Take an educational tour and enjoy diverse tasting experiences along the way of local farms, wineries, breweries and cafes.

The Great Lakes Food Trail, which opens from 10am to 4pm, stretches from Bulahdelah to Forster, taking in Wootton, Bungwahl, Boolambayte, and Rainbow Flat stopping at 11 unique locations.

Sample the region's pasture-raised produce, artisan cheeses, craft beer, fine wines, seafood, sourdough, sweet treats and other local bounties.

Learn about the principles of ethical farming, straight from the producers themselves, who take pride in the humane production of wholesome food.

This year's trail will introduce new members:

Great Lakes Food Trail president and Topi Open Range farm owner, Sue Williams said: "We are very excited to see some new members on The Trail as well as some different ways of presenting some of our regular producers.

"Each Great Lakes Food Trail we love to showcase the results of all of our hard work to locals and visitors to the Great Lakes and to reinforce the values of the Food Trail.

"By opening our doors to visitors to educate them about our fresh and ethically grown produce, which is transformed into delicious treats, fine wines and beverages of the region, we are passing on the values of real food, grown locally.

"We are committed to ecologically sound economic and tourism growth for the area."

The growing popularity of the Bungwahl Public School program has seen a number of regular members working out of the school grounds - making it a "super stop" on The Trail.

Chef Sarah, Nadine the Cake Queen, Palms Microbakery, the Natural Deodorant and Topi Open Range will have their stalls at the School, complementing the autumn menu on offer at the school canteen (cooked and served by students).

The school will conduct formal tours of its garden, led by Nikki Dixon, the 2018 Australian Association of Environmental Educator of the Year.

Two wineries to visit, Old Inn Vineyard and Great Lakes Paddocks, craft beer tasting at The Coastal Brewing Company and recipes by local master fishermen at Our Fish in Forster.

Book a tour and taste authentic water buffalo mozzarella at the 2018 State Winners of Delicious Awards, the outstanding Burraduc Buffalo Farm in Bungwahl.

Head out to Bulahdelah for a visit to Yeo Farm to learn about how they raise their grass-fed Australian white sheep.

Travel along The Lakes Way to Boolambayte to wander through the grounds or sample high tea at Cath's Billabong Cottage.

Or enjoy morning, afternoon tea or lunch at the community-run Brush Turkey Café at Wootton, with displays by local artists.

The Great Lakes Food Trail was formed in November 2016 and incorporated as a not-for-profit association in December 2017 by a handful of local farmers and producers who share common values around real food.

Full details on The Great Lakes Food Trail, including opening times and information on how to

book can be found in The Great Lakes Food Trail brochure at local shops or visitor centres or visit the website.