The region’s farm-to-fork tourism offerings continue to grow with the official opening of The Orchard Table café at Macadamias Australia.
The tourism facility, which includes the café and the new Macadamias Australia Visitor Experience, was officially opened by Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy.
It’s been described as a $1.87 million Australian-first, delivered as part of the State Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
Macadamias Australia Director Janelle Gerry said the family business established in 1958 was proud to contribute to the Bundaberg Region.
“Our family is looking forward to adding this new seven-day-a-week visitor experience and cafe to the region’s growing tourism offering,” Ms Gerry said.
“To work alongside the iconic brands of Bundaberg to showcase what’s grown, made and produced right here in our backyard is something that we’re really proud of as a second-generation farming family.”
Mr Smith said the State Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund had invested $936,450 in the Macadamias Australia Tourism Experience.
“This is a new visitor attraction for Bundaberg and the Southern Great Barrier Reef for those with an appreciation for fresh food that you won’t find anywhere else in Australia,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s an Australian-first for macadamias.
“Macadamia Australia’s world-class centre is next to a working macadamia farm and gives visitors the opportunity to pick their own, be intrigued by the export processing plant and enjoy macadamia creations and gourmet local produce in the café or event space.”
He said many people may not realise macadamia nuts were native to the Bundaberg Region and were an important food source for First Nations Australians.
“The Macadamia Australia experience is predicted to grow to a $38 million a year enterprise for the recovery of Bundaberg’s visitor economy.”
Mr Healy said construction of the new 680m2 farm-to-fork tourism complex had supported local tradies.
“Creating this unique macadamia experience visitor centre created work for 37 tradies when they needed it most and has potential to support 20 operational jobs for the tourism industry,” Mr Healy said.
“This is tourism infrastructure that will deliver a fresh experience for Queensland and interstate visitors.
“We think it will also be a favourite with overseas tour groups once it’s safe to reopen Australia’s international border.
“With new attractions like the Macadamia Australia Experience coming online, we’re confident of building up to an extra 72,000 visitors for the Bundaberg Region.
“This is a terrific farm-to-fork attraction that’s worthy of visitor bucket lists.”
The Orchard Table café is located at the Macadamias Australia facility on 4625 Goodwood Road, Alloway.
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LOOKS GREAT HOW DO I MAKE A BOOKING AS I CANNOT FIND A PHONE NUMBER
Thank goodness you list where this complex is located at last. I have been wondering just where it was.