New agri-tourism venture lures patrons with the aroma of local coffee
By Mitch Gaynor
A 13-year journey to create the next big thing in agri-tourism on the Sunshine Coast hinterland has come to fruition with the official opening of Glasshouse Plantation last week.
The vision of Lisa Palu and her partner, Paul, the coffee farm and café sits on four hectares, includes about 5000 Arabica coffee trees set for harvest, and is complemented by glorious views of the Glass House Mountains.
Paul explained that the family’s journey into agri-tourism began in 2011 when they were inspired by a visit to a Norfolk Island coffee farm.
“We took two years to research the industry and visited every farm tourism outlet we could find between here and north Queensland to understand what this agri-tourism thing was,” Paul said.
“In the end, we decided that we could do this.”
Paul said the hinterland was perfect for coffee production, dismissing claims that it could only be grown at altitude as a myth.
“When you analyse the temperature here, we’re equivalent to 1200m above sea level if we were on the equator, so we are really in the sweet spot for growing coffee,” he said.
Paul added they chose coffee in part because of its naturally ‘romantic’ pull for consumers, noting that the hinterland was perfect for tapping into the local agri-tourism market.
“The coast is there, the mountains are here, there are tourists everywhere,” he said.
“We didn’t want to go somewhere that we had to be a destination in our own right.”
About 50 guests attended the official opening of the farm, including political dignitaries LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell, and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace.
Mr Crisafulli said ventures such as Glasshouse Plantation should be the foundation of future long-term tourism planning.
“When I look at the future of Queensland I see ventures like this as being our point of difference,” he said.
“We’ve got the natural assets and people and weather to be that rock. I think as part of our vision for Queensland for the next 20 years and beyond we need a 20-year tourism plan.
“We have to look at the next step in tourism.
Our point of difference is clean, green and sustainable, and for people wanting to be a part of that story. What the two of you have done … we will look back on this in years to come as one of those defining points in adding a string to our bow, which is agri-tourism.”
The family farm and café has two generations taking the reins.
Son, Nick, is the barista extraordinaire, and is set to become Glasshouse Plantation’s Master Roaster when the farm delivers its first commercial harvest next year.
Amy and Ryan Pitcher run the kitchen and, alongside a consultant chef, have created a dynamic menu showcasing local flavours.
From scones to sausage rolls and sandwiches, the café is a great destination for a light meal, while patrons can also take away from the Roastery Door.
The café also sells tea produced and packaged at Bellthorpe, just west of the Glass House Mountains, by locals Brendon and Kirstie Collins.
Check out the new tourist stop at 122 Glass House Woodford Road. Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm.