For the connoisseurs of coffee - Skybury Coffee Plantation
Saturday 26 April
On Saturday I decided to take my family to Skybury Coffee Plantation. I had heard rumors that Skybury was a hidden treasure, and I was thrilled that after a year and a half living in Cairns there were still unexplored areas to discover and activities yet to do! The scenic hour and a half journey west of Cairns to Mareeba was stunning. We watched as tropical rainforest turned into native Australian bushland, which slowly melted into rolling green agricultural paddocks. Skybury Coffee Plantation is located 10 kilometers outside the rural township of Mareeba but felt as if it was literally a million miles from anywhere. When we stepped out of the car at the end of our journey we were greeted by crisp fresh country air and the vast Australian landscape that stretched to the distant azure horizon.
We were greeted at the entrance of Skybury Coffee Plantation by ‘Squaky’ the resident Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo. He didn’t feel like talking to me, but really seemed to warm to my partner Terry, much to Terry’s delight! After our journey we were famished, and headed inside in anticipation of lunch. As soon as we entered the Australian Coffee Centre we were greeted by spectacular views and charming, elegant surrounds. The Coffee Centre features polished wooden floorboards, spacious timber furnishings and large comfortable chairs. The aroma of coffee was hanging in the air, and we quickly made our way to the reception area. Greeted by Skybury’s warm friendly staff, we discussed our options for the day and decided to purchase the ‘Complete Package’. This entitled us to a meal, coffee, beer, wine or soft drink, cappuccino ice-cream, guided tour and discounts at the gift shop. We were really looking forward to the day!
We took a seat on the large outdoor timber wrap-around veranda that overlooks acres of coffee plantation, green rolling fields, dams and native Australian forest. The day was perfect with warm sun shinning and a cool breeze rustling though the trees. Birds were flittering and fluttering in the trees surrounding the veranda, providing a little entertainment before our meal. The menu was divine, and we were pleasantly surprised when our huge meals arrived! Terry enjoyed the fresh Barramundi with a garden salad and hot potato chips, my mother enjoyed a slow roasted rib fillet with gravy and baked potatoes and I had a Mediterranean vegetarian pasta dish that featured the freshest seasonal produce such as button mushrooms, artichoke hearts and sundried capsicum and tomatoes. The meals were sensational – they were massive, and prepared with exceptional care. We all enjoyed every last bite.
After lunch it was time for the coffee tour. If you have an interest in how coffee is grown and harvested, this coffee tour is for you! We were taken into the fields of coffee plants and tasted coffee beans directly from the tree. We learnt about the fascinating history of the coffee bean and about the coffee industry in Australia and around the world! The coffee tour is great if you have a thirst for knowledge regarding coffee, however may be a little long if you’re not interested in the subject matter. Luckily enough we are avid coffee connoisseurs and thought the tour was excellent! The tour concludes with a short screening of a DVD that really highlights the passion that everyone – from the owners of the company through to the farm hands - has for Skybury.
On completion of the tour we decided we simply must taste the coffee! Once settled back on the large wrap-around veranda we sampled the most delectable smooth cups of coffee with a new found appreciation for the effort that goes into every cup! While enjoying the coffees we were treated to the most decadent cappuccino ice-cream with large wafer biscuits, cream and strawberries. The dessert was simply delicious! The afternoon was divine. We appreciated the perfect soft tropical weather, we relaxed in the comfortable chairs, enjoyed each others company, the coffee and the breathtaking views. My partner finished the day with an exotic affogato, a splendid combination of coffee and ice-cream served in a tall martini glass. Just perfect!
Before leaving we purchased some Skybury coffee and postcards from the gift shop with our complimentary gift vouchers (available only with the ‘complete package’). We had a lovely day that featured beautiful coffee and sumptuous meals. We all decided that Skybury coffee was an absolute ‘must do’ for visitors to Tropical North Queensland, and I know that we will be returning soon …. we might just see you there!
Amy Jennings
The Tour Specialists