Australia has contributed an impressive array of cultural icons to the world—Crocodile Dundee, Steve Irwin, Kylie Minogue, and Hugh Jackman are all globally recognised names. Our culinary exports include the famously polarising Vegemite, the dangerously moreish Tim Tam, and the classic lamington. Even the fashion world has felt Australia’s influence, from the global rise of Ugg boots as everyday footwear to the iconic Akubra hat, synonymous with rugged sun protection.
When it comes to agricultural exports, we typically think of beef, wheat, and dairy. Coffee rarely enters the conversation. After all, Australia is, as the poem reminds us, “a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains”—not exactly the idyllic image of a coffee-producing paradise.
Yet Australian coffee is very much a reality. Although our coffee exports amounted to just $17.7 million in 2023—paling in comparison to Brazil’s $8 billion—they are steadily expanding thanks to a dedicated group of pioneering producers. Today, 45 growers operate across Australia’s coffee-growing regions, with 15 new entrants in the past year alone. These producers face significant challenges, including climate change, high labour and land costs, and limited infrastructure.
Despite this, there is a growing sense of optimism. Advances in new varietals, tightening global supply, and the distinctive flavour profile of Australian-grown beans are attracting increasing international interest. While Australia may not rival the traditional coffee powerhouses, its emerging specialty coffee sector is carving out a unique and promising niche on the world stage.