Earth Sentinels by Daniel Popper at Suara Festival

Cultural immersion doesn’t get much more fascinating than attending festivals in Asia and Western Australia, where festival-goers are just as likely to be locals as international tourists. From a rainforest to a UNESCO World Heritage site to artists’ studios, you might be surprised that some festivals in Asia and Western Australia are so special that you will happily plan your holiday around these eight unique festivals in Asia and Western Australia.

Suara Festival, Bali

In July 2024, the three-day Suara Festival, features the headline Australian act of Angus & Julia Stone, as well as Neil Frances, Youngr, Brandt Brauer Frick, Ramengvrl and Yung Raja. 2024 celebrates the music and cultural festival’s third anniversary, timed perfectly with the opening of Nuanu, a new satellite city on the Tabanan coastline designed as an integrated ecosystem with spaces dedicated to education, wellness, culture, art, high-end sustainable accommodation and nature-inspired living. Once you arrive, you have everything you need in one spot, such as high-end accommodation options (townhouses, houses, apartments & hotels), a beach club, working spaces, artist residencies and a studio open to artists to work in and then exhibit onsite in the art gallery. Showcasing acts across Indonesia, Southeast Asia and Australia across nine stages, it is very fitting that Suara means voice in Indonesian at one of the most epic music festivals in Asia.

Angus & Julia Stone, credit Suara Festival

Highlight: Experiencing this much-loved destination in a new light opens up a world of opportunities.

Where: Nuanu, Tabanan coastline, Bali

Stay: Nuana or at the new Holiday Inn in Canggu

Nuanu City, credit Suara/Nuana

Dates: 2025 dates to be announced

Details: www.suarafestival.com; www.nuanu.com

Orasare, Suara 2024

Nuanu City, credit Suara/Nuana

Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak

I loved the Rainforest World Music Festival so much that I attended it in twice, in 2023 and 2024. Held in Sarawak, Borneo, about an hour from the capital in Kuching at the Sarawak Cultural Village on the Damai Peninsula, 2024 celebrated the 27^th anniversary. As the name suggests at one of the most unique music festivals in Asia attracts artists from around the world, ranging from Cuban percussionists to an acrobatic act from Tanzania, to a rock band from the Maldives to the didgeridoo played to the backdrop of Balinese drums – the element of surprise is what makes this festival so eclectic reverberating around one of the oldest rainforests on earth.

Enthralled festival-goers at the Rainforest World Music Festival

Highlight: I’ve been a fan of the Gipsy Kings for as long as I can remember, so not only seeing them perform at the 2023 RWMF but also meeting them was one of those pinch-me moments.

Where: Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia

Stay: Damai Beach Resort or Cove 55

Dates: 20-25 June 2025

Further reading: You might enjoy these articles recounting my own experiences of the RWMF in the Common Thread – Guide to the Music Festival Inside the Rainforest and Have A Go News – A Borneo discovery enjoying the Sarawak serenades in the rainforest. Here is a link to my radio segment with Travel Writer’s Radio: Carmen Jenner Loves the Global Harmony at Rainforest World Music Festival Sarawak.

Details: www.rwmf.net

Havana Social Club electrifies the crowd at the Rainforest World Music Festival

Enthralled festival-goers at the Rainforest World Music Festival

Dates: 26 – 28 July 2024

Details: www.suarafestival.com; www.nuanu.com

www.timcampbellphoto.com

Margaret River Region Open Studios, Margaret River Region, Western Australia

This 16-day art festival is one of its kind in Australia, where over 140 artists open up their studios and invite the public in for a unique perspective of their process of painting, pottery, printmaking, sculpting and photography, and a few unexpected surprises. The Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS) spans across Busselton, Dunsborough, Cowaramup and Margaret River. Running for the 11^th year, the only problem is deciding who to visit with so many artists, events and talent. Jacksons Drawing Supplies and regional visitor centres are the best spots collect your guide or head to the website. If you’re short on time and can only visit a handful, add these renowned artists to your list Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Christian Fletcher, John Miller, Lesley Meaney and Lauren Wilhelm.

Rebecca Cool in her Osmington art garden, credit MRROS

Highlight: It’s wonderful to see how this art festival grows each year and since writing the Artists of the Margaret River Region book in 2017 showcasing 80 artists, the event now has over 140 artists in 2024.

