The nation's most geographically sprawling food and wine festival has kicked off in Western Australia's far south.
Now in its 10th year, Taste Great Southern takes place over six weeks from February 13, with more than 45 distinct events held in five wine growing sub-regions: Frankland River, Mount Barker, Denmark, Albany and Porongurup.
Native tucker features heavily, from forages guided by local Aboriginal elders to an eight-course degustation dinner, while barbecues will be held on the beach and in the bush, and restaurants will pop up at wineries and other mystery locations.
A festival drawcard, but relative newcomer to the culinary scene, 2009 MasterChef runner-up Poh Ling Yeow, said the event was often an eye-opener for locals who had taken the quality of their region's produce for granted.
"It highlights what's on their doorstep," she told AAP. "They remember how lucky they are.
"Seeing people passionate about their corner of the world is a great thing."
Yeow said the event also attracted travelling gourmands wanting to know everything about their food from "paddock to plate".
"Food is such a good way to draw people to a region," she said.
"The Great Southern has such a diverse geography and climate, and still very pristine waters."
Yeow, who savoured local snow crab for the first time at the 2013 festival, will be cooking up a storm at several events in 2014, including a celebration of Albany oysters.
Other drawcards at the festival include Order of Australia recipient Stephanie Alexander, who will team up with TV chef Anna Gare and Maggie Beer-trained Sophie Zalokar to design a three-course lunch at Pepper and Salt restaurant in Denmark.
