The Macleay River is the heart, and lifeblood, of the Macleay Valley Coast. It also provides some excellent opportunities for riverside dining!
With pride of place on the banks of the Macleay, in the little town of Frederickton, is The Garden Bar and Kitchen. Formerly the site of the Old Cheese Factory, The Garden Bar and Kitchen is one of the most exciting restaurants in the region. Head Chef, Mathew Roath, brings sixteen years of cooking experience, coupled with access to a fresh kitchen garden, just out back, where many of the vegetables and produce is grown in the rich soil. Go-to dishes include the house made focaccia, with cultured butter and pickles, and the grilled halloumi with nigella seeds and local costa honey. The beef two ways, with flank and cheek, is a plated work of art with the star being the local beef. Make sure you leave room for the creme brulee which would give many French restaurants a run for their money!
Every Australian town worth its salt has a great pub, and Gladstone is no different. The Heritage Hotel of Gladstone is a historic pub with great ambience, cracking views out over the river, and of course fantastic food. Visitors can while away a long lunch on the upstairs wrap-around verandah, or downstairs in the garden courtyard, or just enjoy a cold beer. The Heritage Hotel Bistro menu features all your classic pub fare as well as some stand-out modern Australian dishes including a delectable take on a Seafood Laksa.
FOR MORE INFO:
The Garden Bar & Kitchen
@thegardenbarandkitchen
The Heritage Hotel Of Gladstone
@theheritagehotelgladstone
Macleay Valley Coast
@macleayvalleycoast
macleayvalleycoast.com.au