Where: Margaret River Region

Stay: Visit privateproperties.com.au or margaretriver.com for some inspiration. Best to book early so you don’t miss out.

Dates: 7^th to 22^nd September 2024

Details: www.mrropenstudios.com.au

Credit CinefestOZ

CinefestOZ, Margaret River Region, Western Australia

Also in Western Australia’s Margaret River Region, the CinefestOZ film festival showcases over 80 films, star-studded premieres and events at iconic locations across the region. Genres range from drama, comedy, horror and documentaries, and you just never know who you could be seated next to in the cinema or rubbing shoulders with at the gala night or closing party. As if there weren’t already many reasons to visit the Margaret River Region, attending CinefestOz is just one more reason to visit during spring, which also runs in Broome (24-27 Oct) and Albany. Purchasing a Cinepass gives you access to discounts and multiple screenings or you can go all out and purchase a Platinum Cinepass for optimum hob-nobbing opportunities. Or you can put your hand up as a volunteer for behind-the-scenes access while supporting the film industry.

Rove McManus, credit CinefestOZ

Highlight: What’s really lovely about this festival is how accessible the screen legends are, where meandering up to Isla Fischer, Hugo Weaving or David Wenham is encouraged. When I attended in 2022, Richard Roxburgh was the Jury Chair and and I had a fan-girl moment with Matthew Nable.

Matt Noble, credit CinefestOZ

Where: Busselton, Margaret River Region

Stay: Most of the screenings and events are held in Busselton and surrounds.  Head to margaretriver.com for some options, and highly recommend the Hilton Inn Busselton and Willow Wood Glamping Retreat.

Dates: 31^st August to 8 September 2024

Details: www.cinefestoz.com

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Ubud, Bali

The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival returns to Bali’s cultural heart in Ubud from 24^th to 27th October with an Indonesian and international line-up at one of the most anticipated festivals in Asia. With dozens of program sessions, events, masterclasses, cultural sessions, exhibitions, film screenings and book launches, you’ll need to map out your time carefully to make the most of the long weekend. Ubud is an incredible destination in the Gianyar hill region and here is your Ultimate 4-day Ubud Itinerary and Eat, Lay, Bend and Write.

Credit Suara Festival

Highlight: It’s been a few years since I’ve had the opportunity to attend the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, and besides I don’t really think I can sum it up any better than Australian Musician and Writer Nick Cave, “Literature and the arts is essential in any society; and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival does such an excellent job in nourishing this role both in Indonesia and beyond. Ubud is dear to my heart; the collision of writers and artists from all corners of the world that makes up the unique spirit of the Festival; the bottomless xqxq of the Balinese; the sticky days and cooler nights.”

Where: Ubud, Bali

Stay: From villas to homestays to luxury resorts, Ubud has accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of my suggestions of unique places to stay in Ubud

Dates: 31^st August to 8 September 2024

Details: www.ubudwritersfestival.com

Native Australian ingredients, credit Ben Devlin of Pipit

KITA Food Festival, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The KITA Food Festival returns for the fourth time to Kuala Lumpur 4^th – 8^th September with some of the biggest names in the culinary world across Southeast Asia and Australia. Chefs from all over the regions will be holding culinary conversations and events from Phuket (Jimmy Ophorst, PRU), Bangalore (Johnson Ebenezer, Farmlore), Bangkok (Prin Polsuk, Samrub Samrub Thai), Jakarta (Hans Christian, August), to name a few. Some Australian chefs will be joining the festivities, including Louis Tikaram (Stanley restaurant, Brisbane) and I’m intrigued by Ben Devlin’s (from Pipit, Pottsville, NSW) kitchen takeover at Yellow Fin Horse (Kuala Lumpur) using Australian native ingredients for a plant-forward and meat-free menu. The culinary madness continues in Singapore from January to March 2025

Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Stay: Else Hotel

Dates: 4^th – 8^th September, 2024

Details: www.kitafoodfestival.com

Pair’d, Margaret River Region, Western Australia

A crayfish feast, credit Pair’d

I can’t think of a better location to combine food, music and culture than the Margaret River Region. Over four days, from 14^th – 17^th November, this is a first for Western Australia with this  “wine first” event curated through a sommelier’s lens. The talented line-up includes esteemed international chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, including Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore), Kyle and Katina Connaughton (SingleThread Farm, CA) and Jonny Lake (Trivet, London). As you can imagine, this event will sell out almost as fast as the accommodation options, so there’s no time to waste.

