Too hot to handle: Qld’s spicy Chilli Trifecta to fire up your tastebuds
By Ashleigh Howarth
For lovers of bold flavours, craft beer and regional adventures, Southeast Queensland is about to turn up the heat by serving up the ultimate spring road trip with a generous dash of extra spice.
From the picturesque Lockyer Valley to the buzzing Gold Coast and the laid-back Sunshine Coast, tastebuds are set to tingle across the state as Chilli Festivals Australia launches The Chilli Trifecta - three sizzling festivals celebrating all things flavour, fire and fun.
Whether you're a chilli champion, a hot sauce hunter or simply looking for a family day out that's anything but mild, these festivals promise to bring the heat.
Every event also supports Rural Aid, helping deliver assistance to farming families doing it tough across Queensland.
In addition, all food trucks also serve up a dish for $10 or less, which will help the hip pocket.
Entry is either free or a $2 charity donation, ensuring everyone can enjoy an affordable family day while giving back to rural communities. Kids under 3 are free and so is parking.
A feast for food lovers
Across all three festivals, visitors can expect:
More than 100 Australian-made chilli products and craft to sample and purchase
Fresh food trucks with options for every taste
Live music
Chilli eating competitions
Kids' activities and eating competitions
Charity raffles with fantastic prizes
Dog-friendly venues
Free parking
Opportunities to meet the makers and support Australian small businesses
Stop one: Murphys Creek Chilli & Craft Carnival
The journey begins on Sunday, September 20 at the Murphys Creek Chilli & Craft Carnival, where country charm meets red-hot flavour in the heart of the Lockyer Valley.
Celebrate flavour and fire at Queensland's favourite charity chilli carnival, where passionate stallholders are ready to ignite your senses, tempt your tastebuds and prove that life really is better with a little extra spice.
With more than 500 artisan chilli products on offer, visitors can spend hours tasting, shopping and discovering everything from smoky sauces and fiery jams to chilli-infused oils, seasonings and handmade treats.
Now in its 11th year, it's the perfect way to celebrate the start of chilli season and the end of the chilly season.
Location: Murphys Creek Grounds - 18 Jessie Lane, Murphys Creek
Time: 10am-3pm
Entry: $2
Stop two: Gold Coast Chilli Challenge, Beer & Feast Fest
A week later, the heatwave heads south to Tugun Leagues Club at Bilinga for the Gold Coast Chilli Challenge, Beer & Feast Fest on Sunday, September 27.
Now in its fourth year, this coastal celebration is serving up an irresistible mix of food trucks, ice-cold craft beer, live music and the exciting Prime Nines Junior Rugby League Tournament.
Location: Tugun Leagues Club - 44 Boyd St, Bilinga
Time: 9am-4pm
Entry: Free
Stop three: Sunshine Coast Chilli, Chocolate & Beer Festival
The Chilli Trifecta reaches its delicious grand finale on Sunday, October 11 at Brouhaha Baringa for the 4th Annual Sunshine Coast Chilli, Chocolate & Beer Festival.
Where there's chilli, there's chocolate, and it's a match made in foodie heaven. The rich sweetness of chocolate perfectly balances the warming kick of chilli, making it one of the festival's most delicious pairings.
Visitors can sample and shop more than 300 delicious products, discover new local favourites and decide whether they're brave enough to turn the heat up another notch.
Sweet, spicy or somewhere in between, it's the perfect way to finish Queensland's hottest foodie road trip.
Location: Brouhaha Baringa - 1 Edison Cres, Baringa
Time: 11am-4pm
Entry: $2
For more information, visit www.chillifestivalsaustralia.com
