Back on the mainland of Hervey Bay, visitors will be welcomed by the charming cluster of time-worn homes at the Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum. Watch demonstrations by a blacksmith, rope maker and corn sheller before pursuing a photography display, marine exhibition and more.
Known as the tiny town that saved the state of Queensland from declaring bankruptcy, exploring Gympie offers a glimpse into the region’s important gold mining history. The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum comprises of 30 displays in 15 buildings, providing a detailed look at the ‘Gold Rush’ that started here in 1867.
Venture from Fraser Island back to mainland Queensland for some culture, where the surrounding rural towns tell their stories and history through a collection of museums. Learn of the state’s gold rush in Gympie and peruse a time-forgotten general store transformed into a museum, not forgetting the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere and relics of the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.
While the rest of the world indulges in a Turkey for Christmas, Australians will more likely chow into prawns, lobster and bugs - seafood sits deep within the country’s culinary culture. Venture to Fraser Island’s Maheno Restaurant where you can try Tasmanian salmon fillet with a mustard lime or Fraser Coast prawns with tomato relish.
Best eaten at
Maheno Restaurant, Mercure Kingfisher Bay Resort, QLD 4655
When a naughty treat and fresh Australian fruits collide, you know you are onto a good thing. Layers of meringue and whipped cream make for a textured dessert delight, topped with numerous berries, passionfruit and occasionally kiwifruit. Take a day trip to Mavis’s Kitchen by Mount Warning for homemade free-range egg pavlova you’ll dream of forever.
Best eaten at
Coast Restaurant & Bar, 469 Esplanade, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655
Controversial though it may be, Australians eat their national animal! With kangaroo offered at many elite restaurants and in outback dining settings. With a staggering 44 million roos in the country - nearly double the amount of humans - sampling it at Seabelle on Fraser Island certainly won’t cause concern for extinction.
Best eaten at
Seabelle, Kingfisher Bay Resort, QLD 4581
Traditionally this may be an Italian dish, but parmigiana has well and truly established itself as an Australian favourite. Settle yourself in at The Sand Bar & Bistro for their famous slab of chicken lathered in a tomato sauce and topped with grilled cheese. Hot tip: The Aussies have abbreviated its name, look out for the word "parma" or "parmy" on pub menus.
Best eaten at
The Sand Bar & Bistro, Mercure Kingfisher Bay Resort, Kingfisher Bay QLD, Fraser Island QLD 4655
One of very few food items that Australians can call their very own, the yeast extract food spread of Vegemite is an acquired taste that makes many foreigners squirm. Found in just about every supermarket across the country, it should be spread lightly over buttered toast for the perfect Vegemite introduction.
Best eaten at
DIY at a local supermarket
From sampling one of the 44 million kangaroos in the country to indulging in prawns, lobster and bugs, Fraser Island delivers all the iconic meals of Australia. With all the time roaming the great outdoors you’ll have earned yourself a hearty dessert, best served in the form of a well-layered pavlova covered in a mountain of strawberries.
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Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent.
As we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect their custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country.
All trip prices are in AUD $
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