Where: Margaret River Region, Western Australia

Stay: Click here for some suggestions in the Margaret River Region

Dates: 14^th – 17^th November, 2024

Details: www.pairdmargaretriver.com

Fan girl moment with Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City at the Galle Literary Festival

Galle Literary Festival, Galle Fort, Sri Lanka

I’ve planned at least two holidays to Sri Lanka to attend the Galle Literary Festival, which runs on the south coast in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and surrounds. As one of the most anticipated festivals in Asia since its establishment in 2007, you could be sharing a meal with legends like Candace Bushnell, Dame Maggie Smith and Richard Dawkins. With a tagline of “A harbour of discovery, where tales arrive on tides,” literary lunches and dinners, gourmet events, art trails, live performances, parties and book readings set within this magical tear-shaped isle are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

A Sri Lankan feast with author John Boyne at the Galle Literary Festival

Highlight: Meeting Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell on Taprobane Island, who was the guest of honour at the Sex in a Sarong party was a night to remember. The only way onto the island was to wade through the sea at low tide…hence the need for a sarong. You can read all about this incredible event at the Galle Literary Festival here. You might also enjoy these posts about Sri Lanka.

Where: Galle Fort and surrounds, Sri Lanka

Stay: From villas to homestays to boutique hotels, Galle has accommodation options for many budgets. Here are some festival accommodation recommendations.

Dates: 6 – 9 February 2025

Details: www.galleliteraryfestival.com; www.srilanka.travel

Galle Fort

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It’s not every day you celebrate a milestone birthday, in fact, it’s probably once a decade. It was only fitting I chose to travel to Australia’s most iconic destination for my most iconic milestone birthday. Overwhelmed by the size of Uluru, nothing could prepare me for its aura up close, and since it’s aged at over 500 million years, I felt positively young in comparison.

As much as I love socialising with my friends, when it came to organising a party for my milestone birthday, the prospect of getting on a plane was too hard to resist. So, I swapped a few hours of fun for a splurge on a five-day domestic holiday to Uluru instead.

Why I chose Uluru

It only seemed fitting to spend my milestone birthday in Australia’s spiritual centre. Uluru is sacred, spiritual and it is something that every Australian should experience at least once in their lifetime. I spent the day of my birthday meandering the many trails circumnavigating the rock in awe while taking in its many hues ranging from burnt orange, yellow, red and even blue and purple. Overwhelmed by the sheer size of Uluru, nothing could prepare me for its aura up close.

The Cathedral

There is one part known as the cathedral where it’s as though a higher spirit commands silence as everyone automatically started whispering. You know you’ve arrived somewhere sacred.

Uluru’s inner sanctum

The Tali Wiru dinner overlooking Uluru exceeded all expectations

What to do in Uluru

There are many ways to experience Uluru including by helicopter, camel and Segway, but at the top of my list was indulging in the gastronomic Tali Wiru dinner overlooking the rock. As my special day fell on a Saturday getting a booking was always going to be tricky, but a last-minute cancellation further confirmed I had made the right decision in making the journey. Dinner exceeded all expectations as one gourmet course after another was seamlessly served. It rivalled any fine dining experience on the food and wine front alone, made all the more special knowing that Uluru was watching over me, albeit from afar.

The Field of Light was a magical prelude and even though we couldn’t see Uluru once the sun had set, we could feel its powerful presence hovering on the horizon. As darkness fell and the sky became a star-studded extravaganza, pathways began to emerge among thousands of glittering lights adorning the desert floor.

The magical Field of Light

Quality time with my family

Even though it was initially challenging to convince my teenage daughter to visit a big rock in the middle of Australia, she eventually acknowledged (in her sardonic style) there was something unique about the country’s spiritual centre. For me, travel isn’t just about new experiences, it’s also about making memories, and what could be more memorable than spending time with your loved ones in Uluru.

