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.
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.
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.
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.
