Due to its temperate climate, Far North Queensland is home to a number of fruits, vegetables and wildlife that you won't find in many other areas of Australia. While it may have been difficult for tourists to get access to many of these regional delicacies in the past, there are a number of professionally run food and wine tasting tour options and vineyard tours now available to anyone who is interested.
Near Cairns, in the Atherton Tablelands, Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures is a popular tour that takes visitors around to farms, markets, plantations and other local spots to try some of the area's most unique treats.
The host, Brett, is an experienced local who has grown long-term relationships with many of the growers and sellers in the area. Here's an overview of what you'll get on this full-day feast.
Sample Handmade Local Products in the Morning
You'll begin the day getting picked up from your Cairns accommodation and heading to your first stop, Sunset Ridge Farm. This family-owned business is set atop a mountain range, with views of the rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands below.
At the farm, you'll enjoy native fruits including Davidson Plum and Lemon Aspen, prepared in a scrumptious three-course tropical breakfast. Admire the breathtaking scenery while you enjoy this delicious homemade meal.
From there, you'll venture to the rural town of Malanda to sit alongside the Johnston River and try fresh cheeses and condiments made from traditional recipes. To top it off, you can enjoy a glass of locally made Queensland red or white wine.
Observe Native Wildlife During Lunch
After these two food-focused stops, there's a slight change of pace as you set off to visit the Australian Platypus Park. Try to spot one of these unique native marsupials in their spring-fed pond before sitting down to lunch.
For this meal, you'll be treated to a smorgasbord of local delicacies including kangaroo skewers, red claw, crocodile sausage and more. To drink, choose from dragon fruit cider, craft beer or lemon myrtle tea.
Once you've filled yourself to your heart's content, it's off to a dairy farm in nearby Atherton. The gorgeous property is built on volcanic soil, and you'll admire the panoramic views while you sample cheeses and chocolates made at the farm. If you'd like, you can purchase some of their products to share with your friends and family at home (or just to enjoy back at your hotel!).
Wrap Up the Day with Some Local Flavour
Continue the indulgent day by heading to The Humpy, a market in the heart of the Tablelands where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the growers themselves. Browse the selection and chat with the sellers before picking up some unique products to enjoy after your tour is over. These days, it's not often that you get the opportunity to interact with the people who are growing your food, so make the most of your time here.
Spice up your afternoon at your next stop, the Mt Uncle Distillery. It's North Queensland's first and only distillery, where you'll have the chance to try a range of their spirits and liqueurs. If you find one that you like, be sure to pick up a bottle to take home.
Your final stop on the tour will take you to Jaques Coffee Plantation in Mareeba. Enjoy a late afternoon caffeine boost with one of their freshly brewed coffees, as you munch on a scone served with local jam and cream. If you'd like, you can also sample some de Brueys coffee liqueurs.
When you've finally wrapped up your wine tasting Cairns trip, it's time to get dropped off back at your Cairns accommodation. Tour host Brett recommends that guests don't make dinner reservations after one of his tours, as you will likely be too full to go out.
Taking Brett's Outback Tasting Adventures tour is a fun and tasty way to see a different side of Far North Queensland that many visitors never get to experience. Whether you're eating lunch alongside native platypus or chatting with local farmers, you'll adore spending your day on one of these wine tours Cairns.
Especially if you have lots of other adrenaline-packed activities scheduled while you're in Cairns, like skydiving or white water rafting, it's a great idea to take some time to kick back and indulge in local food and wine for a day.
The climate in North Queensland is moderate, so the tour operates Tuesday - Saturday all year round. However, Brett suggests bringing a warm jacket in the winter months.
Tour groups are limited to 12 people maximum per trip to maintain the intimate experience. This is truly a one-of-a-kind trip that takes you to some behind-the-scenes places around Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands. Don't miss your opportunity to taste the best of Far North Queensland - book your trip today.
