The Tour Specialists Tour Blog

The Australian Coffee Centre

What a fantastic way to spend a day! I was absolutely delighted to drive my way up the Kuranda range through the amazing rainforest before entering the more arid, temperate region known as the Tablelands. A quick trip from Palm Cove to Mareeba then on to the Australian Coffee Centre aka Skybury, took approx. 1hr 30 mins. If self driving look out for the iron sculpture of the farmer with his wheelbarrow to indicate entry on to the “Wheelbarrow Way” which takes you through lychee ,coffee, papaya, banana and more plantations before arriving at Skybury.
My mother in-law and I were greeted by friendly welcoming staff. We walked out to the dining room deck area to breathe in the amazing 180degree views. There are rolling hills in the distance as well as native eucalypt trees and plantations of many varieties of crops.  Julye made us an amazing coffee that we enjoyed while absorbing the relaxed quiet atmosphere.
Next it was time for our plantation tour. Our guide was Andrew, a true Aussie Cowboy who has spent a lifetime working in the Australian bush. We learned all there is to know about growing, harvesting and maintaining the oldest running coffee plantation in Australia. It was also fascinating to learn that although a relatively new coffee producing country, Australia’s coffee is very highly regarded in the coffee growing world, second only to the quality of Jamaica’s coffee. Skybury is the major producer of this export coffee, which is sent all over the world. Well done! We watched an 8 minute IMAX type video in the media room summarizing all that we had learned. Very First Class!
After our tour we were famished so headed back to our favourite spot on the balcony for lunch and a refreshing glass of wine. The barramundi was exceptional! (Steaks, Pastas, Vegetarian and Kids meals are also available) To top off a truly spectacular meal, cappuccino ice cream was for dessert! Yum!!( they also offer a selection of decadent cakes, biscuits and cheese cakes!)
At the gift shop they offer everything coffee related from bean grinders and Percolators to different varieties of chocolate covered beans and fruits and of course a selection of the freshest coffee to take home.
Skybury coffee Plantation is for anybody who enjoys coffee and is of course very child friendly. They even have a native animal rehabilitation centre to care for sick or injured wallabies, kangaroos and birds from the area. It is easy to see why The Australian Coffee Centre is a winner of Tropical North Queensland Tourism Awards!
Thank you to everybody at The Australian Coffee Centre for a very memorable and educational day!

Sonja McSweeney – The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

For information about tours including Skybury Coffee Plantation, please visit The Tour Specialists