Friday, July 25, 2025
Sunshine Coast’s much-anticipated culinary festivity, The Curated Plate, returned for its fifth year this year of 2025. On July 25 and running through August 3, the event boasts ten days of interesting and exciting activity. It is set to look like one of the largest regional festivals this year. Expecting more than 6,000 visitors, of whom over 1,000 are from outside, the festival indicates a visitor spending total in the region of nearly half a million dollars.
The Curated Plate has on the Queensland food scene purposes of regional staples, making known the region’s rich and diverse domestic supply of produce and, at the same time, world-class chefs who call it home. And that’s very exciting! Why? It is also an event about more than just food. It is a culinary adventure for everyone from all over Australia who comes together to celebrate their good fortune in living here and, if nothing else, to boast to the world about what the Sunshine Coast has on offer. This year’s festival presents an even more spectacular line-up, with special collaborations between chefs, seafood showcases, and an international dimension to all events that reflects the region’s growing influence on world cuisine.
A Flavorful Journey Through the Sunshine Coast
The Curated Plate spans a diverse array of venues across the Sunshine Coast, inviting both locals and visitors to experience the best of the region’s food culture. The festival features over 50 unique events, each designed to showcase the best of local produce and culinary creativity. From beachside gatherings and farm-to-table experiences to intimate dinners at high-end restaurants, the event highlights a wide spectrum of flavors and dining experiences.
One of the festival’s most popular offerings is the “Sunset Whales, Ales & Prawn Tails” cruise, which offers attendees a chance to enjoy local seafood while taking in the breathtaking coastal views during whale-watching season. Another notable event is “From Land to Sea—A Culinary Cruise of Native Flavors,” where participants embark on a journey that blends indigenous ingredients with modern Australian cuisine. For families, the “Picnic on Kings” event is a highlight, offering an afternoon of fun and games, with special appearances by popular children’s character Bluey.
The festival offers much more than just gourmet food; it provides a vibrant social and cultural experience that encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the Sunshine Coast’s stunning landscapes while indulging in the finest culinary creations. With events spread across various iconic venues in the region, the festival provides a unique opportunity for guests to discover parts of the Sunshine Coast they may not have explored otherwise.
A Spotlight on Local Seafood and Produce
In 2025, The Curated Plate is taking a bold step by focusing on Queensland’s seafood industry. The festival will feature a series of events dedicated to showcasing the region’s incredible seafood, spotlighting its global export potential. Over the opening weekend, a seafood industry collaboration will bring together local fishermen, chefs, and producers to explore the sustainable practices that have made Queensland seafood a leader in the international market.
This seafood initiative not only highlights the Sunshine Coast’s reputation for fresh, high-quality produce but also gives it an opportunity to promote its culinary products on the world stage. The inclusion of a global spotlight through partnerships with key stakeholders, such as Trade and Investment Queensland, further extends the reach of the festival. This year, the festival’s seafood collaboration was also supported by an earlier event in Singapore, where renowned Chef Josh Niland featured in a special promotion to elevate Queensland’s culinary offerings.
In addition to seafood, The Curated Plate emphasizes the use of locally grown and sourced ingredients. The Sunshine Coast is home to a wealth of farmers and food producers who provide high-quality, fresh ingredients for the festival’s events. From Woombye Cheese and Maleny Buffalo to Noosa’s renowned greens, the festival gives attendees an authentic taste of the Sunshine Coast’s agricultural offerings. These local partnerships play a significant role in the region’s sustainability goals, promoting farm-to-table dining as a sustainable and responsible way to enjoy food.
Expanding the Reach: Global Partnerships and Recognition
As part of the Queensland Government’s tourism strategy, The Curated Plate is also part of the broader push to increase the state’s international profile. In line with this, the festival has forged a notable partnership with Trade and Investment Queensland. This collaboration has helped to facilitate international exposure for the Sunshine Coast’s culinary scene, such as the event held earlier in Singapore, where Chef Josh Niland was a key figure in promoting the region’s seafood industry.
Through these global partnerships, The Curated Plate is not just showcasing Queensland’s rich culinary heritage to locals but also to an international audience. The festival’s international exposure is expected to drive more visitors to the region, boosting tourism and generating economic growth. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for local chefs and food producers to network with international food lovers, culinary experts, and industry leaders, opening the doors for future collaborations and business ventures.
Economic Impact and Tourism Growth
The Curated Plate plays an essential role in Queensland’s long-term tourism strategy, particularly under the Destination 2045 plan. This ambitious 20-year tourism strategy aims to more than double visitor spending across the state, reaching a target of $84 billion by 2045. Regional events, such as The Curated Plate, are expected to be pivotal in achieving this goal, with a focus on increasing Queensland’s events calendar to $4 billion by 2045.
In 2025, the Sunshine Coast’s local economy is set to benefit significantly from the festival, with more than $500,000 in expected visitor spending. This economic contribution is a testament to the festival’s growing impact on the local hospitality, tourism, and food industries. The influx of visitors to the region also stimulates growth in local businesses, including restaurants, accommodations, and transportation providers, further supporting the Sunshine Coast’s economic development.
Conclusion
The Curated Plate 2025 is not just a culinary festival—in a broader sense, it stands for everything from local tourism and growth to international acknowledgment. With a perfect alchemy of produce, chefs, and local seafood, The Curated Plate has become an officially selected event for Queensland. By leveraging its international partnerships, emphasizing the use of sustainable materials, and dedicating itself to local flavors, The Curated Plate looks to draw an ever-increasing number of visitors not only from within Australia but also from around the world while portraying the Sunshine Coast as a premier food destination. Even as it entered its fifth year, The Curated Plate was clearly an integral part of the touristic and cultural scene on the Sunshine Coast. Whether you’re someone who loves to eat, wants to start a family-oriented activity with fun, or is an open-minded traveler, there’s always something for everyone at The Curated Plate!
