- Email
Winter in Mareeba Shire means clear skies, crisp mornings, and cool nights. It’s the perfect season to slow down, take the scenic route, and graze your way from Kuranda to Mareeba and beyond.
Here’s a brief guide to what to eat, see and do on the Mareeba Food Trail Drive this winter.
Read the full guide and drive itinerary here.
Begin your road trip in Kuranda, the rainforest village famous for its nature, markets and coffee culture. Winter mornings here are cool and peaceful—perfect for wandering the Kuranda Heritage Markets or enjoying a barista-made brew under the treetops.
Don’t rush—Kuranda is full of hidden gems and wildlife encounters. And being the green gateway to the Mareeba Shire, it sets the perfect tone for your foodie journey.
Your next stop is Jaques Coffee Plantation, one of the most scenic and innovative coffee farms in the region. Winter is ideal for touring the plantation, learning about the bean-to-cup process, and relaxing over brunch in the open-air café.
If you’ve never tried mango wine, Golden Drop Winery is a must-visit. Just outside Mareeba, this family-run winery transforms local fruit into crisp whites, bubbly moscato, and rich liqueurs.
Tastings are relaxed and affordable, and the winter sunshine makes it the perfect spot for a cellar door picnic or takeaway hamper for the road.
For breathtaking winter views and seasonal food, head to Skybury Café & Roastery. Perched above the plains, this working farm café serves Australia’s oldest commercial coffee alongside fresh red papaya, meals, and panoramic photo ops.
Cool, dry weather makes it the ideal time to soak up the scenery from the deck and browse the on-site farm shop.
Add a dose of history to your food trail with a visit to the Mareeba Heritage Museum. Entry is free, and you’ll discover hundreds of fascinating artefacts, from pioneering tools to vintage farming gear.
The museum Savannah Café is also a great spot for lunch, with homemade pies, scones and coffee made from locally roasted beans.
After all that grazing, take a refreshing detour to one of the Shire’s most picturesque natural escapes: Emerald Creek Falls. The walk in is a scenic blend of granite boulders and dry bushland, leading to cascading rock pools perfect for a dip or a midday picnic.
Once you’ve cooled off, treat yourself just down the road at Emerald Creek Ice-Creamery. Their handmade tropical fruit gelatos, creamy dairy ice creams and locally sourced cheeses make for the perfect post-hike indulgence—best enjoyed on the shady veranda with mountain views.
Whether you’re a local escaping the coast or a southern traveller chasing sunshine, the Mareeba Shire Food Trail delivers the ultimate cool-season escape.
Recent Comments