Best Coffee in Cairns

Great coffee, even better people — discover the cafés where kindness and quality brew go hand in hand.


🌟 Cairns Coffee Legends You’ll Love

Linda – Barista Sista at Rusty’s Markets

Tucked inside the beloved Rusty’s Markets, Barista Sista is more than just a stall — it’s a feel-good experience. Run by the ever-lovely Linda, this humble spot serves some of the best coffee in Cairns with warmth, grace, and genuine conversation. It’s a local ritual every weekend.

Snowie Carroll – Blackbird Espresso

Known affectionately as “Snowie,” this coffee wizard has built a loyal following thanks to his passion for quality and his friendly, down-to-earth nature. Now brewing at Blackbird Espresso., Snowie serves up Tattooed Sailor beans with genuine care.  A must-visit for anyone chasing the perfect flat white in Cairns.

Billy Hoade – A Name Synonymous with Local Coffee

A long-time legend in the Cairns café scene, Billy is known for both his coffee knowledge and his generous, community-first approach. Wherever he’s brewing, locals follow — and you can always expect good music, great stories, and even better coffee.

☕ More Great Places

🌴 Tropical Origins 


In the lush highlands just beyond Cairns, the rich volcanic soils and sunny climate of the Atherton Tablelands create ideal conditions for growing world-class coffee. From bean to brew, this region plays a vital role in the cups we love — and it’s something worth celebrating.

Skybury Australia’s Oldest Coffee Plantation

Just outside Mareeba, Skybury has been growing and roasting coffee for over 30 years. Their beans are sun-ripened and sustainably grown right here in Far North Queensland — and they’re shipped around the world for good reason. You can visit the plantation for a true “crop to cup” experience, take in the views over the Tablelands, and enjoy a freshly brewed Skybury coffee on the deck of their farm café.

Other Local Legends

  • Jaques Plantation – A scenic destination with a café, roastery, and tours near Mareeba.
  • NQ Gold – Family-run and proudly local, this plantation offers boutique batches that are rich and full-bodied.
  • Coffee Works – Quirky, colourful, and full of flavour. Based in Mareeba with a museum and tasting room that’s a must for coffee lovers.

Whether you’re sipping a flat white in the heart of Cairns or standing among the coffee trees of the Tablelands, there’s something truly special about knowing your brew is grown close to home.

Taste the Tropics — Support Local

Next time you enjoy a cup at one of Cairns’ best cafés, ask about the beans — you might just be drinking something grown in our very own backyard.

What to do in Cairns