Moree on a Plate
A Long Weekend in Moree for Moree on a Plate
Day One – Friday: Arrive and Unwind
The journey into Moree is part of the experience. As the landscape opens into wide, sunlit plains, your pace naturally begins to slow. Arriving by road or rail, you’ll find yourself stepping into a town known as much for its warm welcome as its artesian waters.
After settling into your accommodation, ease into the afternoon with a wander through town. There’s a quiet charm to Moree’s main street, local shops, country hospitality, and the sense that everything runs just a little more gently here. Art lovers should carve out time for the Bank Art Museum Moree, where contemporary exhibitions often sit alongside stories of the region’s rich cultural history. It’s a thoughtful introduction to the place before the weekend’s festivities begin.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre. Sliding into the naturally heated mineral baths is a not-to-be-missed Moree ritual. The warmth seeps in slowly, and before long, the travel fades away completely.
If you're looking to start your food and wine journey, head to Maslina Bar and Grill for a special degustation and wine tasting. Don't forget to book ahead as these events sell out quickly!
For a more relaxed evening, head to the Moree Golf Club or Amaroo Tavern for a casual meal with a glass of wine. Tonight, the town will be humming with pre-festival anticipation!
Day Two – Saturday: Moree on a Plate
Saturday is the heart of the weekend, and the reason for your visit. Enjoy a slow morning and breaky in town, before making your way out to the Moree Racecourse, where the Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival unfolds.
Right: 2026 Guest Chef Warren Mendes
From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is unmistakably welcoming, vibrant, and proudly local. The day is best approached with curiosity and an empty appetite. Stalls brim with the flavours of the northwest: freshly harvested pecans, golden olives, oranges, handmade condiments, wines and homemade treats. Don't forget to buy a treat for Mum, with Mother's Day the next day!
Wander slowly. Pause often. Chat with producers who are as much storytellers as they are growers. The festival is as much about connection as it is about food.
Throughout the day, live cooking demonstrations draw a crowd, with guest chef, Warren Mendes, transforming local produce into something morish. Nearby, the smoky aroma of barbecue signals the ever-popular Mixed Grill competition, while live music drifts across the grounds, giving the whole day a relaxed, celebratory rhythm.
Lunch isn’t a single stop—it’s an experience built over time. A tasting here, a shared plate there, something sweet to finish. By mid-afternoon, you’ll have sampled your way across the region without ever leaving the grounds.
Always a highlight for families, Kids Korner gives parents a break with craft stations, face painting, a jumping castle, interactive demonstrations and a photo booth. Just a small taste of the smorgasbord of fun planned to keep the little ones busy and happy.
As the festival winds down, head back to your accommodation for a rest. Then, as evening settles in, there’s no better way to end the day than returning to the artesian pools. Under a country sky scattered with stars, the warm water feels even more restorative—a perfect counterpoint to a full, flavour-filled day.
Day Three – Sunday: Slow Morning and Farewell
Sunday in Moree arrives quietly. The town exhales after the energy of the festival, and it’s the ideal time to experience its slower side.
Start with a relaxed brunch at a local café, Cafe Omega and Relaxing Cafe are open on Sundays. If you’re not quite ready to leave, this is your chance to explore a little deeper into the region. The surrounding plains are rich with agriculture, and depending on your direction of travel, stop at the Pally Pub in Pallamallawa or the Jolly Swagman Hotel in Mungindi on your way home.
Alternatively, keep things simple. A final soak at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre offers a gentle reset before the road calls again.
Whether it’s a box of local produce or a plan to return next year, there’s a good chance you’ll carry a little of the Moree Plains with you.
