Locals and visitors are encouraged to explore the region’s freshest produce, most delicious local brews and mouthwatering desserts along the Taste Bundaberg Festival Taste Trail.
The Taste Trail interactive map lists over 20 growers, producers and chefs who are selling direct to the public from their farm stalls and shop fronts.
Joining the Taste Trail, family-owned Hillwood Berries will open their farm gate fruit stall at Burnett Heads on Saturday 31 August, coinciding with the start of the Taste Bundaberg Festival.
Hillwood Berries Harvest Manager Anna Maslan said they jumped at the chance to invite visitors and the community to their Burnett Heads location and roadside stall.
“It’s a great opportunity to buy delicious berries that haven’t travelled anywhere except from the growing tunnels to the stall front!” Anna said.
“We love to connect with the community on a personal level.
“It’s not just about the berries on offer, it’s about building relationships and providing that connection from farm to customer.”
Hillwood Berries expanded from Tasmania to Avondale in 2021 to complement the Tasmanian growing season, with this year being the company’s first season at their Burnett Head location.
“Bundaberg offers a beautiful outdoor office with a climate that is suited to winter growing,” Anna said.
“It can be challenging working in remote areas which is why Bundaberg works so well for attracting and retaining talent to agricultural businesses in the region.”
Bundaberg Regional Council Tourism, Airport and Information Technology Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Steve Cooper said the Taste Trail was a good opportunity to support local growers.
“Bundaberg is Queensland’s food bowl and we are fortunate to have an abundance of fresh produce right on our doorstep,” Cr Cooper said.
“I encourage everyone, visitors and residents, to explore the Taste Trail and support our farming community by buying local.
“There are also tastings, tours and pick-your-own experiences that make exploring the Taste Trail a great time for the whole family.”
The Taste Trail map and guide is available here.
Taste Bundaberg Festival runs from 30 August to 8 September. See the full festival program here.
