The Grassroots Tour

The Grassroots Tour

Departing Cairns at 8:00am, we wind our way up the Kuranda Range to begin our very special journey…

Tea Tree Plantation

Located at the base of the dry western slopes of the Lamb Range, this once tobacco production site is now home to 50 acres of pure Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Australian Tea Tree Oil is renowned from Aboriginal medicine and early scientific discoveries, as an outstanding healing oil. During the 1930’s and 1940’s tea tree oil became widely acclaimed as a near perfect antiseptic, so much so that during World War II Australian soldiers were issued with tea tree oil in their first aid kits. However as the post WWII boom took off modern medicine took over and the demand for natural remedies fell away. Now with a renewed interest and awareness towards natural remedies, Tea Tree is again becoming more widely established in many Australian households. Mother nature holds some of the greatest remedies and we will discover those as we wander through the plantation and uncover the many uses of tea tree oil for health and cleaning.

Kaizi’s Traditional Coconut Oil

It is here that a small family business has grown and developed and where you will have the opportunity to have an “in-person” look at the products and the suggested uses to aid in general health and wellbeing. On arrival you will be introduced to a lush garden of fruits and traditional Island foods, many of which can be eaten with Coconut. Enjoy a healthy morning snack – Kaizi’s Coconut Keai (freshly grated Coconut with chopped dates, Coconut juice and Keai sprinkled on top) whilst discovering the marvels of this fruit including the methods of production, its uses – both topically and in cooking, using Coconut Oil as your preferred oil to cook with and some of the different traditional dishes using Coconut. A question and answer session will follow and time to purchase products for those who wish to.

FreeRange Permaculture

FreeRange Permaculture is a family operated business based at Rosella Waters in Mareeba. This small acreage demonstration site will introduce you to the principles of Permaculture farming which include systems for living, architecture, food production, land management and community. No chemicals, just good, thoughtful, innovative and effective design. You will see the workings in progress of this demonstration site and gain an insight into the challenges faced in living a sustainable life. Kym and Georgie are as passionate about the stewardship of their environment as they are about sharing the skills and knowledge to help assist you in enriching yours.

Brolgaspass Sanctuary

Take a step beyond organic farming at Brolgaspass Sanctuary. Here we will discover the world of Biodynamics - a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, food production and nutrition. Witness how the principles and other processes of biodynamics are utilized on the property. Wayne from Propa Earth maintains European and Australian Native bee hives. Beneficial insects, including pollinators such as bees, are essential to maintaining a sustainable agricultural system. In addition to this Wayne will share information about the importance of fermented foods – Just as a plant is dependent on good soil biology for good health, our health needs good biology in our gut as this forms the foundation for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Fermented foods are a rich source of good bacteria which can actually restore and balance the flora in your gut leading to better vitamin and nutrient absorption.

Nutrigold Worm Farm

The friendly earthworm is one of nature’s top ‘soil scientists’. Considered to be a near perfect biological structure, they have long been associated with productive soils, even Cleopatra herself declared them sacred in 50 BC. Nutrigold Worm Farm supports a more sustainable future by offering environmentally sound alternatives for dealing with organic waste and providing plants with all the nutrients they need for successful growth. Produced locally on the Atherton Tablelands, worm castings are 100% organic, odourless and an amazing form of nutrient rich food that plants love. Learn how to bring the riches of the worm world into your own household garden with this organic and environmentally sound approach.

Cheesemaking and More

And finally our very last visit of the day takes us to a very special picturesque setting near Lake Eacham, just outside Yungaburra. Your hosts Jude and Joe are very passionate about sustainable farming and will share with you an insight into their self sufficient lifestyle. Most of their food is produced using biodynamic and organic practices, which includes:- growing fruit and vegetables, rearing livestock for meat and milk production, rearing poultry for meat and egg production, cheese making, bread making, bee keeping, making preserves and cooking great food. Sample some delicious home made cheeses, and pick up some tips on building your own wood fired oven and how to live self sufficient.

Our circuit then concludes as we travel back to Cairns via the Gillies range, educated, informed and inspired!

Includes:
Hotel pick up
Morning & Afternoon Tea
Wholefood Lunch
Fully Guided

Departs Cairns every Friday 8:00am, returns 6:30pm approx