Overcoming the challenges of travelling during a pandemic

There were logistical challenges as flights out of Perth direct to Alice Springs only left and returned on Saturdays and Sundays and travelling all that distance for just one night didn’t appeal. However, it presented the opportunity to fly out earlier and make a detour to Adelaide and to visit wineries in the iconic McLaren Vale.

The travel gods smiled upon us and we secured a booking at the Emu Walk Apartments at the Ayers Rock Resort. There were no border closures, national travel restrictions or lockdowns at the time of travel. Was it risky flying during a pandemic? Probably, but isn’t there always an element of risk when travelling or even organising a party?

Following my passion

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a wanderlust to explore the world. Not even a pandemic has curbed that passion. Had international travel been an option, I have to admit that New York City or balmy Sri Lanka may have topped the list. In many ways, I’m grateful that domestic travel was the only option, not only was I able to spend my special day in one of the world’s most iconic destinations, but I was able to support Australia’s travel industry at a time when it needed it most.

For more information about Uluru please click here.

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Great Barrier Reef

Lonely footprints on sandy white beaches, swaying sugar cane fields and an outrageously turquoise sea. I’m starring in my very own travel brochure. Tropical North Queensland is the epitome of life in the slow lane and thankfully, I can’t see it ever speeding up.

The view from our balcony at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Where to stay in Tropical North Queensland

The beauty continues at Thala Beach Nature Reserve; it’s almost shameless. Located on a private 145-acre peninsula between Cairns and Port Douglas, you’re ideally situated to explore the hinterlands, Daintree rainforest, Cape Tribulation and of course that infamous underwater world in Tropical North Queensland. Assuming you can bear to leave your own private oasis, of course. From their stilts, bungalows command vistas of the Coral Sea, forest, jungle and apart from your roommates, the only other companions are birds, butterflies, lizards and the odd possum and wallaby. Simply decorated, the spacious rooms feature all the trimmings with the crowning glory being the private verandahs beckoning a lengthy linger; especially if you’re treated to a tasty seafood picnic hamper.

Our beautiful chalet at the Thala Beach Nature Reserve

What makes Thala so unique however is its accreditation of eco-tourism where conservation and sustainability is a top priority and very apparent on arrival. Given the size of the property, you’d expect a huge chain resort to have been built here in Tropical North Queensalnd but instead you’re greeted with a retreat, in every sense of the word.

Built out of sustainable materials the timber bungalows, lodge, Osprey’s Restaurant, spa and Herbie’s Beach Shack (the only structure on the postcard-perfect coastline) are nestled into the vegetation. And as join the Star Gazing tour, I spend the night gazing up at the milky-way from the observatory, my star-studded night includes guests like the “Jewel Box”, Saturn’s craters and the Southern Cross.

Thala’s private beach

Bird watchers will be in their element with the extensive population which includes the Australian Brush-Turkey, ducks, quails, owls, herons, lorikeets, cockatoos, honeyeaters and there’s plenty of kookaburras to make fun of you. All activities are complimentary to guests and joining one of the Nature and Gildlife Walks reveals how alone you are not. The Coconut Odyssey tour is also unique while sea kayaking off Thala’s coast promises turtle spotting and sometimes dolphins and stingrays.

Even those not staying at Thala, drive from all over the region to partake in the activities and to dine among the treetop canopy and admire the views from Ospreys Restaurant where seafood is their specialty. You can work it off with a late-night swim in the pool’s grotto or have your masseuse do the job for you at the day spa.

Another incredible view, this time from Thala’s signature restaurant Osprey’s

Things to do in Tropical North Queensland

At some point the outside world will beckon and even though leaving will be a wrench, you’ll be royally rewarded. The best way to tour Tropical North Queensland is independently and you can pick up a hire car from the Cairns airport. A few minutes out of Cairns you’ll notice cable cars creeping up the rainforest-clad mountains. Add the Skyrail experience to your must-do list. Leaving from the Smithfield Terminal, the six-person gondolas stop at Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station before arriving at Kuranda, aka “Village in the Rainforest.” Have your camera ready for the stunning rainforest and waterfall views on the ascent and leave plenty of time in Kuranda to explore the galleries, markets, cafes, walking tours, and wildlife sanctuaries. Get a different perspective from the river with a Kuranda Riverboat Cruise and take the steam train back to the flatlands.

