Maggie Beer at Orpheus Island

Culinary icon and Australia's favourite cook, Maggie Beer, will bring a touch of the Barossa Valley to the Great Barrier Reef when she joins the team at Orpheus Island to host A Weekend with Maggie from September 5 – 8 2013.

Bringing her love of 'sharing the table' to the golden sands and glistening blue waters of Orpheus, Maggie will host an intimate group of just twelve couples for this exclusive 'once in a lifetime' event, celebrating her passion for seasonal produce and country cooking.

"I'm very excited to share all that Orpheus has to offer, not least of which is the wonderful local produce. There is nothing more engaging for a cook than to have access to the very freshest of produce and we'll have a bounty to be inspired by on the island," says Maggie.

Over three nights, you will unwind and recharge on tropical Orpheus, participating in the island's signature experiences such as snorkelling, fishing, and island cruises; and in the evening enjoying menus created from Maggie's favourite seasonal recipes. You will also have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the country cook's repertoire with Maggie sharing her enviable kitchen knowledge during two bespoke island masterclasses.

Orpheus' head chef, Arie Prabowo, will work with Maggie to recreate her recipes for the event. "I feel privileged to work alongside Maggie for this event. Maggie is a brilliant cook and I'm excited to learn from her; especially as we share the same passion for seasonal produce," says Prabowo.

A Weekend with Maggie on Orpheus (from AUS$4,800 for two guests) includes:

• 3 nights beachfront accommodation
• Opening evening cocktail party, hosted by Orpheus and Maggie
• Two 1.5 hour gourmet masterclasses led by Maggie, sharing exclusive recipes!
• Three dinners showcasing Maggie's favourite seasonal recipes
• A welcome gift of Maggie's pantry essentials
• All meals and selected regional wines and beers
• One signature Orpheus 'experience' daily – snorkeling, fishing, island cruise
• Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, sea kayaks, catamarans, snorkeling equipment and light fishing tackle
• Return helicopter transfers between Townsville and Orpheus for two guests (30 minute journey each way)

Originally from Sydney, Maggie Beer's culinary journey began in 1973 when she settled in the Barossa Valley with her husband Colin. Since this time, Maggie has carved out an enviable career, running a successful restaurant and a prestigious food manufacturing business. A true foodie, Maggie has penned eight cookbooks, hosted the ABC's The Cook and The Chef with Simon Bryant, and in 2012 received an Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the tourism and hospitality industry.

Alison Carmichael-Rulten

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