tropical fruits and warm evenings perfect for wine tasting. Winter (June-August) features citrus fruits, leafy greens, and cozy meals. Our tours adapt to showcase whatever is at its peak, so any time is a great time! Read our seasonal guide.
The walking is light to moderate and suitable for most fitness levels. At markets, you'll stroll through stalls at a relaxed pace. Winery and farm visits involve short walks on relatively flat terrain. The Market-to-Table tour includes standing during the cooking workshop. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know when booking and we'll discuss the best tour option for you. We can make accommodations to ensure everyone enjoys the experience comfortably.
Children are welcome on most of our tours, though we recommend them for ages 12 and above to fully appreciate the experience. The Market-to-Table tour is particularly great for families with older children or teenagers who enjoy cooking. For wine-focused tours, while children can attend, the experience is primarily designed for adults. Please contact us to discuss which tour would be most suitable for your family.
Most of our tours operate rain or shine as the majority of experiences are indoors or undercover. In case of severe weather that makes travel unsafe, we'll contact you to reschedule or provide a full refund. The Sunshine Coast has a wonderful climate year-round, and light rain rarely impacts the tours. In fact, misty hinterland mornings can add a magical atmosphere to vineyard visits! Check our cancellation policy.
Yes! Most venues we visit have products available for purchase, and we allow time for shopping. Many guests love taking home artisan cheeses, local wines, handcrafted chocolates, preserves, and other gourmet items as souvenirs or gifts. Bring a credit card or cash if you'd like to purchase. Our guides can also advise which products travel well and make great gifts.
Booking is easy through our online booking system or by calling us directly. We require a deposit to secure your spot, with the balance due 7 days before the tour. For cancellations made more than 7 days before the tour, we provide a full refund minus a small administration fee. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable, but we'll try to accommodate rescheduling where possible. We recommend travel insurance for added peace of mind. Check our full terms and conditions.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Sunshine Coast's incredible food and wine scene. Here's what you need to know:
Have questions? Call us on 1300 COOEE TOURS or email info@cooeetours.com.au. Our friendly team is here to help you choose the perfect foodie experience. You can also visit our contact page for more options.
Experience the best of the Sunshine Coast's food and wine scene with expert guides, exclusive tastings, and unforgettable memories. Perfect for couples, groups, and passionate food lovers.
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