If around on a Sunday, head about 30 minutes north from Thala along the windy Captain Cook Highway into Port Douglas for the Sunday markets teeming with hand-made products and local produce; don’t miss sampling the mangoes and sugar cane juice.

Sunday funday at Port Douglas’ markets

The Reef Marina in Port Douglas is the place to join a tour to the Great Barrier Reef and there are several companies to choose from. Quicksilver Cruises is one of the longest-running outfits and a smooth cruise on the Wavepiercer to the pontoon is done in air-conditioned style. Even if you don’t wish to get your feet wet (or travelling with little ones) you can still admire the coral, 1500 species of fish, plant life and even turtles from the semi-submersible submarine.

However exploring the Agincourt Reef, which is the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, by snorkelling, scuba diving or ocean walking with a helmet is really what it’s all about. Return to the mainland in style with a scenic helicopter flight and views to adorn your Instagram feed. Fancy landing on your own deserted island instead? Reef Sprinter will get you to Low Isles in 15 minutes or join a luxury yacht with Sailaway for a full day experience or sunset cruise. For the truly decadent, join Charter World for an overnight stay with your own onboard chef and queue-less swims.

Rare koala action at Wildlife Habitat

Just out of Port Douglas interact with some of the natives at Wildlife Habitat in the grassland, wetland and rainforest habitats. Cuddle koalas, allow reptiles to slither over you, join the flitting birds on the boardwalks, including the large, flightless cassowary bird which may even join you for a stroll.

Once on the other side of the river, you’ll enter the Daintree forest and if you’re short on time the Daintree Discovery Centre with its aerial walkways, cassowary circuit, bush tuck trail and canopy tower gives a taste of what all the fuss is all about. After all, the Daintree is thought to be between 110 to 200 million years old with its primitive characteristics some of the most complex rainforest systems on earth.

Ferry crossing across the Daintree River

If I had all the time in the world I’d grab a sleeping bag and 4WD and just keep going north. But if you don’t have the luxury of an unlimited amount of time or a 4WD, about 2 ½ hours north of Cairns or 1 ½ hours from Thala you can still get as far as Cape Tribulation on sealed roads. There is a ferry crossing across the Daintree River able to carry about a dozen cars on one crossing; plus it adds to the adventure as once you cross the river it feels as though you’ve truly left civilisation behind. Just before the ferry crossing is eco-friendly Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises equipped with a “croc cam” and onboard screens to see what’s really lurking beneath below.

Hit Cape Tribulation Road north; where the rainforest meets the reef. Park in the little town and take either the Kulki or Dubuji Boardwalks for prehistoric fauna which like something out of Jurassic Park. You’ll end up on Myall Beach, and its sandy white beaches all the way in Tropical North Queensland.

The Tropical North Queensland (TNQ) region covers 20% of Queensland and extends from Mission Beach in the south to Cape York and the Torres Strait in the north and Gulf Savannah in the west. TNQ is the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests – the only place on earth where the rainforest meets the reef. The region encompasses Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait in the north, Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, Gulf Savannah, Kuranada, Atherton Tablelands, Mission Beach and Cardwell.

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Davidson Plum at Sunset Ridge

I’m not going to sugar-coat it, especially as there is already plenty of sweetness on Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures through the Atherton Tablelands, about an hour from Cairns. But the 263 twists and turns along the Gillies Highway up into the Cairns Highlands, is not for faint-hearted – nor for the hungover or anyone with an aversion to car sickness or high altitudes.

Like any scenic drive, the views are the perfect remedy to any of these ailments, as is the anticipation of eating our way through the tropical Atherton Tablelands peppered with historic townships and majestic rainforests bearing fruit. Brett is a lively host and shares, “The food bowl of Northern Queensland is an untapped destination.”

