What to Expect
Experience a delicious journey across the Sunshine Coast with The Paired Plate, a unique food and drink trail that celebrates local produce and culinary creativity. This event invites families to explore a variety of venues, each offering a signature dish paired perfectly with a local drink. It’s a relaxed, self-paced adventure ideal for parents looking to treat their school-aged children to new tastes and experiences.
Enjoy the vibrant flavours of the region as you visit participating venues, savoring dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Each pairing is thoughtfully designed to highlight the best of Sunshine Coast’s food and beverage scene, making it a feast for the senses.
This trail is perfect for food-loving families who appreciate quality and variety, with options ranging from seafood to gourmet burgers, all paired with refreshing local drinks. There’s no fixed itinerary, so you can tailor your experience to suit your family’s tastes and schedule.
Activity Details
The Paired Plate runs for 10 days, from 24 July to 2 August 2026, with participating venues offering their special paired plates during their normal operating hours. Each dish features a key local ingredient and is paired with a complementary drink, such as craft beers, gins, or wines.
To participate, simply visit any venue on the trail, order the paired plate, and enjoy. After your meal, scan the QR code provided to cast your vote for your favourite pairing. Each vote enters you into a draw to win a $400 Foodie Package, including a $200 hamper of local produce and a $200 dining voucher.
Some highlighted dishes include the Native Spice Kingfish Gravlax paired with a Biosphere Gin Spritz, the Mooloolaba King Prawn Spaghetti with Tasmanian Riesling, and the Kilcoy Wagyu beef slider with lobster tail paired with a Dacelo gin sour.
Location and Access
The event is centred around Mooloolaba, with venues such as the Mooloolaba Fish Market on Parkyn Parade hosting the paired plates. The locations are family-friendly and accessible, offering a welcoming atmosphere for parents and children alike.
Public transport options and ample parking are available nearby, making it easy to visit multiple venues throughout the day. The event encourages exploring the local area, so consider planning your route to include some scenic spots or family-friendly activities nearby.
Important Information
All purchases are made directly with the venues, and availability is subject to each venue’s normal hours and stock, with dishes available until sold out each day. Voting opens online from 24 July to 2 August 2026.
For dietary requests or specific venue information, contact the venues directly. The event organiser, Josh Donohoe, is available for media or general enquiries.
Please verify event details before attending, as changes may occur. Sunshine Coast Council and event partners are not responsible for any errors or changes.
Booking and Prices
There are no tickets or bookings required for this event. Simply visit any participating venue and order the paired plate of your choice.
Prices for paired plates range from $15 to $49, depending on the dish and drink pairing. This makes it a flexible and affordable way to enjoy a variety of local flavours at your own pace.
Voting for your favourite paired plate is free and done online via QR codes at each venue, giving you a chance to win exciting prizes while enjoying your culinary adventure.