The Tweed has all the right ingredients to become a mecca for food enthusiasts. Blessed with a sub-tropical climate and fertile volcanic soils that will grow just about anything, the region is fast becoming a magnet for top chefs from right around the country.

A wander through farmers’ markets at Murwillumbah and Uki will reveal a glorious range of tropical fruits, farm-style cheeses and organic tomatoes side by side with Indian spice mixes, preserves and locally grown tea.

Murwillumbah’s Tweed Foodie Fest shines a light on the top quality produce within the region. Bi-monthly Foodie Fridays see the ‘eat street’ in town become a food lover’s paradise.

When it comes to dining, Mavis’s Kitchen, hidden in the shadow of Mt Warning, is a great starting place to discover the local food philosophy. Mavis’s “source local, pick seasonal” food ethos has helped make the slightly out of the way eatery one of the most popular kitchen garden restaurants in the area.

A stunning new addition to the Tweed’s dining scene is the beachside restaurant Paper Daisy at Cabarita Beach.  It’s located in a former 1960s motel transformed into an upmarket resort now known as Halcyon House.

Queensland 2014 Chef of the Year Ben Devlin heads the team drawing in the crowds for lunch and dinner and getting rave reviews.

Though it’s easy to bypass the Tweed region on the Pacific Highway, it’s worth doing yourself a “flavour favour” – take the exit and explore the road less travelled.

Learn more at destinationtweed.com.au