Mangoes, with their juicy, sun-kissed sweetness, are a quintessential taste of summer. If you're among the many who eagerly await the arrival of mango season, you might be wondering: Are there mango farms near me?
Thankfully, numerous regions across Australia provide the chance to explore mango orchards and enjoy freshly picked mangoes. A Google search for "mango farms near me" can yield exciting results. Whether your residence lies in the Northern region, Queensland, the Southern region, or any other mango-abundant area, there's a good chance that a mango orchard is just a short drive away.
When and Where Do My Mangoes Grow?
Did you know that there are more than 1.7 million mango trees planted on an estimated 11 250 hectares in Australia? (2004, https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/119787/mango-growing.pdf) So, let's explore where all these mangos grow and when they are ready to pick.
The Mango season begins in the Northern Territory (Darwin and Kununurra) and Western Australia, where the first Mango trees produce the delicious fruits in September. Moving on to Katherine and Mataranka, where the mango harvest comes in October and November. Queensland's dry tropical regions' mango season (Townsville, Burdekin, Bowen) start in mid-November. Mareeba and Dimbulah kick off their production in early to mid-December, while Central Queensland's mango season begins in late December. Lastly, in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, mango trees fruit in January.
Each mango region has a vast number of mango farms. Some of the farms offer unique experiences such as mango picking tours, tastings, and opportunities to meet the farmers behind the scenes and learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of this delicious tropical fruit.
Here are some notable mango farms and regions where mango cultivation thrives.
Mango Farms Australia
Bowen, Queensland - The National Mango Icon
The town of Bowen, located in Queensland, is often called the "Mango Capital of Australia". It has earned this name due to its expansive mango orchards and, notably, the world-famous Kensington Pride mangoes, which are also known as “Bowen mangos”, “Pride of Bowen”, or "Bowen Special". The original Kensington Pride mango tree first appeared in Bowen in the late 1880s. The name “Kensington” might originate from the name of the original property where the first mango trees were cultivated. No matter the origin, Kensington Pride Mangoes (Bowen Mangoes) are one of the most iconic Australian mangoes and comprise a significant portion of the country's commercial mango market. Bowen Mangos are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavours.
Several mango farms in and around Bowen contribute significantly to the national mango industry.
The Stackelroth Farms are known for growing "The monster Kensington Pride mango". According to Townsville Bulletin, its weight was close to 1.2kg.
Dimbulah, Queensland
Dimbulah, situated near Mareeba, has gained recognition for its mango plantations. This region benefits from good soils and a suitable climate for mango farming.
Mareeba, Queensland
Mareeba, located in North Queensland, is another thriving hub for mango cultivation. The region's subtropical climate favours mango cultivation, and many farms in Mareeba grow a range of mango varieties.
Carnavon, Western Australia
Although not as well-known as Bowen or Mareeba, Carnarvon Gorge in Central Queensland is gradually gaining recognition for its mango production. The region's subtropical climate offers a favourable setting for cultivating mangoes.
Emerald, Queensland
Emerald, located in Central Queensland, hosts numerous mango farms. The region's climate allows for the production of delicious mangoes as part of its diverse agricultural activities. In 2020, the Northern Territory was confirmed as the "mango king". Its mango produce grew to 52 per cent of the total national crop (https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-05-14/northern-territory-claims-title-of-biggest-mango-producer/12246604). Together, Nothern Territory and Queensland produce about 95% of the total national crop.
Support Local Farms
Where supermarkets offer mangos that have travelled countless miles, local farms provide fruits that have ripened naturally and come to you with a smaller carbon footprint. Each purchase at a local mango stand or farmers market supports growers, encouraging the preservation of diverse mango varieties often absent in large commercial outlets. By choosing these locally-grown gems, we invest in the earth's well-being, ensuring that mango farms can continue to flourish for generations to come.
If you want to explore more of the various mango farms across Australia, check out the National Mango Tree Crop Map from AMIA (Australian Mango Industry Association): https://www.industry.mangoes.net.au/resources/resources-library/national-mango-tree-crop-map-dashboard/
Extending The Mango Season
As we discovered in this article, the search for "mango farms near me" can lead to a delightful adventure through the different mango regions of Australia. Now that we have explored the world of mango farms let's transition to a delicious treat that can be enjoyed no matter where you are: the dried mango from Dan the Mango Man.
Sourced from the best (organic?) Queensland and Northern Territory farms, our dried mangos are free from any nasties like artificial additives, preservatives, or chemicals and contain no added sugar, so you can nourish your body with natural, high-quality treats.
So, extend the mango season and enjoy one of summer's greatest pleasures to the fullest.