Tags
australia, Byron Bay, Clothiers Creek, Hinterland, Mandura, Murwillumbah, NSW, Photography, Tea Plantation, travel, Tweed River
We left Brisbane early for our trip down south to Northern NSW. After about 90 minutes we stopped at Chinderah for a morning tea break by the Tweed River. Then we continued another 30 mins west towards Clothiers Creek/Murwillumbah.
Nestled in the rainforests in the hinterland north of Byron Bay is the Madura Tea Plantation which is set on 30 acres of rich pasture land that was once a cattle farm. This unique Australian family business is the only tea plantation in the world that grows, harvests, packages and distributes its 100% Australian grown tea.
Upon arrival at the plantation we were warmly greeted by a lady named Rose who was in fact our guide and was born for the job she does. Our first stop was to visit the actual estate where the tea is grown. Rose explained to us that these tea bushes/shrubs are part of the camellia family which is so apparent when you see the shape of the leaves. The bushes are harvested every 9 – 14 days just taking off the tips of each plant. This well kept tea estate is planted over rolling hills with superb outlook and is surrounded by Australian native trees and wildlife.
Rose had all the facts and figures. She was more than happy to take photos for people and answer everybody’s questions. She explained the process of growing tea, processing it and the differences between black, green and white tea which was fascinating. We also learned how to make each tea, the temperature of the water and how long to infuse the leaves to deliver the best flavour.
For the modest $7 entrance fee this was so well worth it. Although I am a tea drinker I had no idea how tea grew or what was involved between planting it and buying it in the supermarket but I now have a new appreciation of the work it takes and the process. We also received a lovely hessian bag with tea samples and were able to purchase items in the shop, including some special flavours not available in supermarkets.
It was a very well run tour and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very good value for money as well as educational and a great morning out in heavenly Australian countryside.
