The event will take place this Sunday, April 18 when a host of award winning local producers open their farm gates and doors to locals and visitors to learn first-hand about their enterprises.

With COVID safety plans in place, the autumn food trail, which follows the scenic Lakes Way between Bulahdelah and Rainbow Flat, will have seven stops.

In Bulahdelah, visitors can meet cute lambs and learn about farming practices at Yeo Farm.

Further down the road visit Old Inn Road and learn how this vineyard uses organic principles to produce multi award-winning Verdelho, sparkling Espu'delho and Frizzante.

At the vineyard you will also get the opportunity to meet the orchid grower from Evergreen Farmlands and the cheesemaker from Comboyne Culture.

In Wootton, enjoy light refreshments at the community built and managed Brush Turkey Café and meet local artists.

Then try the local produce grazing platter and a glass of wine at the Great Lakes Paddocks, which will have live music in the afternoon.

There will also be a local produce 'hub' at Bungwahl Hall.

Located at the hub will be Palms Artisan Bakery, The Natural Deodorant, Wild Temple Naturals, Farm to Fridge, Nadine the Cake Queen, Coomba Little Farm, Josants Kitchen, Tianjarra Eco, Bungwahl School and contemporary Aboriginal artist Lara Went from Yukul Art.

In Forster enjoy a chat with the brewer and enjoy beer tastings at The Coastal Brewing Company before travelling to Rainbow Flat to savour the local produce in the café garden at Valley View Farm and try their award winning garlic.

Against the challenges of the past year, Great Lakes Food Trail president, Sue Williams, is delighted the autumn Great trial is going ahead.

"This past year has proved exceptionally challenging with bushfire recovery, COVID restrictions and most recently, flooding in the area," she said.

"It is brilliant to be opening the food trail again.

"Through working together we've been able to improve accessibility for locals and visitors to the region to the very best in local produce and the food trail is at the very heart of this.

"As people become much more conscious around the food and drink that they consume, the food trail provides people with the opportunity to hear, see first-hand and ask questions."

Now in its fifth year, the food trail not only provides an opportunity for our community to garner a greater understanding of the region's produce but at the same time, has stimulated demand and strengthened markets for producers and providores.

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