Food trails, as they are known, are all about connecting local producers with consumers and linked to renewed consumer interest in the provenance of food.

The idea is a simple one – hop in the car and visit participating farmgates and food producers whose doors might not always be open to the public. 

The food trail is the latest tourist initiative by Destination Port Stephens and a marked departure from the traditional winter whale-watching angle. 

The journey begins at the historic King Street Confectionary store in Raymond Terrace where preservative-free sweets and hand-tempered chocolates are made in-house.

Family-run farm Medowie Macadamias is your next stop, then it’s off to Bob’s Farm to try Bob’s Farm Avocadoes, a tour of Murray’s Brewery and a visit to Tailor Made Fish Farms where you can sample the barramundi and hydroponic vegetables farmed sustainably on site.

Pasta di Porto at Anna Bay also made the list. Known for making authentic and award-winning Italian fare, this family-owned institution has won 56 medals to date for its pasta, including three Sydney Royal Food Show Championships.

You can swing by Anna Bay Tomatoes and Sam’s Fig & Olive Grove and, if the timing is right, visit The Spectrum Farmers Market at Anna Bay which is held on the third Saturday of every month.

There, you can meet local growers and fill a basket with local honey and vegetables, freshly-baked breads and artisan produce.

And then there’s the seafood, celebrated annually at the Love Seafood festival in August. 

Oyster season is at its peak in the heart of winter and at Holberts Oyster Farm in Cromarty Bay they are shucked to order by fifth-generation Holbert family growers.

You can also drop by Nelson Bay Fish Market at d’Albora Marina and have a chat with Bob Monin, whose family has been in the seafood business for more than 60 years. 

There are also new food and wine experiences to enjoy. 

Hemingway’s Whisky Bar, Little Nel Cafe and Evviva all earned a mention, while Little Beach Bar has become the place to watch the sun set with a cocktail in hand since opening last year.

The best part is, it’s right on our doorstep. A gourmet day trip to savour.