We will take you through a variety of contrasting landscapes, from lush rainforest to stunning ochre savannah plains. The rich volcanic soil allows farmers to grow many and diverse crops from Bananas, coffee, sugar cane, avocados, mangoes, macadamia nuts, citrus and more which you will learn about as we taste our way around the regions 'Food Bowl.' Sit back and relax, take in the beautiful views as we take you on a fascinating and tasty journey through another gem of Far North Queensland.

 

 

Lake Barrine Teahouse

A mere 1 hour drive from Cairns via the scenic Gillies Highway brings you to the cool atmosphere of the Atherton Tablelands, where you will come across a beautiful, enchanting natural lake hidden in World Heritage Rainforest. Lake Barrine is something special as it is actually a water filled crater left by a volcanic eruption approximately 10,000 years ago. Depending on the season we sample some Tropical Fruit Skewers with local Mungali yoghurt or warm banana crepes with fruit salad and enjoy a special 'Lake Barrine' coffee or local tea at the charming 80 year old lakeside teahouse amongst beautiful terraced gardens; Lake Barrine offers one of the most beautiful and relaxing environments in the tropics.

 

 

 

Gallo Dairyland

We now head through the picturesque village of Yungaburra; with 18 heritage listed buildings it has a quaint unchanged charm. Then we are on our way to a fully operational dairy farm spread across 1000 acres of rich red volcanic soil with handcrafted chocolates and a gourmet cheese factory. Here we will taste a selection of their delicious cheeses and irresistible Swiss style filled chocolates that are a work of art whilst gazing out over the picturesque landscape. Take a walk through the Dairy and meet some friendly animals before our next stop.

 

 

The Humpy

We now head through a patchwork of amazing farmland, diverse crops and rolling green hills towards the thriving hub and historic village of Atherton. For a tasting and shopping treat we stop at 'The Humpy', the best place to go to for freshly harvested Atherton Tablelands produce straight from the growers. From vegetables to tropical fruits and hundreds of different varieties of nuts, dried fruits locally produced jams and sauces. Even organic and gluten free produce as well. Here we get to taste some seasonal fruits and many different flavours of hot local peanuts and macadamia nuts. We leave you time to browse this amazing and quirky grocery store so you can purchase goodies for the rest of your stay.

 

 

 

Mount Uncle Distillery

Then just down the road we arrive at Mount Uncle distillery, North Queensland's first and only distillery. Here we taste some of their award winning liqueurs and spirits, and a tasting of their new boutique beer, before a delicious fresh lunch of local produce and a glass of wine or beer. Then take a wander round this stunning property nestled in coffee and banana plantations, with beautiful gardens and friendly animals.

 

 

 

De Brueys Tropical Winery

We then head down our secret bush track to De Bruey's Boutique Wines located near Mareeba on a 15ha mango orchard cradled between the peaks of the Great Dividing Range. All wines are made on site using a blend of tradition and innovation which produces high quality wines from a rich diversity of tropical fruits. Sit on the back deck sipping 15 deliciously different tropical fruit wines, liqueurs, cream liqueurs and Ports whilst overlooking the beautiful surrounds of gum trees waterfall, terraces and lake.

 

 

 

Jacques Coffee Plantation

Next stop is to Jaques Family coffee plantation-the 3rd generation; with 85,000 Arabica Coffee trees growing in the rich soils they produce a smooth and vibrant flavour unique only to the remarkable location. Relax in the air-conditioned theatre to watch the fascinating history of the Jaques Family and also an enchanting insight in to the finer details of coffee from the tree to the cup. We stroll through the coffee bushes and gardens and finish our stop with a delicious cup of Jaques coffee made 'just as you like it' and homemade scones with jam and cream lovingly made by Linda Jaques.

 

 

Rainforest Retreat

If that's not enough we continue down the range and stop in at a hidden paradise. Here you can soak up the stunning rainforest and pristine environment which is a sanctuary for bird and animal species. Pat friendly Wallabies and head to 'The Rainforest Retreat' where you can sit in this tranquil setting as the sun goes down whilst sipping some Queensland wines and beers and wander down to dip your toes in the most beautiful mountain stream