A Taste of the Highlands: The Australian Celtic Food Trail
There are festivals you attend and then there are experiences you simply savour. This autumn, the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes Highlands invites lovers of culture, food and beautiful places to indulge in something truly special: the Australian Celtic Food Trail.
Set among the golden colours of the New England High Country, this year’s culinary program offers a delicious journey through Celtic flavours, local produce and unforgettable settings. For those who appreciate a refined escape from the coast, it is the perfect excuse for a stylish autumn road trip.
A Not-to-Miss Luncheon at Ben’s Falls Retreat
The ACF Celtic Food Trail opens with a signature event on Thursday 30 April at the stunning Ben’s Falls Retreat, a hidden gem nestled beside the iconic Severn River. Guests will gather in this breath-taking natural setting for a luncheon of stories, flavour and Celtic inspiration hosted by Celebrity Cook (The Roving Haggis) Ali Stoner and celebrated food and travel writer Roberta Muir. Attendees tickets include transport from the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre, welcome drink, canapes, main and dessert buffet brought to you by the Bens Fall’s culinary team and inspired by Ali Stoner.
A Culinary Trail Through Glen Innes
Throughout the festival weekend, ACF Celtic Food Trail Ambassador Roberta Muir will be joined by Australian Celtic Festival honoured guest Ali Stoner (The Roving Haggis) and will be exploring the cafés, bakeries and restaurants of Glen Innes’ charming CBD, sampling Celtic-inspired dishes created especially for the festival.
From traditional recipes passed down through generations to imaginative modern interpretations, local chefs are embracing the spirit of Celtic cuisine with creativity and flair. Visitors can follow along, tasting their way through town while discovering local produce and warm country hospitality.
Roberta and Ali will also share their discoveries during inspiring talks at the festival site, offering visitors insights into Celtic culinary heritage and the flavours shaping the Highlands’ emerging food scene at the Celtic Cauldron at the Festival site Saturday and Sunday.
More Than a Festival
Of course, food is just the beginning.
Across the weekend, the Australian Celtic Festival bursts into life with a spectacular program: colourful street parade, thrilling Highland Games, the stirring sound of pipes and drums, medieval reenactors and jousting, lively children’s activities, and an extraordinary lineup of Celtic music and dance.
It is an immersive cultural celebration with the backdrop of The Australian Standing Stones, National Celtic Monument, unlike anything else in Australia.
For more information go to page 44 of the latest issue of getit-magazine.com.au/magazine
Plan Your Highlands Escape
Accommodation during festival weekend can book quickly, so many visitors choose a day trip through the beautiful towns of the New England High Country. Scenic drives from Tenterfield, Armidale, Guyra, Inverell, Walcha, Deepwater and Emmaville offer a relaxed way to explore the region while dipping into festival events across the weekend.
Held during the spectacular autumn season, when the Highlands glow with crisp air and golden leaves, the festival is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in culture, indulge and discover.
For those seeking culture, flavour and a little Celtic magic this autumn, the invitation is simple: Visit gleninneshighlands.com.au
