reeforest adventure tours day tours

I booked a Farleigh Mill Tour for when my parents were visiting. During the booking process they asked for my phone number, which was fine. When we got to the hall, we found that the tour was not running because of recent rain and thus, there was no cane in the yard. I was a bit annoyed, given that the company had my phone number and could easily have called me informing me of the cancellation, and saved me a 30 minute drive. My husband and I rescheduled for the following Monday, but my parents were unable to attend this tour.Having left our holiday camping location early on the Monday morning to reach the mill in time for our 10.30am tour, I decided to phone the company at 9.30am to double-check that the tour was on. Kelly informed me that yes, the tour was definitely on.We turned up at the mill at 10.25am to find a note stuck to the hall door saying that the mill was shut for maintenance and there were "no tours today".Not impressed.

I really enjoyed this tour. As someone with no prior knowledge of how sugar is produced, I found it to be incredibly interesting. I thought the guide was incredibly knowledgeable and lovely to talk to, as well as willing to answer any question.

We were originally going to bypass Mackay, but ended up needing to stop there on our way anyways. It just so happened we saw a tiny little sign on the side of the road saying nothing more than "sugar mill tours". Having time to kill in what we thought would be a boring city, we decided to pull over and check it out. Following more obscure little signs we happened upon the mill and sure enough there was a tour in 10 minutes (one of only 2 tours offered per day).We said what the heck and bought the tickets thinking at very worst we killed some time that would have otherwise been spent just walking around aimlessly in the streets of Mackay.Amazingly enough, this tour turned out to be a highlight of our whole trip!!!!The guide was very informative, and they took us just about everywhere in the mill! We even got to taste the product at several stages along the way.The only thing was their microphone just was not loud enough to hear, so we had to stand close and even then it was difficult. But it was money well spent. The sugar was so delicious.We may not travel through the area again but can definitely recommend you to stop in and make sure you find out the schedule of their tours as it was quite fun!

There are two tours of sugar mills around Mackay, both run by the same company, Reeftours. If you want the experience of walking through a genuine working sugar mill, taking in all the smells and noise and getting up close to the machinery, this is the tour to go on. The explanation accompanying the tour is very detailed and for the most part very clear, By the time you finish the two hour tour, you will understand how sugar is made and what is done with all the by-products.They are serious about wearing appropriate clothing for health & safety because you do go into the heart of the mill amongst the moving machinery. After two hours of intense instruction, you are offered a complimentary tea or coffee with the chance to ask questions of the guide.If you want to really understand sugar, this is the tour for you. On the other hand, if you are hard of hearing (it’s noisy) or are concerned about climbing stairways, or are just not that interested in the details of manufacturing sugar but want a more superficial experience, do the other “Sarina Sugar Mill Shed” tour (reviewed under that title).

Took my two cousins to the Farleigh Sugar Mill to give them, and me, an insight into how a sugar mill operates. A very good tour indeed. It takes you from the cane being taken off the cane bins right through to the sugar being able to be packaged. To keep everyone entertained, there are taste tests along the various stages of the process.The tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative, and were happy to answer our many questions. For obvious safety reasons, long sleeved shirt, long pants, enclosed shoes are required because you are entering a working Sugar Mill. Being well hydrated before going on the tour is recommended as there are lots of stairs and walking to do, plus at some stages of the tour it can get pretty hot inside.Afternoon tea was provided at the end of the tour free of charge.

Very good tour of a working sugar mill.Phoned to make the booking 3 days before and paid on arrival, $25 per adult.Long sleeved shirt ,long trousers and enclosed shoes are required for safety reasons.Lots of tasting the sugar as it goes thru the different stages and really interesting, never knew sugar was made that way!Morning tea is included at the end of the tour.

We can highly recommend a trip to Farleigh sugar mill - close to Mackay and easy parking. You are able to get close to the action without being in danger. Bruce, our guide was very informative and was able to answer any questions asked.

Farleigh Mill was built in 1883 and has undergone many upgrades. You can see the age in the building.Learn what Bagasse is and how it is recycled to keep the mill going.Learn about the many products that come from the sugar cane.See the whole process from when the cane arrives, to the dispatch of the finished product.The crushing season runs from about July to early December so plan your visit during this period. The off season provides a period for maintenance.The tour guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer any questions about the process.There are a number of stairways to climb so it is advisable to be reasonably fit and not be afraid of heights. Due to OH&S regulations you are also required to wear covered footwear, long pants and long sleeves.As you are guided along in the process of sugar production you are given an opportunity to taste the product at various stages.Overall we thought the tour was well worth the $22 each and would highly recommend to anyone who has not seen the inside workings of a mill, to do it.