Mareeba's Food & Coffee Culture
Mareeba may be a small regional town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food culture. Known as Queensland's Coffee Capital, Mareeba's high altitude and rich volcanic soil create perfect conditions for growing premium Arabica coffee beans.
The town's multicultural heritage - with strong Italian, Albanian, and Chinese communities who came for the tobacco industry - has shaped a diverse food scene. Combined with the region's abundance of tropical fruit, mangoes, avocados, and year-round sunshine, Mareeba offers genuine farm-to-table experiences.
While you won't find fine dining restaurants here, you'll discover something better: authentic regional dining, world-class coffee experiences, and the warm hospitality of a working country town.
Cafes & Coffee Plantations
Coffee Works
136 Mason St, Mareeba
Coffee roastery, cafe, chocolaterie and museum housing over 2,000 antique coffee-making items. A must-visit Mareeba institution.
Skybury Coffee Plantation
Herberton Rd, ~14km from town
Australia's oldest coffee plantation since 1987. Grows premium Bourbon Arabica beans at altitude for exceptional flavour.
Jaques Coffee Plantation
Emerald End Rd, Mareeba
Family-run coffee estate offering tours and tastings. Experience coffee growing from farm to cup.
Pro tip: Don't miss the Daintree Tea Company as well - locally grown tea that pairs perfectly with Mareeba coffee!
Pubs & Clubs
Mareeba RSL Club
Modern RSL club with bistro meals, entertainment and gaming facilities. Popular with locals.
- Bistro meals
- Entertainment
- Gaming
- Family-friendly
Mareeba Hotel
Byrnes St
Historic pub in the heart of town offering classic counter meals and cold drinks.
- Counter meals
- Historic building
- Central location
- Traditional pub fare
The Top Pub / Exchange Hotel
Byrnes St
Local favourite pub with friendly atmosphere and honest food.
- Local atmosphere
- Pub meals
- Cold beer
- Outdoor seating
Dimbulah Hotel
Dimbulah (30km from Mareeba)
Classic country Queensland pub in the tobacco-growing town of Dimbulah.
- Country pub
- Local character
- Rural experience
- Counter meals
Byrnes Street Dining
Mareeba's main shopping strip, Byrnes Street, is home to various takeaway and casual dining options perfect for a quick meal:
Pizza
Classic pizza shops with delivery and takeaway
Chinese
Traditional Chinese restaurants and takeaway
Fish & Chips
Aussie classic fish and chip shops
Mareeba is a small regional town of ~11,000 people. Dining options are limited compared to Cairns, but what's here is genuine and locally loved. Expect honest food, friendly service, and authentic country Queensland character.
Kuranda Village Dining
The artistic village of Kuranda (within Mareeba Shire) offers additional dining options in a rainforest setting, popular with tourists and day-trippers:
- Frogs Restaurant - Popular with visitors
- Petit Cafe - Cozy village cafe
- Multiple cafes and eateries throughout Kuranda Village markets and main street
Kuranda is about 30km from Mareeba town center - accessible via scenic mountain road.
The Mareeba Coffee Trail
Make a day of it! Follow this suggested coffee trail through Mareeba's world-class coffee experiences:
- 1
Morning: Coffee Works (136 Mason St)
Start in town with breakfast, explore the museum of 2,000+ antique coffee items, watch roasting, and pick up chocolate gifts.
- 2
Mid-Morning: Skybury Coffee Plantation
Drive 14km to Australia's oldest coffee plantation. Tour the estate, learn about Bourbon Arabica, and enjoy coffee with a view.
- 3
Late Morning: Jaques Coffee Plantation
Visit this family-run estate for a more intimate plantation experience and coffee tasting.
- 4
Lunch: Back to Mareeba town
Grab lunch at one of the pubs (RSL, Mareeba Hotel) or takeaway from Byrnes Street. You'll have earned it!
Tips for Visitors
Opening Hours
Most cafes and restaurants close early (by 5-6pm) and many are closed Sundays. Mareeba operates on country Queensland time - plan accordingly!
Book Ahead
Call ahead for plantation tours (especially Skybury and Jaques). Tour times can vary seasonally, and some experiences need advance booking.
Bring Cash
While most places accept cards, some smaller takeaway shops and farm stalls are cash-only. There are ATMs on Byrnes Street.
Local Vibe
Mareeba is a genuine working country town, not a tourist resort. Expect friendly locals, honest food, and real regional Queensland hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are in Mareeba?
Mareeba offers a range of dining options including Coffee Works cafe and chocolaterie, Skybury and Jaques coffee plantations, several pubs (Mareeba Hotel, RSL Club, The Top Pub), and various takeaway options along Byrnes Street including pizza, Chinese food, and fish & chips. Nearby Kuranda has additional cafes and restaurants.
Where can I get coffee in Mareeba?
Mareeba is Queensland's coffee capital! Visit Coffee Works (136 Mason St) for roasted coffee and a museum, Skybury Coffee Plantation (Australia's oldest, since 1987) on Herberton Rd, or Jaques Coffee Plantation on Emerald End Rd. All offer cafe service and tours.
Is there fine dining in Mareeba?
Mareeba is a small regional town focused on authentic local dining rather than fine dining. The best dining experiences are at the coffee plantations (Skybury, Jaques) which offer quality food in beautiful settings, and Coffee Works for cafe fare. For upscale dining, visitors typically travel to Cairns (70km away).