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.
I would have enjoyed this one very much. Perhaps later. Love it Daphne D
Interesting! Always good to buy Australian made products….
Yes Mary it is almost a treat now days hey
What a lovely blog. 😘 I do remember visiting there in the past. Such beautiful pictures. Glad you enjoyed your day. 💜Xx
Thanks Leah. We stopped at Tweed Heads bowls club for lunch and I thought of you xx
What an interesting tour – I’ve never been to a tea plantation and it is something I wouldn’t mind seeing.
Linda, this one was so worth seeing. It was so in tune with nature.
Pleasant day in the tea plantation of NSW. Very interesting tour understanding the work that goes into a well made Aussie product. Hear, hear Madura.
Yes Gail, hear hear. Am so pleased that I got to go there.
Never heard of Australian tea – thanks Lyn.
Hi Georgie, the beauty of blogs, we learn so much hey. Australia has several tea plantations. Nice to hear from you Lyn
Another tea fan here!
Seeing your pictures, it just made me crave for a warm cup of tea:)
Julia
Yes I love my tea Julia . A good cuppa helps fix anything Lyn
Pleased to see you are still travelling. I am in mobile home in Barcelona at the moment and home in a couple of weeks.
Carmel
I love Madura tea..Always good to buy Australian – Aussies are rather clever at growing and creating things. You best make the tea next time we meet..
Yes Kay, madura tea is really nice and I also love to buy Aussie. Madura tea for you guys next time I see you
Hi so I’m just curious which tea do you prefer? dark, green or white?
Definitely black. Always. Thanks for reading my blog
Hi, interesting post and excellent pics. I’m not a tea drinker but this place is definitely on Karen’s list of places to visit when we become ‘grey nomads’ next year. Cheers, Mark
They also import coffee from Brazil that is supplied exclusively to the airlines for 1st class passengers. It is a glorious part of the world, so enjoy your days of grey nomads and than you for your comment.
I had no idea there was a tea plantation near Byron Bay – I’ve been to Austrlia twice (and Byron Bay both times) its on my To Do list for next time!!! Thanks Lyn 🙂
My pleasure Taryn. It is heavenly country side. Well worth a visit. Thanks for your comment and reading my post Lyn
Today, I learned that Australia grows tea and has a brand named Madura. Thanks for sharing! I thought that tea is only grown in high altitudes because that was what I saw in Sri Lanka :-)
And it is very nice tea Jane. I love to buy Australian made products. Lyn
I used to work for Serendipity ice cream, an Australian brand based in Sydney. That’s pure Australian!
I have not heard of Serendipity ice cream. Nice name though
I guess they can send some to Brisbane :-) http://serendipityicecream.com.au/