Gympie Goes GourMAY

Image source: Contributed

Matt Golinski shares why he thinks Gympie is facing a gold rush of a different kind as he prepares for Gympie GourMAY.

In 1867, James Nash reported the discovery of gold in the Gympie region, an announcement that dragged Queensland out of a severe economic depression and quite possibly saved the state from bankruptcy. Now, 152 years later, Queensland benefits from a different type of gold coming out of the region.

Its fertile soils, temperate climate and consistent rainfall, its proximity to pristine and abundant fishing catchments, and a lot of very hard working, passionate food producers, make the Gympie region one of the most productive,  accessible and diverse food areas in Australia.

From the fruit and vegetables of the stunning Mary Valley to the vast pastureland of Kilkivan and Woolooga, and the calm waters of Tin Can Bay, the Gympie region offers memorable culinary experiences to all visitors no matter what part of the region they find themselves in.

Over the month of May, your taste buds will come alive as Gympie Regional Council presents Gympie GourMAY ‘Eat Local Month’, a celebration of the food, the towns and the people who make this place so special.

Farm Trails in the Cooloola and Mary Valley areas are a great way to see firsthand what is involved in getting our food from the paddock to the plate and meeting some colourful characters along the way.

There are dinners and lunches being held in every corner of the region, to suit all budgets and tastes, and the Mary Valley Rattler ‘Tasting Train’ leaves Gympie station every Tuesday for a gourmet trip to Amamoor and back.

The month wraps up with our annual ‘5 Chefs Dinner’, a five-course degustation at View Restaurant showcasing everything local and seasonal in the region.

As the food ambassador for the Gympie Region over the past five years, I have seen a vibrant food scene develop, driven by tireless producers who are proud of where they live and what they grow. ‘Eat Local Month’ is the culmination of all that hard work and a credit to them all.

So whether it’s riding a steam train, picking your own berries or rolling a pumpkin down a hill, be sure to make the journey out to the country and get involved in all the culinary adventures that GourMAY has to offer.

Want more?

Visit the Gympie GourMAY event page for details.

About the Author /

matt@innoosamagazine.com.au

Matt Golinski is a highly regarded chef with a passion for simple, produce-driven cuisine based on seasonal, fresh local ingredients. He is an active member of the Slow Food movement, a champion of artisan producers and a generous mentor to keen young chefs. He is the Food and Culinary Tourism Ambassador for the Gympie region; Ambassador and Advisory Executive Chef for Peppers Noosa; and a festival favourite.

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