Taste the Tropics

Taste the Tropics: Coffee and Chocolate Grown in Far North Queensland

From Bean to Bar, From Crop to Cup

Tropical North Queensland is full of surprises, and two of its most delicious are coffee and chocolate. Here, rich volcanic soils, fresh mountain air, and tropical rain create the perfect growing conditions for both cocoa and coffee trees. And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to taste it all.

Skybury Coffee – Australia’s Oldest Coffee Plantation

Located near Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands, Skybury is a name every coffee lover should know. Their beans are grown, roasted, and brewed on-site, creating a true paddock-to-espresso experience. Sip your coffee with sweeping views of the Tablelands and explore the on-site papaya plantation and café. It’s a local favourite for good reason.

Charley’s Chocolate Factory – Tree-to-Bar in Mission Beach

Yes, chocolate grows in the tropics! Charley’s Chocolate in Mission Beach is one of the few places in the world where you can see the full “tree-to-bar” journey. Walk among cocoa trees, learn about the fermentation and drying process, and taste the final result rich, smooth, and sustainably made right here in Queensland.

Jaques Coffee Plantation – Coffee with Character

This family-owned plantation near Mareeba offers more than great coffee — it’s an experience. Take a tour, ride the coffee train, enjoy the scenic café, and see the entire bean journey from field to roast. With deep local roots and a charming atmosphere, Jaques is a must for first-time visitors.

Daintree Estates Chocolate – Grown in the Rainforest

In the heart of the Daintree, Daintree Estates was the first commercial cocoa grower in Australia. They produce unique, single-origin chocolate infused with flavours like wattleseed and lemon myrtle. It’s rainforest-grown, artisan-crafted, and a beautiful gift to take home or savour slowly under the canopy.

Create Your Own Tropical Tasting Trail

Why not make a day of it? Start with a scenic drive through the Tablelands and visit:

• Skybury Coffee for breakfast
• Jaques Plantation for a tour and tasting
• Charley’s Chocolate for dessert
• End in the Daintree with a bar of rainforest chocolate and a walk beneath ancient trees
• Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveller, or just someone who loves good flavours, Far North Queensland serves it all with tropical flair.

Ready to taste the tropics? This region offers more than scenery — it’s a feast for the senses. So slow down, sip something local, and savour the sweet side of paradise.

Explore more: Best Coffee in Cairns | Atherton Tablelands Tours | Daintree Rainforest Tours