Falling in love with Queensland

I have just spent a week eating my way around Queensland with a group of international food and travel writers. Some of them travelled 22 hours to get there, and considering my trip was the shortest – only three hours from Auckland – I can’t tell you why I haven’t visited earlier.

I fell in love with this bountiful Australian state, with its winding rivers, lush hinterlands and coastal settlements. The food I sampled and the hospitality I experienced impressed me so much I am planning a trip back with my family.

My love affair with Queensland began on the Noosa River on the Sunshine Coast, where we enjoyed sundowners, live music and a meal specially prepared for us by 2016 Masterchef Australia runner-up Matt Sinclair.

Matt can usually be found at his beachside eatery, Sum Yung Guys,