MAREEBA AGRITOURISM DRIVE

Begin your journey at the Mareeba Heritage Museum, where an entry fee of just $5 unlocks a deep dive into the region’s rich agricultural history. Explore exhibitions on tobacco, dairy and coffee farming, and learn how migration has shaped local life. Afterwards, enjoy a barista-made brew from Savannah Café on the deck. Every coffee sold helps support this not-for-profit gem.

Cruise through open farmland to arrive at Hectic Valley Farm in Mutchilba, where animal encounters are the star of the show. Join a feeding session and meet camels, pigs, cows, chickens and horses. If you’re travelling with kids or love a hands-on farm experience, this is a must-stop.

Camping is available by the dam if you want to unwind under the stars and wake up to peaceful bushland views.

Visit Skybury, Australia’s oldest commercial coffee plantation, and home to the country’s largest papaya operation. The farm has been family-owned since 1987 and now welcomes guests for tastings, tours and café meals with breathtaking views.

Don’t miss:

• Their house-roasted coffee
• Locally made Papaya Vodka
• The signature Papaya Boat breakfast
• Wide views over Mareeba’s rich red soil country

A true taste of Tropical North Queensland in one beautiful stop.

Next, head to Golden Drop Winery, North Queensland’s first commercial winery. This family-owned cellar door is located on one of Australia’s largest mango plantations. Try their unique mango wines, sparkling varieties, mango port and cellos.

You can:

• Take a tasting flight at the cellar door
• Learn about their innovative fruit-to-bottle process
• Pick up some delicious souvenirs for the road

Don’t forget to ask for a quick peek at their winemaking lab if you’re curious about how it all comes together.

Finish your drive with a caffeine kick at Jaques Coffee Plantation, a working farm with a great café and immersive visitor experience. If you’re driving a 4WD and the weather is dry, you can take the scenic route via Shanty Creek Road. Otherwise, loop back through Mareeba and head north on the Kennedy Highway.

At Jaques you’ll find:

• Interactive coffee tours with a behind-the-scenes film
• Fresh espresso tastings and their signature blends
• A full café menu
• The famous Nitro Espresso Martini (over 18s only)

It’s a fitting finale for a day of paddock-to-plate discovery.