A new food trail is connecting the community with the producers of the Great Lakes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This June long weekend, producers and cafes are opening their gates and doors on Sunday June 11 from 10am to 4pm.
The Great Lakes Food Trail is a collaboration between Topi Topi Sustainable Farming Group, Karuah and Great Lakes Landcare and MidCoast Council Great Lakes Tourism.
Producer and organiser Sue Williams of Topi Open Range Farm said the aim of the event, which started in April, is to connect local and ethical producers with the community each season.
“The April event went really well. The response was overwhelming and we were extremely busy,” she said.
“A lot of the comments we received were ‘we didn’t know you were here’ or ‘we didn’t know we had this available locally’. We achieved our mission of showing people where to buy seasonable products at the farmgate.”
Producers can choose to be part of the trail each season, depending on the availability of their products.
Sue said the event is great for kids who get to see where food comes from.
The food trail will include:
Lucy Land Merino Farm at 9150 Pacific Highway, Bulahdelah from 10am to 4pm.
With the health and wellbeing of the sheep as the top priority, this ethically managed Merino farm will have you jumping for joy. Explore the farm and feed the chickens and sheep. Take home 100% Australian produced super fine merino wool, pasture raised meat and free range eggs.
Seasonal produce is available for purchase at farm gate prices. Free entry.
Old Inn Road Vineyard at 441 Old Inn Road, Bulahdelah from 10am to 4pm.
Pairing organic principles and great winemaking partners, this vineyard has a passion for producing beautifully crisp, clean and vibrant wines from Verdelho, Chambourcin and Dolcetto grapes.
Stop in for a tasting experience with a picnic hamper available for purchase. Free entry.
Wootton Guest House at 1 Worth Street, Wootton
Book a stay in this comfortable and environmentally friendly bed and breakfast in the hinterland of the Great Lakes. Enjoy modern facilities and locally sourced produce during your stay.
The Brush Turkey Café at 1633 Wootton way, Wootton from 10am to 3pm.
Constructed entirely with volunteer labour over a period of four years this volunteer built, not for profit, café provides a meeting place for the community and supports locals with supper nights, food swaps and events. Open for morning tea, light lunch and afternoon tea. Free entry.
Great Lakes Paddocks at 115 Herivels Road, Wootton from 10am to 4pm.
Great Lakes Winery has rebranded itself to Great Lakes Paddocks to express the broader offering of this agri-tourism business and venue. While the passion of grape growing and winemaking has been the primary business since 1989, diversification into grass-fed Angus beef cattle, together with growing and sourcing local produce and creating a venue for events has made Great Lakes Paddocks a popular destination for foodies. Enjoy a local produce grazing plate paired with a delicious Great Lakes Wine and stay for "Back Paddock Music" from 1pm to 4pm. Entry is $15 per person (under 13 free).
Topi Open Range Farm at 1443 (via 1441 or 1445) Wattley Hill Road, Bungwahl from 10am to 4pm.
Nestled in the hinterland of Seal Rocks, this family farm raises chickens and alpacas on open green pastures. The focus of this holistically managed farm is the humane production of wholesome food. Seasonally available organic produce is available for purchase at farm gate prices. Free entry.
Also featuring:
- Chef Sarah for beautiful, feel good food, prepared with passion and attention to detail. Unprocessed, fresh, whole foods that are when possible organic and locally grown.
- Little Creek Farm a permaculture property from Wootton that grows fresh local fruit, vegetables and herbs using organic methods without the use of chemicals.
- Nadine The Cake Queen where you will find a dessert for every occasion. Nadine’s delectable treats are lovingly made with the finest ingredients from local producers.
- The Natural Deodorant are hand made locally from all natural ingredients. We make a range of chemical free, aluminium free natural deodorants that really work, with no nasties!
- We also have a range of face and body products which contain high quality and certified organic ingredients.
- The Palms Sourdough to delight in beautiful and nourishing artisan breads, made with organic grains and flours, using ancient techniques.
Tianjara Eco Home and Garden at 93 Tarbuck Park Rd, Tarbuck Bay from 10am to 4pm.
This hand-crafted mud-brick home showcases self-sustainability and chemical free living. Refreshments available for purchase that feature produce from the organic gardens including morning tea, hot lunch and afternoon tea. Homemade preserves and organically grown seasonal produce are also available for purchase. Free entry.
Kingfisher Café at 285 Boomerang Drive, Blueys Beach from 6pm.
Every dish has a story at Kingfisher Café, whose menu features seasonally available local and ethical fresh produce. Open for Dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6pm. Bookings are essential.
Laura Polson
Journalist with the Manning River Times.
Journalist with the Manning River Times.
