Queensland Food and Drink

Proximity to sand, sea and subtropical climate make the food of this region sensationally special. Just outside the Brisbane city centre, in Fortitude Valley, New Farm and the West End exist a number of European, and Asian restaurants, bars and trendy cafés. There are also excellent places specialising in modern Australian fare, which is usually a fusion of different cuisines, especially Asian.

Wineries are dotted around Queensland. The largest, Sirromet Wines, has an award-winning restaurant, while the 130-year-old Castlemaine Perkins alehouse brewery in Milton is worth a tour, especially on a hot and thirsty day.

Specialities

• Seafood is supreme in Queensland. Delicacies include Moreton Bay bugs, mud crabs, king and tiger prawns, mackerel, sea scallops and fresh barramundi.
• Delicious range of fruits, such as avocados, mangoes, pawpaws, pineapples, strawberries and bananas.
• Native Macadamia nuts are found in all kinds of concoctions including desserts, and in salads.

Drinking age

18.

Regional drinks

The local brand of beer that is also a popular lager in the UK is Castlemaine XXXX (or '4-X').

Queensland is the home of Bundaberg Rum, a sweet rum brewed with local sugar cane.