Tropic recommends…Farm Hospitality
The Pocket is your farm in the tropics, with not only local fresh produce and great coffee, but fantastic paddock-to-plate home-style meals and treats, all set in a nature lover’s paradise.
Long-time farmers the Gallagher family purchased The Pocket near El Arish last year and quickly set about adding their own flair.
It’s become a favourite among locals passing through, drawn by the beautiful fresh local fruit and veggies, fantastic coffee, yummy toasties, home-made ice-cream and so much more.
For visitors it’s a must-do, with the scenery, working farm and locally-made artisanal gifts adding to the experience. There are chooks, resident wild cockatoos, wallabies, cattle and even water buffalo. You might also spot a cassowary, kingfisher or frogmouth owl.
“We want to make it a space that’s enjoyable and educational and people are walking away going ‘wow’,” Aaron Gallagher – one of two Gallagher sons – told Tropic.
“It’s a space where people can connect to nature and understand life on a farm.
“It is incredibly unique, it’s so lush and biodiversity-wise it’s incredibly rich in wildlife and in what you can grow.”
The Gallaghers are planting a range of tropical and exotic fruits, including native species.
Pumpkin, watermelon, vanilla and dragonfruit are among the crops already on site and the family is conducting riparian re-planting along the property’s freshwater creek.
Outside is also home to the cows and water buffalo, which visitors can interact with.
“We really want to hand rear a couple so we can ride and swim with the water buffalo,” Aaron said.
“If you are around early in the morning, you will get to see the animals have a lick of molasses and a feed of hay.”
Inside is a gastronomic paradise, all focused on what’s locally produced.
“We have all the local products ranging from Silkwood pepper to chocolate, vanilla and locally-made chutneys, sauces and jerkys,” Aaron said.
“Plus, there’s arguably the best cuppa on the Bruce Highway, whether it’s cappuccino, brewed chai, dragonfruit smoothie as well as a gourmet selection of toasties, cakes and treats.
You can also pick-up the best quality locally hand-made products ranging from jewellery to native timber pieces.
Find the family and all their delights at 60840 Bruce Hwy, Friday Pocket – just after the Mission Beach turn-off if you’re heading south.
MORE: @thepocketelarish
