It’s hard to pick a better spot for a Sunday drive than the Sunshine Coast hinterland. After you’ve taken in the spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains at nearby Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, treat yourself to the exciting modern Asian flavours at The Tamarind at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

Book early and request a table on the deck overlooking the tranquil gardens, rather than in the slightly tired dining room, and settle in for a multi-course pan-Asian feast that travels from Indonesia to China.

Choose either two or three courses from the approachable menu, which traverses confit salmon with miso and quinoa, to General Tso’s cauliflower and dry-aged rib-eye with green mango and squid salad.

Skip the slightly tough braised and charred octopus and instead dive into the crispy duck with its rich semi-sweet tamarind and hoi sin sauce and accompanying fried Sichuan-style long beans. Hungry? Go for the beef tataki starring tender, wafer-thin slices of wagyu and delicate tempura oysters.

There is a decent wine list with enough options by the glass for the designated driver. Our pick – a Pressing Matters Riesling from Tassie’s Coal River that stands up to the bold flavours.

There’s no doubt you’ll be full by the end of the meal, so a five-minute stroll from the restaurant to the nearby Maleny Falls is a good idea – perhaps even a dip for the adventurous.

Must-eat dish: Crispy duck with fried Sichuan style long beans
Instagram: @spicerstamarindretreat