If you've ever wanted to get a taste for the wonderful fresh produce being grown in the Bundaberg Region then go on one of the popular Bundy Food Tours.
The half-day fully guided food and drinks tours visit family-owned farms in season and other food-related businesses such as a chocolate shop, coffee roaster, butcher, seafood market and sourdough bakery.
There's also a drinks tour on Saturday afternoons.
Qualified chef Suzie Clarke has been running the tours for about three years.
“I did a culinary tourism internship at Bundaberg Tourism in early 2016 as part of a Masters in Food Tourism that I was doing,” Suzie said.
“I learned that visitors to the region wanted to visit farms, learn about the region’s history and what is grown on farms now.
“I have a background in cookery and hospitality, as well as teaching cookery in the region for 12 years.”
Suzie said the tours normally operate with between five and 11 people. She also caters for groups up to 60 people for tailor-made visits.
There are three different scheduled tours each week visiting farms around The Hummock, out toward Elliott Heads, across to Alloway and others are on the north side of Bundaberg around Gooburrum and Moore Park Beach Road.
Last year Bundy Food Tours won silver for excellence in food tourism at the Queensland Tourism Awards.
Suzie said it's great having a job where she gets to meet interesting characters and taste local produce.
Morning or afternoon tea is provided on each tour and lunch at the end of Thursday’s tour.
Suzie said it's not just tourists who go along.
Local residents surprised and delighted
“We are well supported by locals, especially when friends and family are in town,” she said.
“They are often surprised but also delighted to learn what is going on around the region.
“Our producers are busy producing and don't often get out and about to promote what they do every day.
“Sometimes, we take them on the bus. They love coming on tour and being a part of what we do.”
Forty-eight out of 49 current reviews on Trip Advisor rate the Bundy Food Tours experience as excellent.
Jennifer from Sydney said she had a great time visiting working farms, speaking with the farmers and wandering around the crops.
“I also really enjoyed eating Tina's ice cream and passionfruits as well as Bruce and Carol's dragon fruit,” she wrote.
“All very yum; and thanks to Linda, I now have a lot more respect for the humble sweet potato and it's many sizes and varieties.
“Our day was completed with a trip to the Kalki Moon distillery where, after some tastings, I bought three bottles of gin and my travelling companions matched me.
“I know that Bundaberg is famous for its rum, but I love a good gin, so this tour stop was on my must-do list. Thanks to our guide Suzie for her love of Bundaberg and fresh food. She was fun and interesting to spend time with.”
