If you need a reason to head to the Sunshine Coast this winter, here it is. The Curated Plate 2025 is back from July 25 to August 3, transforming one of Australia’s most abundant regions into a smorgasbord of culinary experiences. This isn’t just another Queensland foodie event — it’s a deeply local, wildly delicious celebration of land, sea, and the stories in between.
The Curated Plate 2025: A Sunshine Coast Food Festival Worth Packing Your Appetite For
From trawler tours to fire-cooked buffalo, pottery workshops to paddock picnics, this Sunshine Coast food festival invites you to go beyond the plate and into the heart of the region. With over 60 events — and more still to be announced — it’s a chance to turn your gourmet weekend getaway into something utterly unforgettable.
At the helm is Peter Kuruvita, one of Australia’s most beloved chefs, who’s taken the reins as Culinary Director and helped shape a program that’s all about connection to community, culture, and the rich pantry that is the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s not just a food festival — it’s a full immersion into the land and sea, the culture and community,” says Peter Kuruvita. “We’re showcasing what makes the Sunshine Coast so special, from sustainable seafood to mountain-grown buffalo curd, and doing it in places most people have never even heard of.”
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Getting to the Sunshine Coast
Nestled along Queensland’s sparkling coastline just 100km north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is where rolling hinterland meets golden beaches — and in July, it serves up crisp blue skies and mild sunny days that are practically begging for long lunches and barefoot beach strolls. Getting here is a breeze: fly directly into Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, or cruise up the Bruce Highway if you’re road-tripping from Brisbane (just 90 minutes away). Whether you land by plane or pull up with snacks and playlists, you’ll arrive in the heart of one of Australia’s most delicious destinations — no winter woollies required.
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Plan Your Sunshine Coast Trip
- Cheap flights
- Savings on accommodation from hotels to luxury hotels
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- Affordable car rental options
- Great destination touring options
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This Sunshine Coast Food Festival is About More Than Just Good Eating
Stretching from coastal docks to hinterland hills, The Curated Plate 2025 is a vibrant reflection of the region’s producers, distillers, chefs and growers. It’s a festival designed not just to taste, but to experience — and that’s what sets it apart from other winter food festivals in Australia.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the creek, cooking with First Nations guides on the sand, or discovering the hidden seafood stories of Mooloolaba, you’ll be doing more than just dining — you’ll be connecting.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing where your food comes from and hearing the stories behind it,” says Peter Kuruvita. “Many chefs I’ve spoken to didn’t even realise how many producers were right in their own backyard.”
This year’s program brings together every corner of the Sunshine Coast, with experiences for all tastes and budgets — from intimate dinners to community feasts, twilight markets and even a visit from Bluey for the little foodies.
Top Events at The Curated Plate 2025 – Pick Your Gourmet Weekend Getaway
There’s a Queensland foodie event for everyone, whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a fireside feast, or a scenic cooking experience under the stars. Here are five standout events, personally picked (and praised) by Peter Kuruvita.
Sunshine Coast Trawler to Trade – Saturday July 26, 9 am – 12.30 pm.
Why Go: A behind-the-scenes look at the region’s thriving seafood industry — walk the docks, meet the fishers, and learn what really happens before the fish hits your plate.
Peter Kuruvita’s Tip: “People don’t realise how world-class our seafood is — or that not one can of tuna on Aussie shelves is Australian. This tour changes that.”
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The Curated Plate Asian Food Festival
Mooloolaba Seafood Market Day – Sunday, July 27, 2 to 5 pm.
Why Go: A lively, hands-on experience where you can sample, shop, and chat with those at the heart of Sunshine Coast fishing.
Peter Kuruvita’s Tip: “Come hungry and curious — this is what a real Sunshine Coast food festival should feel like.”
Farm to Fork with Buffalo & Fire Pits – Friday, July 25
Why Go: Set at Yandina Station with hot air balloons, this event features fire pit-cooked buffalo meat sourced from a local Mooloolah Valley farm.
Peter Kuruvita’s Tip: “Buffalo is an emerging protein — light, lean, and incredibly local. We’re cooking it the traditional way, with flames, flavour, and stories.”
Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival – August 2 & 3, 12 – 5 pm
Why Go: Three of the Sunshine Coast’s hottest Asian restaurants — Tamarind, Rice Boi and Spirit House — team up for a two-day fusion feast set in the hills.
Peter Kuruvita’s Tip: “If Saturday’s sold out, go Sunday. It’s one of the most exciting Queensland foodie events I’ve seen in years.”
Bushtucker by the River – Friday July 26, plus 6 more dates
Why Go: An on-land version of the popular Saltwater Eco Tours featuring Indigenous storytelling, traditional cooking, and custom fire pits made by local engineers.
Peter Kuruvita’s Tip: “The fire pit cooking here is extraordinary — we’re blending old knowledge with new innovation, and everyone’s welcome around the flame.”
More Festival Finds
- Twilight Sunshine Pantry Market at Vigeria – A charming community market tucked in the trees
- Banana Bender Pub Takeover – Whimsical fun with hearty eats
- Bluey at Kings Beach – Because family-friendly means foodies-in-training too
- Distillery Collabs – Taste the evolution of local gin, rum and vodka
From seafood market days to beer tastings in paddocks, The Curated Plate 2025 is redefining what winter food festivals in Australia can look like.
A Celebration of Connection – From Plate to People
More than just one of the best Sunshine Coast food festivals, this 10-day epic is about bringing people together — whether it’s chefs meeting new suppliers, guests learning about sustainable practices, or producers finally getting their moment in the spotlight.
“We’ve created a festival where everyone learns — chefs, diners, visitors, even locals,” says Peter Kuruvita. “There’s this incredible support network emerging. It’s not just a festival. It’s a movement.”
With local heroes like Saltwater Eco Tours, buffalo farmers from Mooloolah, and distillers making spirits from scratch, The Curated Plate 2025 celebrates the ingenuity of the region — and opens the door for food lovers to see it all firsthand.
Final Course: Book Early or Miss Out
Many headline events are already selling fast, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. Whether you’re chasing a family day out, a romantic fireside dinner, or the ultimate gourmet weekend getaway, this Sunshine Coast food festival delivers. Get in early and plan your escape now.
This is The Curated Plate 2025. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s ridiculously delicious. And it might just be your favourite of all the winter food festivals in Australia.
Find out more about The Curated Plate.
