Tis the season!

You know the drill. Eat. Drink. And be merry. In Queensland, you're spoilt for choice in the 'cheers' stakes as the state continues its heady climb, laying claim to the fastest growth of craft beer in Australia. New arrival on the brew-tastic block is Rockhampton's Headricks Lane, breathing new life into a grand old heritage-listed building, refitted with a café, restaurant and microbrewery.

Further information:
W: www.headrickslane.co

On Christmas Eve, don't forget to leave a refreshing ale out for Santa!

We know just the brew that doubles as the perfect stocking filler with a conscience: Great Barrier Beer. The brainchild of Australia's first social enterprise beer company, Bargara-based The Good Beer Co, funnels 50 per cent of sale profits to the Australian Marine Conservation Society to help protect the Great Barrier Reef. Cheers to that! For more inspo, check out a full list of superhero beers.

Foodie's Paradise

Hot on the heels of Visit Sunshine Coast hitting the 'go live' button on its tantalising new Sunshine Coast Food Trail – an interactive website that allows visitors to create bespoke foodie itineraries from more than 500 lip-smacking food and beverage experiences – two of the region's restaurants have cracked TripAdvisor's Top 10 restaurants in Australia. 

Namely, Mooloolaba's Spice House Restaurant and Yandina's Spirit House and Cooking School. So, pack an appetite and pop them into your very own food trail. What's more, in July 2016, the Good Food Guide tipped its hat to the Sunshine Coast on seven occasions. Wasabi (Noosa) and The Long Apron (Montville) were awarded Two Hats, while Locale (Noosa); Ricky's River Bar and Restaurant (Noosa); The Tamarind (Maleny); Spirit House (Yandina) and Noosa Waterfront Restaurant (Noosaville) all scored One Hat. Salivating yet?

Further information:
W: https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/foodtrails/home

Pull up a seat

Two of Brisbane's coolest neighbourhoods – Fortitude Valley and Paddington – are welcoming two very different eateries. You're guaranteed to paint the town red with the opening of Madame Rouge Bar & Bistro in the Fortitude Valley's M&A Lane. 

After working as front-of-house manager at husband, Philip Johnson's E'cco Bistro, Mary Randles is taking the step of opening a venue of her own. The menu features French classics (compiled by Johnson with head chef Matthew Short, previously of Ole Fuego), complemented by a largely French-based wine list and alongside innovative cocktails from mixologist Alberto Manresso (previously of Stokehouse). Oo-la-la indeed! 

Meanwhile, in Paddington, if you're after finger-lickin' good fare, look no further than Winner Winner – a dedicated fried chicken eatery serving up every style of chicken you can think of, cooked the authentic Nashville way! Expect to get your hands dirty at this Given Terrace den that serves dishes in three heats – original (some heat); medium (you know it's spicy); or hot (that's damn hot!).

Further information:
Madame Rouge Bar & Bistro
W: http://madamerougebistro.com.au/
Winner Winner
W: www.winnerwinnerchicken.com.au