TNQ Writer
Mareeba Shire beckons agritourism enthusiasts to explore its vibrant agricultural landscapes. Renowned for fertile soils and diverse crops, Mareeba Shire offers a unique rural experience. From coffee plantations to fruit orchards, visitors can engage in hands-on activities, savour locally grown produce, and appreciate sustainable farming practices.
Skybury Farms
Skybury Farms in Mareeba Shire offers a tropical escape into agricultural wonders. Known for its coffee plantations and exotic fruits, the farm provides an immersive tour tracing the journey from cultivation to cup. With breathtaking views, guided tours showcase sustainable farming practices, inviting visitors to connect with nature and enjoy freshly brewed coffee. Since its debut in 2006, the café and Roastery at the core of Skybury Farms have taken centre stage. Drawing in both visitors and locals, it mesmerises with breathtaking views, an irresistible menu, and a welcoming atmosphere, all complemented by farm-fresh delights. Indulge in delicious food and drinks, and for the grown-ups, don’t miss out on the Skybury Espresso Liqueur—a treat for the taste buds.
Kur Cow Barnwell Farm
Located in the Myola hills, KUR-Cow Barnwell Farm is a sprawling 626-hectare working farm, just a short 6-minute drive from Kuranda and 35 minutes from Cairns CBD. Ideal for a family day out, the farm offers close encounters with animals, horseback exploration, and ATV quad bike adventures. Fuel up at the on-site restaurant or let the kids enjoy the mini farm—feeding ponies, learning to milk cows, and checking for eggs. Fresh food enthusiasts can wander through the organic farm, picking their own produce for a tasty snack during their farm day.
Hectic Valley Farms
Nestled on 100 acres in the scenic Atherton Tablelands, Hectic Valley Farms offers a tranquil retreat in the region’s agricultural heartland. For the modest fee of $10 per person, dive into a world of critters waiting for your attention. We’re talking draft horses, camels, calves, chickens, ducks, goslings, sheep, and even buffalo calves—basically, a furry and feathery fiesta! Snuggle up with adorable chicks and ducklings, pucker up for a kiss from the fabulous camel named Gidget, and be sure to say hi to Runway, the colossal and charming chicken.
Jaques Cafe, Tours & Roastery
Jaques Cafe is the caffeine haven with a backdrop of the Great Dividing Range. Sip on perfection surrounded by 85,000 Arabica coffee trees at the licensed restaurant or cafe. Delve into the coffee-making process behind the scenes with their inclusive tours. Enjoy a captivating coffee documentary, stroll amidst coffee and fruit trees, and bring a slice of the experience home with freshly roasted coffee. If that’s not enough buzz, try Microlight Flights, Gyro Flights, or Segway Tours on-site. It’s not just coffee; it’s a whole brew-tiful experience!
Please note, Jaques Cafe is open seasonally- April – September
Golden Drop Winery
Located in the heart of one of Australia’s largest mango plantations, Golden Drop Winery is not your run-of-the-mill vino haven; it’s a family-owned gem with a splash of tropical flair. Uncorked in 1999, this boutique winery boasts the title of being the inaugural commercial grape haven in North Queensland. Their premium Golden Drop Wines are like a sip of sunshine—refreshing, light, and downright delightful. Choose from the trifecta of Dry, Medium, or Sweet varieties, or dive into the exotic with a Sparkling Mango Wine, Mango Port, and a parade of fortified liqueur-style wonders.
De Brueys Boutique Winery
Sip the extraordinary lychee, mango, and passionfruit elixirs at de Brueys Boutique Winery in Mareeba. This tropical treasure trove blends tradition and innovation to craft top-tier wines for everyone—from cozy cafes to bigwig importers. Visit their Cellar Door, savour the world-class fruity range, and snag some for later. Just a 50-minute drive from Cairns, enjoy a scenic route through lush landscapes of exotic fruits and coffee. Nestled on a 15-hectare organic mango farm, this winery is a fruity haven.
Emerald Creek Ice Creamery
At their on-site factory, Emerald Creek Ice Creamery whips up divine treats like ice cream and dairy-free sorbets with pure cream, full cream milk, and local Tablelands fruit. Offering gluten-free options and allergy awareness, the Visitor Centre Cafe is a delight with classy teas, wild Banana Splits, Apple Pie & Ice-Cream, Waffles, and Supa Sundaes. Sip on local Jaques Coffee, Nucifora Tea, or relish Hot Chocolates & Chai Lattes. They’re also masters of Fudge and tangy condiments like Strawberry & Blueberry Jam, Marmalade, Mango Chutney, and Tomato Relish. For a savoury twist, try the Biltong, available whole or freshly sliced, plus Stokkies & Dry Wors for a flavour adventure!