Hi my name is Brett and I'd like to tell you about my delicious and fantastic Food and Wine tasting adventure showcasing the spectacular Atherton Tablelands. A Foodie tour from Cairns you will thoroughly enjoy and remember.
This boutique food and wine experience from Cairns will be tasting some of the best food and wine that the Atherton Tablelands has to offer. 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.
STOP 1:
Lake Barrine National Park & Tea House
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
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.
STOP 2:
Rainforest Bounty
Next stop we are heading to the scenic outskirts of the Historic rural town of Malanda to a private property to taste Gallo Cheeses with their signature condiments utilising locally grown Davidson (Ooray) plum, lemon aspen (rainforest citrus), lillypilly (rainforest berries) and rainforest (Boonjie) tamarind in traditional artisanal recipes infused with the unique qualities of Australian rainforest fruits.
We also get to taste some organic local small goods and a native fruit cocktail whilst overlooking the delightful Johnston River from their River Pavilion.
STOP 3:
Gallo Dairyland
We now head towards the historic village of Atherton. Driving through this thriving hub, a patchwork of amazing farmland and rolling green hills
appear before us. We are on our way to a fully operational dairy farm spread across 1000 acres of rich red volcanic soil with delicious handcrafted chocolates
and a gourmet cheese factory.
Here we can buy the delicious cheeses that we have just tasted and sample irresistible Swiss style filled chocolates that are a work of art
whilst gazing out over the picturesque landscape. Meet some friendly animals before heading back to Mareeba through a variety of diverse crops.
STOP 4:
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.
STOP 5:
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.
STOP 6:
Debrueys Boutique 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.
STOP 7:
Jaques Family 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.
STOP 8:
Rainforest Retreat - QLD Wines & Beers
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.
Only 20 minutes to the base of the Kuranda range we begin our drop offs.
Not sure if you will need to go out for dinner after our Wonderful Tasting Adventures?
Cancel your dinner reservation - you will be too full to go out!
- Adults only, children not catered for.
- Lunch and all wine, cheese, coffee, chocolate, fruit “TASTING” included.
- Gluten free lunch and lactose free cheese available on request.
- Bring money for additional purchases of souvenirs, wine, chocolates, coffee, ice cream etc.
- Bring a warm jacket in winter
“Outback tastings tour great”
We were lucky enough to do both of Bretts tours, the outback tasting tour and the Kuranda tour. We would recommend both of these, the outback tasting tour took us to places we had no idea existed, mt uncle distillery where we had lunch of pizza and salad, both delicious as well as tasting. There was a small group of people on both tours. Excellent host and tour director with a wealth of knowledge. LeeAnn, Christchurch, New Zealand
We are widely travelled and this was one of the best Day tours we have done anywhere in the world. Don't miss it! Brett's enthusiasm is very infectious and his personality and knowledge were quite remarkable! The variety of food and wine was great. At all the stops the locals all love Brett which is a huge compliment to him. Embassey, Denarau Island, Fiji
We booked this full day tour for something different to what port Douglas normally offers. We had an excellent day with a small group of 6 other people. A wonderful day with something for everyone no matter what your taste. Brett has some great knowledge and provide a great friendly approachable guide to the region. Great job Brett and we look forward to the next adventure tour you dream up! Krystal, Wodinga Australia
Now Also Offering A SPECIAL DINNER PACKAGE In Combination With Ochre Restaurant
The Most Award Winning Restaurant In Cairns - Tasting Adventure Tour Plus Dinner
(details)
Outback Tasting Tour Video
Tour Map
