Plenty of Sunshine Coast producers open their gates to visitors: we’re talking tomato growers, strawberry farmers and cheesemakers.
But have you ever heard of a farm that grows Feijoas? More importantly, what are they? And how do you pronounce the tongue-twisting name?
This exotic fruit is certainly a mouthful in more ways than one. Hailing from the mountainous regions of South America, Feijoas are produced on a big scale in New Zealand – but Australia’s only certified organic growers can be found on an idyllic farm called Hinterland Feijoas, near Belli Park.
During harvest time in March, Sally Hookey and her husband sell fresh fruit by the case to the public. Fans say the taste is a mix of pineapple, apple, strawberry and lemon.
Visitors can also pick up fruit-based goodies like jams and condiments from the farm shop, and stay on for a country lunch served from the owner’s beloved retro caravan, “Myrtle”.
Kids can mingle with the mini-goats and mini-ponies on the property while mum and dad kick back with a coffee and a Feijoa-infused sausage roll, or sweet treat.
Throughout the rest of the year, Hinterland Feijoas offers superb “long table” lunches for between 10 to 30 people – including a farm tour.
About 20 minutes’ drive from Hinterland Feijoas is a farm-stay guest-house that offers a tranquil, rural retreat – just minutes from the artisan town of Eumundi and Noosa beaches.
It’s called The Eumundi Dairy – but don’t panic: you won’t be bunking in with Flossy or Mabel.
What used to be an old dairy farm has been transformed into two beautiful accommodation options – a renovated milking building that offers comfortable and stylish quarters for up to eight people, and the original homestead, a charming characterful Queenslander which sleeps up to six.
The Eumundi Dairy & Homestead can be booked separately or together – making the property a great option for big family celebrations. There’s plenty of room for the kids to roam, a Monet-inspired bridge over waterlily lagoons, a century-old fig tree and boardwalk, plus an authentic wood-fired pizza oven for family feasts.
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Being so close to the little hinterland town of Eumundi, you’d be crazy not to pop into the community’s (and one of the Sunshine Coast’s) biggest attractions.
This year, the Original Eumundi Markets celebrate their 40th birthday. What began in 1979 with just three stalls and eight people has grown into an internationally-renowned artisan market that attracts 1.2 million people a year.
The markets are open each Wednesday and Saturday – and, before you browse the stalls, check out the historical display at Eumundi Heritage Centre – a snapshot of the markets’ first 40 years.
