Tasting the tropics in North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland is filled with so many places to eat, drink and explore. From renowned restaurants to markets filled with produce and everything in between, you can find it all in the tropics. Travelling in a motorhome does not mean that you must confine yourself to basic meals, in fact far from it. When travelling you can indulge in all that the local cuisine has on offer, and that’s where Tropical North Queensland shines the brightest.

Ochre Restaurant

Located on the Cairns Waterfront, Ochre Restaurant is described as a virtual tour through the culinary delights of Australia. Ochre has an unparalleled dedication to local and native cuisine with local produce and Native Bush Foods both prominently featured in their carefully curated menu.

Ochre is recognised both nationally and internationally for their innovative modern Australian cuisine, so bookings are essential if you are looking to dine at Ochre during your tropical food adventures.

Image: Ochre Restaurant in Cairns – Tourism Queensland & Brad Newton

Rusty’s Markets

Boasting over 180 stalls that feature a wide variety of produce that goes well beyond just exotic fruit and vegetables. Rusty’s Markets are the place to go if you are looking for a place to stock up on local produce in Cairns. Alongside the fruit and vegetables, you can find delicatessens filled with fresh bread, dairy and seafood (and even chocolate) as well as a collection of international food and beverage stalls.

Open every Friday to Sunday (check their website for current opening hours) in Grafton Street in Cairns, this local institution is loved by the locals as there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Image: Rusty’s Markets in Cairns – Tourism Queensland & Andrew Watson

Cape Trib Farm Fruit Tasting Tours

Described as delicious and captivating, the Cape Trib Farm offers a unique look into the farming process of tropical and exotic fruits. A farm tour will take you through the orchards, and offer insights into the fruit’s origins, uses, legends and myths.

With a tasting menu that varies with the seasons, this tour will introduce you to fruits that you may never have encountered otherwise. You will also have the opportunity to walk around the orchards and see the fruits being grown while gaining insight into the regenerative farming process that is used at the farm.

Image: The Cape Trib Farm Orchards – Cape Trib Farm

Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise

The Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise is a worthwhile addition to any trip to Cairns. Hop onboard their sailing catamaran and enjoy a tranquil evening on the Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights of Cairns as it transitions from day into night.

As you enjoy the changing views of the city, head indoors to their air-conditioned dining room to enjoy a buffet full of both hot and cold dishes, with a wide range of fresh seafood and local produce. Depending on which night you are taking to the water, you may also be treated to live music during your cruise, so not only will you get to experience local produce but local musicians as well.

Image: Spirit of Cairns – Tourism Queensland & Brad Newton

Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf

If you are looking for an evening filled with award-winning craft beer, waterfront dining and traditional pub entertainment like pool and digital darts, then Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf is the place for you.

Located in one of Cairns’ most iconic heritage venues, a meal at Hemingway’s will not only treat you with great food and local beers, but also amazing waterfront views that are perfect for an evening with friends or a family meal out.

Image: Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf – Hemingway’s Brewery

Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery

Just north of Port Douglas is the family run Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery, where all the wines are crafted from the organic tropical fruits grown and harvested on the property. For close to 20 years the Woodall family have been crafting these award winning single-fruit wines made from tropical delights like mango, passionfruit and lime as well as black sapote and other rare tropical fruits.

The winery is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and is well worth the visit, the team are there to warmly greet any guests and share their love of tropical wines at the cellar door where you can try some of the wines available.

Image: Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery – Shannonvale Tropical Fruit Winery

Taste Port Douglas Festival

Every year Port Douglas comes alive for a weekend filled with tropical food and drink at the Taste Port Douglas festival. Being held again in August 2026, the festival is a celebration of all things tropical where world class flavours meet sun kissed beaches and stary nights.

Held across four days the festival is filled with events, including celebrated chefs and passionate producers showcasing the tropical magic of Far North Queensland. Even if you don’t get to one of the ticketed events, you can still explore the Festival Village where you can watch live demonstrations, enjoy pop-up food and drink stalls and live music that is sure to keep you entertained.

Image: Festival Village – Taste Port Douglas Festival

Dine Amongst the Treetops at Silky Oaks Lodge

If you are planning the ultimate fine-dining experience in Tropical North Queensland, then you can’t go past lunch at Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree. The Treetops Restaurant is where your meal will unfold at an unhurried pace, no matter whether you are dining with your significant other, or a group of friends.

Lunch at Treetops Restaurant consists of two or three courses that celebrate the produce that is in season, paired with a wine list and a relaxing atmosphere settled amongst the rainforest canopy.

Image: Silky Oaks Lodge – Tourism Queensland & Katie Purling

Get your fruity fill at the Frosty Mango

If you haven’t already had your fill of fabulous Tropical North Queensland then this final stop will give you the opportunity to fill up your motorhome’s fridge with all the tropical fruits you have enjoyed so far, the Frosty Mango is a local icon and popular stopover for travellers on the Bruce Highway.

You can walk through the orchards and then enjoy a lovely serve of pancakes in the onsite café. Before leaving you can purchase some seasonal fruits and maybe a jar of preserve (or two) before heading back out on the road.

Image: The Frost Mango Display Orchard – Tourism Queensland & Jonathon Cami

Start Planning Your Tropical Road Trip!

Hire a self-contained motorhome from Cruisin’ Motorhomes and turn your holiday into the ultimate tropical Queensland road trip.

Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

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