The Curated Plate 2025: Sunshine Coast’s Premier Culinary Event

If you’re a food lover visiting Queensland’s stunning Sunshine Coast in 2025, The Curated Plate is an annual festival you can’t afford to miss. Every year, this festival transforms the region into a vibrant showcase of exceptional culinary talent, fresh local produce, and unforgettable experiences. 

With its picturesque beaches, lush hinterlands, and thriving culinary scene, the Sunshine Coast offers the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable food festival. This annual festival celebrates local food and drink offerings with a diverse program featuring various cuisines and activities.

What Exactly is The Curated Plate on the Sunshine Coast?

Imagine ten spectacular days of gourmet events, each designed to highlight the region’s abundant produce and culinary creativity. The Curated Plate isn’t confined to one location; events are scattered across iconic spots like Noosa, Mooloolaba, and scenic hinterland towns like Maleny and Montville. This festival combines the best of fine dining, casual eats, interactive masterclasses, cooking classes, and unique culinary experiences, showcasing local talent alongside renowned international chefs. Additionally, the festival offers Indigenous food experiences, celebrating local flavours and diverse cuisines.

Initially launched in 2019, the festival quickly became popular, showcasing local producers and internationally recognised chefs. After returning from a brief hiatus, it proudly sits among Australia’s top food events, capturing a prestigious award in 2024 for Best Regional Food Event.

2025 Highlights You Can’t Miss

This year, acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita leads the culinary direction, promising an incredible line-up of events and guests that celebrate local flavours. Here’s what to look forward to:

• Signature Chef Dinners: Indulge in exclusive multi-course meals hosted by world-renowned chefs at premier Sunshine Coast restaurants like The Long Apron and Spirit House.
• Outdoor Food Experiences: Feast on regional seafood at Mooloolaba’s beachfront or attend themed culinary events, such as hinterland farms’ mad hatter tea party.
• Interactive Workshops: Get hands-on with cooking masterclasses or participate in farm tours to see firsthand how local ingredients reach your plate.
• Sustainability & Local Focus: Events emphasise sustainability, with local ingredients like Woombye cheeses, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce featuring heavily.

Reflecting on last year’s events, attendees can expect a wide range of activities, from Asian food extravaganzas to exclusive dinners and farm tours.

When and Where is it Happening?

Mark your calendars—The Curated Plate 2025 runs from July 25 to August 3, with dates confirmed for this exciting festival. The Sunshine Coast will buzz during these dates, offering plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches, and cooler evenings perfect for outdoor dining. The event program promises diverse activities and events, showcasing local food and drink.

Events take place all around the Coast, from beachfront venues like Mooloolaba Wharf to charming hinterland settings in Montville and Maleny. Unique venues such as Australia Zoo in Beerwah also host special culinary events, adding excitement and diversity to your food journey.

Ticketing, Pricing, and Ticket Release Dates

The Curated Plate offers flexibility, allowing you to attend single events or experience several days of foodie fun. Historically, prices have sat in the following ranges:

Tickets usually sell quickly, especially for popular chefs and unique experiences. They’re available via the official festival website from April 2025, so keeping an eye out and booking promptly is recommended. Details regarding the event program and ticket release dates will be communicated through their website and social media channels in the future.

Tips for Attending the Festival

• Getting Around: Renting a car is highly recommended due to the festival’s multiple locations. Local shuttle services or ride-sharing apps are also convenient options.
• What to Wear: Casual yet chic clothing suits most events. Pack layers for cooler evening events in the hinterlands.
• Essential Items: Sunscreen, hats, and a water bottle are must-haves. Comfortable shoes are advisable, especially for farm tours or longer outdoor events.

Accommodation Tips and Local Producers

To fully enjoy the festival, consider staying centrally around Mooloolaba or Maroochydore, providing easy access to events north or south. For those seeking tranquillity, hinterland accommodation in Montville or Maleny offers beautiful landscapes and peaceful retreats.

Booking accommodation early ensures the best options and convenience during peak festival dates.

Don’t Miss Out on The Curated Plate 2025

The Curated Plate stands apart from typical food festivals with authentic local experiences, intimate chef interactions, and scenic diversity. 

As Queensland’s premium food festival, it showcases the region’s culinary diversity and local produce through a series of over 30 events, including exclusive dinners and cultural experiences that celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s food scene. You’ll discover incredible flavours, make connections with passionate locals, and create memories you’ll cherish long after the plates are cleared.

Book tickets early, secure accommodation soon, and prepare yourself for an amazing culinary journey this winter on the Sunshine Coast. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for the full ten days, The Curated Plate 2025 promises unforgettable tastes, experiences, and memories.

Key Takeaways from The Curated Plate 2025

• The Curated Plate is Queensland’s premier food festival, showcasing the Sunshine Coast’s rich culinary offerings and fresh locally grown produce.
• The festival features a variety of events, including exclusive dinners, outdoor food experiences, and interactive workshops, emphasising both local and international culinary talents.
• The event pays respect to the country’s traditional custodians and highlights the cultural contributions that First Nations, particularly the Kabi and Jinibara peoples, make to the region’s food scene.
• The festival promotes sustainability by prioritising local ingredients and eco-friendly practices, honouring the region’s coastal plains and hinterlands.
• Acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita, the festival’s culinary director, leads a lineup of renowned chefs, original storytellers, and artists.
• The 2025 Sunshine Coast Festival, which runs from July 25 to August 3, will feature events in iconic Sunshine Coast locations, including Noosa, Mooloolaba, and the hinterlands.