Surreal landscape with kangaroos and Skybury Cafe under a pink sun. Colorful landscape with kangaroos, Skybury Cafe, and a sunset.

FAQ's

FAQ's

What is Skybury Farms?

Skybury Farms is a proud, family-owned and operated agritourism destination. We hold the distinction of being Australia’s oldest commercial coffee plantation and one of the nation’s largest growers of papaya. Since 2006, we have been welcoming visitors to our Café and Roastery, perched on the stunning Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. Here, guests can experience the journey of coffee from red cherry to roasted bean, all while soaking in authentic farm life.

 

Where is Skybury Farms located?

Skybury Farms is located on the Great Dividing Range in Mareeba, on the Atherton Tablelands. We are approximately one hour from Cairns, making us a perfect day trip in tropical Far North Queensland.

 

How big is Skybury Farm?

Skybury Farm is an expansive estate, spanning over 600 acres of fertile tropical landscape.

 

Can the public visit Skybury Farms?

Yes, the public is warmly invited to visit! We offer guided tours of our plantation where visitors can learn the intricate processes behind our coffee and papaya and experience some of the most breathtaking views on the Tablelands. We recommend booking tours in advance, especially during peak seasons and school holidays, to ensure your place.

 

Is coffee really grown in Australia?

Yes! Australia successfully grows world-class coffee in tropical regions like Far North Queensland, where the climate and altitude provide the perfect environment for coffee trees to thrive.

 

What type of coffee does Skybury grow?

Skybury grows high-quality Arabica coffee beans, which are world-renowned for their smooth, sophisticated, and bold taste profile.

 

Does Skybury use any special growing methods?

Yes! We use a unique dual-cropping method where our coffee is shade-grown directly alongside our papaya trees. This natural canopy protects the coffee plants during the hottest months, significantly accelerating their development while creating a sustainable, symbiotic ecosystem on the farm.

 

What makes Skybury coffee special?

Skybury Coffee is single-origin, Australian-grown, and estate-roasted. This means your coffee goes from "farm to cup" with full traceability, ensuring the highest standards of quality and freshness in every brew.

 

Can I buy Skybury coffee online?

Yes! You can enjoy the Skybury experience at home. Our coffee can be purchased through our online store and shipped across Australia.

 

What is peaberry coffee?

Peaberry coffee is a rare, natural mutation where a coffee cherry produces one small, rounded bean instead of the usual two flat-faced beans. This results in a more concentrated and unique flavor profile that is highly sought after by coffee connoisseurs.

 

What else does Skybury grow besides coffee?

In addition to our famous coffee, Skybury is a major producer of papaya. Our fruit is sold fresh throughout Australia and is also used to create a variety of gourmet products, including our popular dried papaya snacks.

 

Why is papaya good for you?

Papaya is a nutritional powerhouse! It is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and digestive enzymes like papain, which is well-known for supporting healthy digestion.

 

Do you sell papaya products?

Yes, we do! Skybury produces and sells fresh papaya along with a range of "value-added" products such as dried papaya, gourmet jams, and more. You can taste the entire range right here at the source.

 

Is there a café at Skybury?

Yes! Our fully licensed café overlooks the lush plantation and serves a seasonal "paddock-to-plate" menu. Our philosophy is simple: anything fresher is still growing!

 

Do you need a booking for the café?

Walk-ins are always welcome, though we do recommend bookings for large groups to ensure we can accommodate everyone comfortably.

 

Is Skybury kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Families love visiting our café and exploring the grounds. We also offer dedicated kid-friendly options on our menu to ensure the little ones are well-catered for.

 

Is Skybury dog-friendly?

Yes, we are! Dogs are welcome at the farm. We have a separate seating area specifically available for our four-legged family members to enjoy the atmosphere with you.