MAREEBA FOOD TRAIL DRIVE

Kuranda the Village in the Rainforest is known for its character and charm, making it the perfect way to start your food lover’s day. Grab a French-style crepe at The Petit Café, known for its sweet and savoury options, or enjoy an acai superfood bowl at Here’s Good Café which is tucked into the heart of the village. For something more traditional, the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway Tea Rooms have a classic morning tea. However you begin, Kuranda sets the tone with flavour, atmosphere and a touch of nostalgia – to get the taste buds excited, check out the Food Lover’s Guide to Kuranda.

Time to fire up the senses at Jaques Coffee Plantation. This established property is expanding and rebranding in 2025 to become an Australian Coffee Plantation, Coffee Lounge and Roastery, specialising in coffee tastings, cold brew iced coffee, pour over coffee and coffee experiences, while also offering Aussie themed pizzas and dessert pizzas. With 85,000 coffee trees, this family-owned gem is nestled in the Mareeba countryside and produces some of Australia’s finest coffee. With a deep local legacy and new offerings on the horizon, Jaques is a must for coffee lovers on the Mareeba Food Trail. Open Monday to Friday.

Golden Drop Winery is a family-owned estate in Biboohra, just north of Mareeba, and is renowned for its unique mango wines. Using fruit from their own orchards, the winery produces a variety of mango wines, including dry, medium and sweet styles, as well as sparkling mango wine and fortified options. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a relaxed setting and explore other offerings like citrus liqueurs and cellar door exclusives. Golden Drop is a refreshing stop on the trail, blending tropical flavours with local winemaking expertise.

Perched on the Great Dividing Range Skybury Coffee Plantation is Australia’s oldest commercial coffee grower and a leader in sustainable farming. You can sip award-winning coffee at their Skybury Café & Roastery, while taking in panoramic views of the Tablelands. They offer a paddock-to-plate menu featuring locally sourced produce, including their famous red papaya. Coffee tastings and a gourmet gift shop round out the experience – Skybury’s delicious fusion of flavour, freshness and far-reaching views make it well worth the stop.

If you want a side serve of local history during your self-guided drive through Mareeba’s rich culinary landscape, then the Mareeba Heritage Coffee House at the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre is the place for you. Enjoy locally roasted coffee paired with scones and jam, guilt-free cakes and slices, including gluten-free and vegan options, creamy pasta delights and more. Whether you’re after a light bite or a full meal, this is the perfect spot to enjoy modern tastes in heritage surrounds.

Coffee Works is a vibrant stop on the Mareeba Food Trail and offers more than just great coffee – it’s a full sensory experience. Explore the Coffee World museum showcasing the global story of coffee, then dive into tastings of locally roasted blends, fine chocolates and liqueurs. Their on-site café serves up fresh meals and sweet treats in a leafy garden setting and the amazing gift shop is full of gourmet goodies and unique handmade items. Coffee Works is part café, part museum, part tasting room and all heart. A must-visit for lovers of flavour and fun.

Time to stock up on some delicious, fresh local produce at Tablelands to Tabletop, so you can take the taste of Mareeba home with you. This shop celebrates and showcases the diverse agricultural activities of the Shire. From seasonal fruit and vegetables, to coffee, tea, spices and more, there’s something here for everyone. It’s about community, sustainability and unforgettable flavours. Taste the difference, one delicious bite at a time.

Emerald Creek Ice Creamery have been making dreams come true since 2008 – especially if your dreams include an amazing, decadent and delicious range of ice creams and sorbets! Located near Emerald Creek Falls, this family-run spot serves up handcrafted ice cream in a range of bold flavours, think macadamia, mango, wattleseed and more. Over 40 flavours to choose from, plus sorbets and dairy-free options. Watch the magic happen through the production window, then relax with a cone or sundae under the shade. It’s fun, flavour-packed and the perfect sweet stop on your Mareeba Food Trail adventure.

If you’re tackling this trail on a Wednesday, then it has to wind up at the The Billabong for Woodfired Wednesday Pizza Nights! From 5pm you can enjoy traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas on home made sourdough base, cooked fresh in the woodfired oven. Choose from classics like Margherita, or gourmet combos like the Bedouin, as well kids’ favourites – paired with $5 beers and wines. Last orders by 8pm, so come early, grab a table and soak up the relaxed vibes by the water. It’s the midweek dinner plan you didn’t know you needed.