The Atherton Tablelands

It’s easy to see why so many immigrants once recruited for the mining and logging industries didn’t return home and instead gave back to the land by cultivating cattle farms and orchards of mangoes, papayas, bananas, lychees, avocados, sugar cane, vineyards, coffee plantations and distilleries. The Cairns Highlands is alive with bounty thriving from bio-dynamic and organic farming principles and an unexpected yet delicious spot for a food tour through the Atherton Tablelands

Our first stop is at Sunset Ridge where I’m introduced to the tangy crimson flesh of Davidson plum. It’s easy to see why the owners Ken and Sue Pyke chose this spot with rolling views over the tablelands when they were looking for somewhere to live in 1987. They began with just 6 trees and now have 1,000’s of indigenous trees and plants over 33 hectares. We sample pork chipolatas and corn and zucchini fritters with their signature Davidson plum, apple and chilli jam, and complete the decadence with house-made pillows of marshmallow flavoured with rainforest delight, lemon myrtle and wild plum.

Some of the spoils at Rainforest Bounty

Leaving this gorgeous spot, we head to Rainforest Bounty who sustainably grow native rainforest fruits using organic farming methods. We’re treated to platters of native condiments such as Davidson plum and strawberry paste (likened to a quince paste), a plum and blueberry conserve, lilly pilly (aka rainforest berries) chutney with nutmeg, green mango and tamarind chutney, plum sauce and a Laos-inspired roasted chilli paste. This onslaught of flavours is paired with local cheeses such as macadamia cheese, vintage cheddar and camembert from Gallo Dairyland, who along with 16 types of cheeses also source some of the finest couverture for their chocolates.

Gallo Dairyland is also on the tour as is the iconic Humpy, a gourmet outlet stocking much of the exotic produce found in the region – I highly recommend the dried mango and roasted macadamia nuts.

A delicious pairing of chocolate and cheese at Gallo Dairyland

Brett dwarfed by Jacques’ coffee picker

Nestled at the base of Mount Uncle and set in a banana plantation with roaming peacocks, alpacas, donkeys and goats is the aptly name Mt. Uncle Distillery. The distillery is known for their barrel-aged rum, vodka, single malt whiskey and gin – the bushfire smoked gin is an intense ingredient for Bloody Mary’s or oysters.

But wait there’s more – a coffee stop at Jacques Coffee Plantation, Roastery and Café is followed by an inconspicuous platypus sighting and afternoon tea at the Australian Platypus Park. Dinner is a tasty mix of Italian meets Swiss cuisine at Nick’s Swiss-Italian Restaurant. After eating all day, Nick cheers us on with recommendations like the house-made pasta and Yodellers Delight specialty featuring smoked pork Kassler and frankfurter sausage.

The romantic Canopy Treehouses

We spend the night at the delightfully rustic and self-contained Canopy Treehouses, which are ideally situated in the region to collect goodies along the way to be prepared and savoured in the tree canopy or around the communal campfire. The eco-resort is set within 100 acres of ancient rainforest and teeming with wildlife (most of it welcome), including the resident cassowaries only found in Tropical North Queensland.

Fruits of Rainforest at the Canopy Treehouses

The following morning breakfast is a magical experience as the owners Clayton and Lucy Baird set up long tables around the campfire laden with bounty foraged from the forest floor, including Davidson plum, rare nuts and a range of berries and native spices. The buckwheat pancakes with kefir (fermented ricotta) with salted butter and honey stay etched on my palate months later.

Our last stop on the trail is Skybury Café & Roastery, a coffee and papaya plantation serving all things coffee and papaya related. It’s worth dispelling any pre-conceived notions you have about papaya, as the variety we grow in WA is less flavoursome compared to the sweet red variety grown in the Atherton Tableland’s ideal tropical growing conditions.

They handpick 220,000 kilos of papaya per week during the harvest season – to think they only planted papaya to supplement the income generated from coffee and to also provide shade to the coffee trees. They roast coffee every day and are one of the largest exporters of Arabica coffee in Australia. They also breed cows, which were originally brought in to control the weeds, making the beef very sweet and tender thanks to the rich antioxidants in their diet of papaya.

Talk about a delicious food tour through the Atherton Tablelands served up to the table(lands.)

There are direct flights to Cairns Australia-wide with Jetstar and Qantas and for more information about the region go to www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au  For your own taste of the Atherton Tablelands, many of the operators mentioned have online stores and ship Australia wide.

Carmen Jenner was a guest of Tropical North Queensland, Brett’s Outback Tasting Adventures and Canopy Treehouses. This article was originally issued in Menu Magazine Issue 28.

Craving more of Tropical North Queensland? Then check out Far Out, Tropical North Queensland

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