Cairns, the vibrant coastal city in Queensland, serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and boasts a thriving gin and spirits scene. Among the notable distilleries in the area are Mt Uncle Distillery, known for its premium spirits and liquors, and its pioneering role in the region's gin culture. Based on the Tablelands, this distillery showcases a wide array of award-winning products, incorporating local ingredients and drawing inspiration from the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Another standout is Wolf Lane Distillery, located in Cairns itself, offering an exquisite range of gins infused with unique botanicals and flavours, along with captivating coffee liqueurs. Their products reflect the tropical essence of Far North Queensland, making them quintessentially Cairns in character.
A newer addition to the scene is Billycart Brewing Co., established in 2022 by Matt Bradford and Margaret Barker, focusing on crafting quality beers catering to both adventurous drinkers and those seeking familiar favourites like lagers and ales.
Narrow Tracks Distilling, based in Stratford, is another gem worth exploring. They pride themselves on celebrating local produce, particularly sugar cane, to create their exclusive line of gin and moonshine using locally grown fruits and native botanicals. Their offerings include the Dog Days small batch gin, perfect for summer days in Cairns.
FNQ Spirits, renowned for producing the legendary Croc Piss range, offers rum-inspired spirits and vodka products infused with the essence of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Their creations perfectly capture the spirit of the region, making them a must-visit on any distillery tour.
These distilleries, among others, contribute significantly to Cairns' vibrant food and drink culture, offering visitors an opportunity to sample locally crafted spirits and liquors while supporting local businesses and people. They also offer tours, allowing enthusiasts to learn about the distillation process, meet the makers, and enjoy quality hours exploring the tropics.