Trail to head up river

FOR the first time Causley Fresh Gate to Plate food trails will head up river.

As in 2011 there will be a trail heading down river from Grafton on Saturday September 15 but attendees will also have the chance to enjoy local food, scenery and history in the upper Clarence.

Chair of the Gate to Plate Committee Lisa Dougherty said Clarence Valley Council, primary sponsor of the 2012 food trails has been very supportive of the trails because they cover the whole Valley and directly support local producers.

"The Gate to Plate first travelling food experience last year was so well received, some people were planning to do it again or do it instead of the Long Lunch which sold out within days of release in July," she said.

"So this year we have expanded to an Up River tour as well for some variety."

It was initially advertised that the Food Trails would start from No.1 Duke St Restaurant in Grafton, but it will be easier to load the buses from in front of the Council Chambers in Prince St, Grafton.

The Up River Food Trail will be a mix of food, scenery and history, travelling first to the old-fashioned hospitality of The Rest Point Hotel at Copmanhurst for morning tea.

There will a visit to a superb private garden showcasing how to grow your own fruit and vegetables while enjoying local cheeses and bubbly by the river.

Lunch will be a barbecue at the Page family's historic beef property, Heifer Station, where the foodies can enjoy local beef, locally-made relishes and chutneys, freshly-picked home-grown garden salads and Hanks special spelt bread. Tour guide will be Robert Page, with his dad Jim giving a talk over lunch about Heifer Station and his great grandfather, Sir Earle Page.

The bus will return to the Council Chambers in time for any participants in the Gate to Plate Master Class at No.1 Duke St restaurant to cross the park for more fine food indulgence.

A limited number of tickets are still available for $80 each solely from gatetoplate.com.au or $100 including the Master Class. It is expected to sell out in advance of the event.