Mooloolaba’s food and drink festival The Curated Plate is offering exclusive behind the scenes tours with key local seafood suppliers to find out more about the prawn, crab, tuna and barramundi journey from wild seas to culinary delights.
Tickets go on sale in early April for the festival which sells out early and runs from July 25-27, 2025.
This year the focus is on seafood-themed events called the Seafood Series where participants can meet the passionate fishers and suppliers behind the region’s premium seafood, gain insight into the origin of fresh and local seafood, and learn about the industry’s sustainable practices.
It includes an exclusive behind-the scenes tour of the Mooloolaba trawlers with The Curated Plate culinary director and renowned chef Peter Kuruvita.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be part of this collaboration which is uniting the government and industry to showcase Mooloolaba’s crucial role in Australia’s seafood sector,” Mr Kuruvita said.
The Seafood Series will also include a First Nations themed seafood experience by Saltwater Eco Tours onboard their heritage vessel. The event will bring seafood and indigenous culture together as attendees explore the waterways around Mooloolaba.
Mooloolaba Seafood restaurant Fish on Parkyn’s Grape vs Grain lunch returns on July 25, where diners vote between expertly paired wines and craft beers from Brockenchack Wines and 10 Toes Brewing – complimented by fresh local seafood and premium beef.
The Seafood Series is a collaboration between Trade and Investment Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and local businesses.
In addition to the public events, a delegation of international industry leaders will tour the trawlers and fisheries at The Spit, paving the way for increased business growth.
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Joe Natoli said the new event initiative would benefit the region long-term, helping to grow the economy, industry jobs, and tourism.
“The Mooloolaba Spit is the perfect place to showcase our world-class seafood industry, particularly with companies like Mooloolaba Fisheries, Rockliff Seafood, Silver Seafoods and Walkers Seafood Australia thriving as exporters.”
Silver Seafoods Managing Director Jacky Cartwright said they were excited to be part of The Curated Plate and looked forward to promoting the Mooloolaba wild-caught seafood industry.
“It’s a great opportunity to share the journey of the Eastern King Prawn from ocean to plate and highlight the vital role fishers play in bringing quality seafood to the table,” Ms Cartwright said.
More information on the Seafood Series of events will be revealed when tickets go in sale in early April. Subscribe to The Curated Plate newsletter to receive exclusive early access, or follow @thecuratedplate
