Taste is arguably one of our most powerful senses, and it has a funny way of drawing us to new and wonderful experiences. Let your taste guide you once again this May, all the way to the charming holiday area of Camden Haven, NSW.
Just half an hour or so south of Port Macquarie, could Camden Haven's Slice of Haven festival be the excuse you need to go on holiday?
The Slice of Haven festival is a gourmet food and wine event showcasing the culinary talent from around the region. Not only are the products available here absolutely delicious, but they are largely made from local ingredients too!
Before the inaugural edition in 2008, many in the Camden Haven region were looking for ways to show themselves off to the rest of the country. As a result, volunteers gained backing by the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and funded the first ever Slice of Haven - which brought in 1,500 visitors. Just four years later, the event had grown to a point where 2012 guest numbers reached 16,500 people!
Now, this May 24, from 10am until 4pm, you can see what made this event such a runaway success.
There will be around 80 stallholders this year. They won't just be about food, however, because you can also expect the local winemakers, beer brewers and coffee houses to be present as well, offering you a succulent selection of their stock.
As for the stalls themselves, each will be brilliant and colourful, as every holder is encouraged to dress up their area to help promote the diversity of the Camden Haven region. Feel free to stow the credit card at your hotel, too, as vendors are encouraged to keep their prices to just $8 or less.
Your kids will have plenty of entertainment too, as once they have stuffed their face with goodies, they can jump on bouncy castles, play on the rides or dig in to the giant sand pit!
"If you love delicious gourmet food and drink that's locally sourced, make sure you book holiday accommodation to visit Slice of Haven this May. "
If you choose to book your holiday accommodation in the popular seaside town of Port Macquarie, you'll find the Slice of Haven festival area only 30 minutes south. However, visitors should definitely take the path less travelled, and instead of driving down the Pacific Highway (as your GPS may instruct you to), turn left as you leave the town to hit the Ocean Road. The scenery along this coastal drive will take your breath away, as it hugs its way along the Tasman Sea, only adding six or so minutes to the trip.
Mantra Quayside should be your first stop when you arrive in Port Macquarie. This stylish hotel is at the heart of the town, and has a variety of room options that will suit a range of group sizes (so make sure you bring your friends and family to Slice of Haven!). When you need to relax at the end of May 24, the rooftop heated swimming pool, sauna and Elysium Beauty Day Spa facilities available here will undoubtedly satisfy. Plus you can use the onsite gymnasium to work off that gourmet food you've enjoyed.
As for the Slice of Haven event area itself, you will find it along the Camden Haven River, at the end of Seymour Street in Laurieton. Entry is by optional gold coin donation, all funds of which go towards the local community groups and volunteers who helped create the festival.
Both Camden Haven and Port Macquarie have a range of tourist attractions as well, so ensure your holiday leaves enough room for some exploring while you're here.