Most of the world’s coffee grows in the “Bean Belt”. The band of tropical latitudes 25 degrees north and 30 degrees south of the equator, where a warm humid climate and high elevations create perfect conditions for coffee plants. Similar to countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Indonesia, Australia sits at the southern fringe of this zone, and hence, its geographical location provides pockets of ideal coffee-growing conditions. In Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands, coffee is cultivated on high-altitude plateaus that enjoy plenty of sunshine but cooler temperatures, taking the edge off the tropical heat. 

Likewise, in northern New South Wales, subtropical hills (such as the Alstonville Plateau near Byron Bay) have slightly milder climates despite their lower elevations. This cooler microclimate, combined with rich volcanic soils, means the coffee cherries ripen more slowly, a longer growing season that concentrates sugars and flavors and brings out a natural sweetness in the beans. 

These favorable climates in tropical Queensland and NSW yield high-quality, distinctly flavorful specialty coffee beans, which is a key reason Australian-grown coffee stands out among global coffee cultivations.

Sources: zestcoffee.com.au. stories.uq.edu.au. farmers.org.au.

1. Ideal Growing Conditions

Coffee is grown in northern NSW and Queensland, where cooler temperatures and longer ripening enhance sweetness and complexity.

2. Distinct Terroir

The soil and climate in Australia contribute to coffee beans that have a distinct taste. Unlike coffee from other tropical regions Australian-grown beans develop a more refined, delicate flavor profile with fruity and nutty undertones.

3. Sustainable Practices

Australian coffee farmers focus on sustainable practices and small-batch production to maintain high quality. The coffee is often handpicked and processed with care to preserve the integrity of the beans.