Hayden Quinn carries fresh vegetables to a boat on the Hawkesbury River © Boomtown Pictures

Hayden Quinn’s Blue Mountains foodie adventure

Let adventure foodie Hayden Quinn lead you to the freshest food in the Blue Mountains.

Australian author, TV personality and all-round foodie Hayden Quinn is no stranger to great food, so the expectations were high as he set off on an epicurean adventure around New South Wales for the filming of the TV series Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn.

Hayden sought out the people, places, and of course, the food that makes Australia’s dining scene so special. Along the way, he discovered what makes the Blue Mountains one of the state's most delicious regions.

With beautiful scenery, outdoor adventure and delicious food in abundance, the Blue Mountains – just two hours from Sydney – makes for a perfect escape from the city. It’s no wonder that Hayden was eager to explore the epicurean side of this natural playground.

Two men enjoy a view of the Blue Mountains © Boomtown Pictures

Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Boomtown Pictures

Make like Hayden and get back to basics by pitching a tent – Great Camping Adventures, located in Glenbrook, will organise everything; they’ll even pitch your tent for you. Head out on foot to explore some of the Blue Mountains’ 140 kilometres (87 miles) of walking trails along forested valley paths. Bring your camera – the cascading waterfalls and rocky outcrops are dreamily photogenic.

Whole fish with herbs cooked by chef Hayden Quinn © Boomtown Pictures

Hayden Quinn's grilled mullet dish © Boomtown Pictures

After you’ve worked up an appetite, check out a local farmer’s market, like Blackheath Growers Markets, and be sure to visit some of the area’s top restaurants. Leura Garage is a much-loved local jaunt, and Darley’s offers innovative dishes using local produce.

When your mountain exploration has come to an end, pack up and hit the road for the Hawkesbury River, just over an hour away, where many of the local farms welcome you to stop in and purchase a box of fresh produce. The Hawkesbury Vegetable Farm is a must for beautiful veggies.

Hayden Quinn enjoys a houseboat on the Hawkesbury River © Boomtown Pictures

Hawkesbury Afloat, Hawkesbury, New South Wales © Boomtown Pictures

Finish your Hawkesbury adventure the right way – on the water. Take in some of the state’s grandest views from a houseboat as you sail down the river with Hawkesbury Afloat. Toss a line for your chance to catch bream, mulloway, bass and more. Don’t worry – if you don’t have any luck fishing from the boat, you can pick up a platter of fresh seafood from Lifeboat Seafood for dinner.

Take your own 4-day feast through the Blue Mountains

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Indigenous symbol - Natural Beauty

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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