From sun-kissed mangoes to freshly grilled Moreton Bay bugs — a local's guide to Queensland's most iconic and delicious foods.
Queensland's extraordinary geography — stretching from the tropical Wet Tropics rainforest to the sun-baked Outback and a coastline of over 7,000 kilometres — creates conditions unlike anywhere else in Australia for growing, fishing, and producing exceptional food.
The state is Australia's largest producer of tropical fruits, beef, and sugar cane, and its coastal waters yield some of the world's finest seafood. Add in a booming farm-to-table movement across the hinterlands and a multicultural food scene in Brisbane, and Queensland is quietly one of the most exciting food destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
Whether you're exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, diving into Brisbane's laneway cafés, or chasing fresh coral trout off the Whitsundays — this guide covers what to eat, where to eat it, and when to visit.
These are the dishes and ingredients that define the Queensland table — the flavours every visitor should experience at least once.
Queensland's most celebrated crustacean — a species of slipper lobster found only in Moreton Bay. Sweet, succulent tail meat best enjoyed grilled over charcoal with garlic butter. A non-negotiable for first-time visitors.
The Kensington Pride variety grown around Bowen and Mareeba is widely regarded as Australia's finest mango. Season runs October to February. Buy a box at roadside stalls for the full experience.
Australia's favourite native fish, barramundi thrives in Queensland's tropical rivers and estuaries. Pan-seared or baked, its large flaky fillets have a mild, buttery flavour that pairs beautifully with local citrus and macadamia salsa.
Wild-caught from Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria and Coral Sea, tiger prawns are a national obsession. Toss them on the barbie or enjoy them chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce. Best bought fresh from Mooloolaba or Brisbane's Fishmarket.
Originally from Queensland's subtropical rainforests, macadamias are the world's only domesticated native Australian food plant. The Sunshine Coast and hinterland produce exceptional crops — visit a farm gate to taste them freshly roasted and salted.
The cool, misty valleys of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Hinterlands host a growing collection of boutique dairies. Look for washed-rind beauties, aged cheddars, and fresh chevre — all best enjoyed with local fig paste and a glass of Queensland wine.
"Queensland's food isn't just about abundance — it's about terroir. Every mango, every prawn, every wheel of cheese carries the flavour of this extraordinary landscape."
— Cooee Tours editorial teamDifferent parts of the state offer dramatically different culinary experiences. Here are the standout regions for food lovers.
A cosmopolitan food hub with excellent Vietnamese, Japanese, and Modern Australian restaurants. Don't miss South Bank Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings and the Fish Market at Newstead.
Home to the celebrated Noosa Food and Wine Festival. Farm-to-table dining in the Hinterland, fresh prawns at Mooloolaba Wharf, and the Eumundi Markets every Wednesday and Saturday.
The gateway to tropical produce — lychees, rambutans, papaya, and the famous Bowen Mango. Night markets in Cairns feature a mix of Southeast Asian and Indigenous-inspired dishes.
Reef-fresh coral trout, red emperor, and crayfish define dining here. Airlie Beach has excellent waterfront restaurants, and sailing tours often include fresh-caught fish feasts.
Queensland's agricultural heartland — world-class beef, free-range pork, and grain production. Visit Warwick or Toowoomba for heritage-style restaurants celebrating paddock-to-plate cuisine.
Artisan cheese makers, avocado orchards, winery cellar doors, and boutique restaurants surround the ancient Lamington rainforests. A 90-minute escape from the tourist strip worth every kilometre.
A curated list of standout venues by food type — independently selected by Cooee Tours guides.
| Food Type | Recommended Venue / Location | What to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Moreton Bay Bugs | Gambaro Seafood, Brisbane | Grilled bugs with garlic butter |
| Tiger Prawns | Mooloolaba Wharf, Sunshine Coast | Chilled fresh prawns by the kilo |
| Barramundi | Ochre Restaurant, Cairns | Pan-seared barramundi, native pepper |
| Tropical Fruits | Rusty's Market, Cairns | Bowen mango, rambutan, dragon fruit |
| Artisan Cheese | Kenilworth Country Foods, Hinterland | Aged cheddar & vintage gouda |
| Beef Steak | Black Hide Steakhouse, Brisbane | Darling Downs wagyu, grain-fed |
| Macadamia | Macadamia Castle, Nambour | Farm-gate roasted nuts & ice cream |
| Pineapple | Big Pineapple Farm, Woombye | Fresh cut pineapple & tours |
Eating in season means better flavour and better value. Queensland's tropical and subtropical climate creates distinct food seasons worth planning around.
Early mango season, lychees, macadamia harvest, coral trout fishing peaks. Eumundi and Noosa food festivals.
Peak mango & pineapple season, rambutans, reef prawns. Hot and lush — ideal for tropical fruit indulgence.
Avocado season peaks, passionfruit, cheese-making season, craft beer events, Darling Downs beef harvest.
Perfect weather for outdoor markets, strawberry season (Wamuran), Moreton Bay bugs at their fattest, cellar door visits.
Maximise your Queensland food experience with these on-the-ground insights from our tour guides.
Cooee Tours combines world-class scenery with authentic culinary experiences. Join a guided food & scenic tour and let local experts show you the real Queensland.
Explore Queensland Tours Ask a QuestionQueensland is most famous for Moreton Bay bugs, wild-caught tiger prawns, freshwater barramundi, Bowen mangoes, macadamia nuts, and locally produced hinterland cheeses. The state also leads Australia in beef and sugar production, and is home to some of the country's finest reef fish.
Queensland mango season peaks from October through to February, with November and December being the absolute prime. Bowen and Mareeba in North Queensland are the most renowned growing regions for the prized Kensington Pride variety.
Moreton Bay bugs (Thenus orientalis) are a species of slipper lobster found only in Queensland's Moreton Bay. Only the tail meat is eaten — it's sweet, firm, and more delicate than regular lobster. They are best enjoyed split and grilled with garlic butter, served with crusty bread and a wedge of lemon. Look for them at Brisbane's seafood restaurants or fresh at the Fish Market.
Yes! Cooee Tours offers a range of guided food, wine, and scenic tours across Queensland. These include visits to hinterland farms, artisan cheese makers, coastal seafood restaurants, local markets, and Indigenous food experiences. Tours depart from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, and the Whitsundays.
Queensland is Australia's largest beef-producing state, and the Darling Downs region is particularly celebrated for its grain-fed wagyu and Angus cattle. Many of Australia's top steakhouses — including Brisbane's Black Hide — source exclusively from Queensland producers. The combination of climate, pasture quality, and farming traditions creates exceptional marbling and flavour.
Continue planning your Queensland adventure with these related guides and tour pages.
Browse all guided Queensland experiences — scenic drives, island hopping, and cultural immersion.
What to see, do and eat in tropical Cairns and the surrounding Far North region.
Snorkelling, diving, and day trip guides to one of the world's natural wonders.
Explore food guides for every Australian state — from NT bush tucker to Tasmanian seafood.