Where Good Things Grow at Alsahwa Estate
One of the jewels in the Sunshine Coast’s agritourism crown, Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers how a dream, a passionate team, and a whole lot of heart and soul are the secret behind Alsahwa Estate’s first year.
Sipping a botanical spritz under the green-and-white striped umbrellas outside ēthos restaurant at Alsahwa Estate, it’s hard to believe the transformation that’s taken place here in the past year.
When I first visited Alsahwa’s Palmwoods location after it moved from Verrierdale, the team spoke of their vision to create an immersive, welcoming place where people could gather, learn, feast and connect – both with each other and the natural world.
Fast-forward 12 months and Alsahwa Estate has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most exciting destinations, with a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, flourishing gardens, and conscious living and events space rolled into one very beautiful package. General Manager Michelle Clark has been at the helm from the early days, and said the first birthday was a chance to pause and acknowledge all they’ve achieved.
“A year ago, Alsahwa was a vision and a paddock. Today it’s a working farm, a restaurant with a real soul, and a gathering place for our community,” she says. “Our first year has taught us that regenerative hospitality isn’t a trend – it’s slow, generous work, and it’s only just beginning.
“Every guest, grower, and team member has shaped this first chapter. We’re proud of where we are, and clear-eyed about how much room there is to grow.”
There’s plenty on the horizon over the next few months, including some not-to-be-missed culinary experiences. First up, Alsahwa will be hosting the sold-out opening event for The Curated Plate 2026 – a special collaboration between Festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita and Alsahwa Head Chef Mal Meiers, combining storytelling, culture and food.
Set amongst Alsahwa’s tranquil gardens, Island Fire will feature cocktails, traditional dance, live drumming, a theatrical kottu roti demonstration with a shared Sri Lankan-inspired feast.
Every good farm needs pollinator pals, and Alsahwa’s apiary produces fresh honey that is spun and bottled onsite.
The return of the popular Bees & Brunch workshop will see guests donning Alsahwa’s iconic hot-pink bee suits for a morning of beekeeping, food and education.
Ēthos has now been established as a must-visit farm-to-plate destination restaurant, with a hyper-seasonal menu shaped by the spray-free produce growing in the estate’s own gardens, alongside partnerships with like-minded local producers.
Beyond the plate, Alsahwa Estate is flourishing, with more than 1,100 plants and trees added to boost biodiversity, improve soil health and encourage a deeper connection to nature. A multi-layered food forest is also in the works, while the installation of an incinerator toilet is a step towards the dream of being a fully regenerative property.
Inspiring the next generation will see the return of Honey Heroes workshop in July school holidays and a Kids Eco Day Out is planned for September. Wellness remains a key part of their philosophy, with the Wellness in Nature series recently relaunched beneath a tipi with a sound immersion by Kelly Landry. Farm tours and free composting workshops are on offer too, with more agritourism experiences to come. And given the dreamy gardens and magical atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Alsahwa is one of the most in-demand wedding locations around.
“Weddings at Alsahwa are bespoke at every scale – from full-Estate celebrations to intimate gatherings,” Michelle says.
Just as wellness starts in the soil, Alsahwa started with a vision – and for founder, Jo Walker, it was always about connection.
“When I first dreamed of Alsahwa Estate at Palmwoods, I imagined a community gathered around spray-free food, where every meal brings us closer to the land and to one another,” she recalls. “I imagined families wandering around our botanic-style gardens and learning new things through our workshops and events.
“That only comes to life through an extraordinary team, and ours has poured itself into every seed, every plate, every gathering. This place belongs to everyone who has shared a table, a season, or a story with us here.”
Gazing around on this sun-dappled afternoon, it’s hard to imagine the Sunshine Coast without Alsahwa Estate. Cheers to their inspiring first year – and all the growth and goodness to come.
DON’T MISS!
First Birthday Celebration on The Green
Free Event | Registration Required
Saturday 27 June
11:00am–3:00pm
Highland Kisses Farm Experience
Meet and interact with Highland cows, sheep and donkeys in a unique farm experience that is sure to delight guests of all ages.
Koala Crusaders
Learn about koala conservation, meet passionate wildlife advocates and enjoy interactive educational experiences celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic animals.
Live Music
Enjoy a live acoustic performance throughout the event while relaxing on the lawns and soaking up the atmosphere.
Food & Drinks Available
Grab a bite from our food trailer featuring picnic-style favourites and snack offerings. ēthos Restaurant is open all weekend, Saturday 11:00am–9:00pm and Sunday 11:00am–6:00pm, with a special birthday cocktail and dessert created just for the occasion.
Lawn Games & Family Fun
Enjoy lawn games and family-friendly entertainment at The Green and Agora across the Estate, with open spaces for everyone to explore and unwind.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Honey Heroes – 9 July
Bees & Brunch as part of The Curated Plate – 1 August
Visit www.alsahwa.com to register and sign up to the Alsahwa Estate enewsletter.
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