It's no secret that Australia is one of the best wine producers in the world, and those in the know will also be aware that the variety and quality of food on offer here stands it in the running with the likes of Italy as one of our favourite all-round gastronomic destinations.
What might be less well known is that there are a growing number of ways that visitors can get directly involved in the processes of farming, foraging, or filleting, and consequently end up with a meal that tastes all the better for knowing exactly where it came from.
So, embrace the Aussie spirit, pick from the list below and then roll your sleeves up to get stuck in to a foodie experience with a nature inspired twist...
Red Centre - Bush Tucker Tour
Nowhere in Australia is the indigenous culture still as prevalent and respected as it is in the outback. In between trips to learn about the spiritual importance of Uluru and watch the sunset over Kata Tjuta, you can also enjoy a bush tucker tour to sample some of the traditional indigenous grub.
Let your guide introduce you to the art of spear throwing, collect and identify a selection of seeds and then polish off the tour with a delicious four course dinner in the midst of the rusty red dunes.
Daylesford - Forage & Feast
On the peaceful shores of Lake Daylesford in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, natural mineral springs and stunning mountain scenery make this the perfect spot for an idyllic retreat.
Couple that with a dedicated regional scavenger hunt that introduces you to the abundance of locally produced food and wine, and you've got a real winner. Spend some time digging on the local farms, cooking up a storm in the artisanal produce kitchens, and even foraging in the forests for truffles, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour with a glass of wine - from the winery you picked grapes at earlier, of course.
Lord Howe Island - Jack and the Bean Stalk
No, we haven't gone completely mad and started believing in giants and beanstalks that grow to the skies. That said, the eight hour return trek to Lord Howe's Mount Gower is somewhat skyward and our favourite guide, Jack, is something of a giant in terms of local knowledge.
As you dodge dizzying drops and traverse eight miles of rugged mountain terrain, look out for and collect samples from some of the regions rarest plants and animals. Then, when you get back down to earth, pair your bush tucker finds with a selection of the organic goodies to be found in Jack's vegetable garden, and enjoy a well deserved dinner.
Freycinet National Park - Oyster Foraging
The diversity of the magical wilderness scenery along east coast Tasmania makes it the perfect grounds for a road trip. Take in white sandy beaches that meet azure blue waters, pink granite peaks that rise into the bird filled skies and then stop in Freycinet National Park for dinner.
Start by donning wellies and then wade out into the Marine Oyster Farm where you'll help forage for fresh oysters. When you've collected enough, sit down at a table placed in the shallow waters next to the shore and tuck into your harvest, with a chilled bottle of champagne on the side to help wash them down.
Ningaloo Reef - You Catch & We Cook
Head north in Western Australia and discover the beautiful Ningaloo Reef, where you'll be able to swim with 30ft long whale sharks, snorkel with humpback whales, and spend afternoons strolling along pure white beaches that meet the ochre outback.
In between adventuring on land or underwater, take a boat out onto the reef for an afternoon of fishing. While most of the fishing will be catch and release, you're able to choose one or two to keep for dinner. Whether its sashimi for canapes or yellow fin tuna for the main event, the chef will rustle up something delicious for you to enjoy back on the beach.
Barossa Valley - Winemaker for a Day
What list of great Australian gourmet experiences would be complete without mention of at least one wine focused activity? And where better to host such a brilliantly boozy day than in the beautiful Barossa Valley?
Start your day with breakfast surrounded by a mob of kangaroos, then go wandering through the vineyards in the sun, before you don some lab-coats and make your way inside to learn the art of winemaking, and create your own bottled vintage. Polish off the day, and the bottle, with an expertly paired dinner.
Daintree Rainforest - Indigenous Adventure
The oldest rainforest in the world, The Daintree, is one of Australia's most biodiverse and beautiful wilderness areas. Spend several days here kayaking, trekking and wildlife spotting with your local Kuku Yalanji indigenous guide.
For an alternative flora and fauna experience, delve deeper into the hunter gatherer culture and learn more about the traditional hunting techniques. Armed with spears, travel through the mangroves and attempt to catch mussels, fish and local mud crabs - with a little (or lot of!) help from your guide - which can then be cooked and enjoyed around a homemade campfire.
