If you do not read fresh fruit and other produce labels you probably do not realise just how much of your daily food comes from the Mary Valley on the Sunshine Coast. Just to the west of Gympie, Mary Valley is one of Queensland’s and Australia’s great food bowls, producing everything from beef and dairy to the most exotic herbs and fruits.

Running through the verdant pastures is the Mary Valley ‘Rattler’ train line, originally built to service Gympie’s gold fields, but today bringing the new gold of the Mary Valley – its produce – to visitors. Gympie’s food ambassador, the legendary Matt Golinski, will be the star attraction next week for the launch of the Tasting Train, a new weekly service dedicated to showcasing local produce. Matt Golinski has played an inspirational role in bringing Sunshine Coast food regions to national prominence and he’s designed a simple, but authentic, range of local items that provide the perfect accompaniment to the journey on the restored, heritage RM76 train.

The RM 76 railmotor, The Red Rocket, will draw the Tasting Train carriages stopping at historic stations along the way before arriving at Amamoor, in the heart of the Mary Valley. The train departs Gympie on Tuesday at 11am, returning to Gympie at 2pm. Passengers will learn about Mary Valley’s evolution as a premium food destination and the Mary Valley Line’s role in connecting people and produce.

A tasting plate of local fare is provided during the journey, with a lunch option on the platform at Amamoor Station, showcasing local produce and Station made goodies.The Tasting Train journey is available for $59 ($49 concession) and $20 for the lunch option. Beverages can be purchased at the Platform No. 1 Café before departure or at the lunch stop. Bookings and full details at: https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/