Woombye’s finest take centre stage at Ekka

Showstoppers: Best rum, best cheese … Michael Conrad and Beth O’Leary at their stands at the Ekka. 

Woombye will pack a powerful one-two punch at this year’s Ekka, with award-winning cheese and Queensland’s champion spirit both hailing from the hinterland town.

Woombye Cheese and Nil Desperandum Rum will showcase their products in the Woolworths Pavilion during the 150th anniversary Royal Queensland Show.

Woombye Cheese owner Beth O’Leary said its Blackall Gold Washed Rind and Truffle Triple Cream Brie had each received gold medals. “These two cheeses are very unique – robust and decadent in different ways – but equally delicious!” she said. “These awards provide great feedback and an opportunity to benchmark our cheese.

“These recent results show we make a consistent product at a high level, which reflects the dedication and passion our team has for what they do.”

Visitors will be able to sample the cheeses, buy some to take home or enjoy a platter at the show.

Nil Desperandum was named Best Queensland Distillery at the 2026 Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits Awards, while its Premier Rum claimed three trophies: Grand Champion Distilled Spirit, Champion Rum and The Star Brisbane Best Queensland Distilled Spirit.

Its "Artfully Corrupted Spiced Rum" was also named Champion Feature Rum.

Sunshine & Sons’ Matt Hobson said winning on home soil against some of Australia’s finest producers was particularly meaningful. “Queensland is the home of Australian sugar cane and the home of Australian Rum,” he said. “To be acknowledged by the Queensland Royal judges as the very best is such a thrill.”

Ekka visitors will be able to taste and purchase Nil Desperandum rums and Sunshine & Sons premium spirits alongside other champion Queensland produce.

Both producers said Woombye’s double success would help draw attention to the town and wider region. “Woombye is a little-known town and to think some of Queensland’s best food and drink is being produced here helps shine a spotlight on our region,” Ms O’Leary said.

Mr Hobson said the distillery proudly served Woombye Cheese to visitors from across Australia and overseas.“Bravo to our great mates at Woombye Cheese!” he said. “We couldn’t be prouder that Woombye is Queensland’s home of the very best spirits and cheese.”