Share this

MasterChef Winner Opens Wholesome Sweet Spot in Caloundra

Kate Bracks is an Australian reality television cook. The winner of the third series of MasterChef Australia and mother of three children opens a wholesome gelato outlet at Bulcock Beach in time for cooling down this Summer.

If you're strolling along the beautiful boardwalk in Caloundra, you might notice a delightful new addition to the local scene: Fifty Acres Gelato. This charming gelato shop is the brainchild of Kate Bracks, a former MasterChef Australia contestant, who has brought her passion for seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients to the Sunshine Coast.

The Story Behind the Name
The name Fifty Acres has a special significance for Kate. It harks back to her time living on fifty acres in regional NSW, on the outskirts of Orange. There, she and her family grew a variety of fruits, and it was during this period that Kate truly immersed herself in cooking with their homegrown produce. This experience ignited her passion for eating seasonally and locally, not just because it tastes better, but also because it supports local farmers, the environment, and our overall wellbeing.

A Journey Back to the Kitchen
Kate's career has spanned both the food industry and education. However, it was in 2023, after seven years in education, that she found her way back to the kitchen. Working as an assistant baker at Sunshine Coast Sourdough Co., Kate began experimenting with gelato at home as a creative outlet. This hobby soon blossomed into the idea of opening her own gelato shop, where she could craft handmade gelato from seasonal ingredients.

Why Caloundra?
When asked why she chose Caloundra for her new venture, Kate's enthusiasm is palpable. "Caloundra is in a superb location by the water with great infrastructure like the boardwalk," she explains. "I could easily envision people wandering along with a gelato at any time of the day. It's a place where people come to relax and enjoy themselves, often with loved ones. I wanted to create a business that supports people in connecting with others around good food in a relaxed and fun way."

Kate also loves the mix of locals and tourists in Caloundra. This blend offers opportunities to connect with the community and showcase the area's features to visitors.

What to Expect at Fifty Acres Gelato
Visitors to Fifty Acres Gelato can look forward to delicious, handmade gelato made from the finest seasonal ingredients. Kate is committed to quality and supporting local producers, ensuring that every scoop is a taste of our region's best. Fifty Acres Gelato offers a perfect spot to enjoy a sweet treat while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of Caloundra.