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The White Whale story began in 2010 when Ali (an environmental scientist), and Steve (a carpenter) took the plunge, leaving secure jobs behind to chase their dreams of business ownership in the form of a coffee roastery and espresso bar– madness they all said!

The move came with exponential risk, but they were determined to establish the previously non-existent coffee culture in Cairns, with lofty ambitions of taking a leading role in the development of Far North Queensland’s specialty coffee scene.

The first six months saw them liquidate all their assets, selling anything they could to generate the cash needed to fund their grand idea, knowing that banks would never get behind it.

After training under renowned roasters like Peter Wolff, Ali and Steve opened Industry One Coffee in a small industrial warehouse in Bungalow, Cairns. They immediately put Cairns’ first La Marzocco (a four-group FB80 at that!), imported directly from the United States, and a second-hand 1988 LN-series Probat roaster shipped up from Victoria to work.

Far from the flocks of tourists heading to the Great Barrier Reef, Industry One peddled great-tasting coffee matched with thoughtful customer service, and soon grew a loyal following amongst tradies, local businesspeople, and coffee enthusiasts alike.

In 2013, Ali and Steve welcomed their son Lewis into the world. As their family expanded so too did the business, prompting Ali and Steve to relocate operations to the current Portsmith location in 2014.

2019 marked a new and significant beginning for the business, with the decision to rebrand to White Whale Coffee Roasters.

Realising that the Industry One brand was geographically insignificant, Ali and Steve sought out a name and brand that could put Far North Queensland’s specialty coffee scene on the map.

The brain-child of Steve, ‘White Whale’ carries with it layers of nuance. On one hand, ‘White Whale’ is a nod to Migaloo (meaning ‘white-fella’ in the Badjala language of the Butchulla people), a famed albino whale that travels past Cairns on its annual migration. ‘White Whale’ is also a subtle yet important reminder to be conscious of our relationship with and impact on our oceans and our natural environment – an ethos that is interwoven into the foundation of the business.

Over a decade on, our passion remains steadfast – to roast and serve the very best coffee in Cairns, and to provide the Australian coffee community with superb specialty coffee. Through coffee, White Whale hopes to make a positive difference to people, communities and our environment.

Coffee that does good.

White Whale Coffee Roasters | Specialty Coffee | Cairns, Queensland

A legend of the outback

Take a journey aboard the legendary Gulflander for a rail journey unlike any other. Originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton with the rich gold fields of Croydon, today the Gulflander is a tourism icon.

From wetlands and grasslands to the arid Savannah, the 1950 railmotor, also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, ventures through countryside that most people would never see. This nostalgic rail journey is the perfect way to discover an area steeped in pioneering history and heritage.

Our Normanton Officer-in-Charge, Station Master and Driver of the Gulflander, Ken Fairbairn, takes visitors on a unique rail journey through some of Northern Queensland’s iconic Gulf Savannah landscapes.

Normanton was the port for the Croydon Gold Rush, with the Normanton Railway Station featuring preserved Victorian architecture. Croydon is a small town with a big history which started with the discovery of gold in 1885.

As the Gulflander only carries a small number of passengers, you will experience a friendly atmosphere which adds to the charm. Enjoy morning tea en route as the on board accredited Savannah Guides keep you entertained with trivia, species identification, amusing stories and colourful characters.

Step back in time and discover a rich pioneering history and the incredible Gulf Savannah country aboard the Gulflander.

MV Technology Solutions is a proudly Australian company and a leading supplier of a wide range of innovative, high-quality products to improve network reliability in power distribution and railway markets segments throughout Australia. 

Our strength lies both with our exclusive supply partners, who are global leaders and experts in their field, and our support team of highly skilled and experienced staff. Who are committed to providing our customers with the best-value solutions on the market and an after-sales support culture that is second to none.

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Flowline Industries is an Australian owned and operated manufacturer of electrical distribution equipment. Flowline supply Australian made products to Energy Queensland that help ensure electricity is delivered to the residents of Queensland in a safe and reliable manner. This year we celebrate 50 years of business and we are pleased to partner with the C2K Bike Ride to give back to the wonderful people of North Queensland.

Check out our website for more information

MAKING WAVES SINCE 1987
Passions of Paradise is a true local company and is one of the few in Cairns that is still owner operated. Alan Wallish, Managing Director and Founder, built the first Passions of Paradise, a steel catamaran, in Cairns in 1987 with the simple aim of providing a fun trip to the reef. In 1997 he cut the boat in half and extended the length by 4 meters. The result was a faster more comfortable ride with the added bonus of an extended range to access more reefs. Then in 2003, the “new” boat was built; Passions 2. At 25 meters and made of fiber glass she was certainly built for speed and luxury. Passions 2 revolutionized day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and provided a real alternative to travelling on a motor boat.

Fast forward 14 years to 2017, Passions III was born. Endless conversations between Alan and Scott “Scotty” Garden, our CEO, who started with Passions in 2003, always focused on finding ways to provide passengers with the best experience, to be more modern, faster and more competitive. The Passions III dream became a reality as Alan and Scotty worked and personally project managed the build in China over a three year period. Their combined years of experience and Alan’s vast knowledge stemming from his last two sailing catamarans, meant an exciting new addition that offers passengers an experience like no other.

Built in a high-tech composite facility in China, Passions III, at 30 meters, is one of the fastest and largest sailing catamarans in Australia. Built to travel at 14 to 15 knots, Passions III can access the furthermost outer reef locations. World class reefs such as Flynn, Milne and Norman can all be reached within a day trip.

At Passions, the day starts and ends with our trip. As a family run boat, you often see Alan or Scotty out diving, sailing and chatting with passengers, enjoying bringing a great experience to all that come aboard. We don’t own multiple boats, we are not owned by a multi-national and we don’t have a human resources department. We have always been, and remain, a small dedicated operator, focused on providing you with exceptional customer service and a fun day. Our hand-picked staff are our most valuable resource and they work hard to ensure that your day on the Great Barrier Reef is a special part of your holiday.

Book your trip to the reef

Lawyers Cairns – WGC
At a time where the outcome matters, who you trust in, to guide you through your legal journey matters. At WGC Lawyers, you’ll not only find a wealth of experience in all things law, you’re also met with trusted legal professionals, dedicated to providing advice that brings you peace of mind.

From sensitive family law matters to the business and construction end of town and everything in between, Cairns’ WGC Lawyers are here to guide and protect you, every step of the way.

We have the resources and commitment to provide our clients with the consistent service excellence they’ve come to expect. Put yourself in trusted hands – partner with one of the WGC legal team today. WGC Lawyers –

We’ve Got you Covered.

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We find the correct insurance for you.
Whether you are looking for a new insurance solution or simply the right person to take care of your insurance claims – we will be there for support and to provide all the necessary guidelines.

Specialist advice at the right price.
We are one of the longest standing insurance brokers in Cairns, and are one of the only specialist aviation insurance brokers in North Queensland that provide complete solutions to private and commercial aviation operators.

Visit our website for more information