Tiny arabica origin in Far North Queensland and northern NSW, harvested mechanically. Cups tend toward sweet, clean and chocolatey.
Australia grows a very small amount of arabica, mostly on the Atherton Tablelands around Mareeba in Far North Queensland, with some in northern New South Wales. Output is under 1,000 metric tons a year from about 50 farms, less than 1% of what the country drinks. Catuai is the dominant variety, and mechanical harvesting, first developed in 1985, is central to the industry. Harvest runs from about June to August, and growers use washed, natural and honey processing.
History
The first Australian coffee was planted at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane in 1832, and cultivation later spread to northern New South Wales and Queensland. The modern commercial industry began in 1985 with the world's first mechanical coffee harvester, built by a Mareeba farmer. Harvesting cost remains the main limit on growth.
Field notes
- i
The first Australian coffee was planted at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane in 1832.
- ii
The modern commercial industry dates from 1985, when a Mareeba farmer developed the world's first mechanical coffee harvester.
- iii
Australian-grown coffee makes up less than 1% of what Australia consumes.
- iv
Australia's biosecurity controls have kept coffee leaf rust and the coffee berry borer out, so growers avoid the rust fungicide programme most origins rely on.
Where it growsMareeba lies at about 17 degrees south and roughly 600 m, so cooler nights at elevation offset the latitude.
In the cup, according to guides
- SweetnessMoreWell-made lots are described as having cane-sugar or caramel-like sweetness.
- ChocolateOften notedA smooth, chocolatey finish is often described, and northern NSW lots are called chocolatey.
Regions of Australia
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Australia's largest coffee-growing area, around Mareeba in Far North Queensland, often described as nutty and earthy.
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Low-altitude, frost-free subtropical farms around the Byron Bay hinterland, where the cooler climate is said to give sweet, chocolatey cups.
Varietals grown here
Species