Bean There, Brewed That: Finding My Go-To Queensland Roaster
Updated: Oct 22
By Alexa Janoschka
My introduction to Tim Adams Specialty Coffee is a story of travel, serendipity, and a truly unforgettable espresso. It’s a journey that started with a simple recommendation and evolved into a deep appreciation for a roaster that is genuinely trying to change the world, one sustainable cup at a time.
It all began back in early 2025. I had just wrapped up my studies at Bond University on the Gold Coast that April and had about a month of free time before I was scheduled to fly back stateside. I decided to spend those weeks volunteering at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Australia Zoo in Beerwah. During my first trip up to the zoo, I stayed at a lovely spot a bit closer to Maleny. My hosts suggested I check out a local cafe right by the Landsborough train station called The Steaming Cup.
My first cup of Tim Adams coffee
I took their advice, walked in, and ordered my standard test cup—a small, double-shot skinny (skim milk) flat white. The Steaming Cup used Tim Adams beans and machines, and from that very first sip, I was completely hooked. The flavor profile was extraordinary, but more than that, the roast became instantly tied to the excitement of the area and the memories I was making. Now, every time I head up to the Sunshine Coast, routing through Landsborough station to grab a coffee from The Steaming Cup is an absolute non-negotiable. Note: If you are visiting the world renowned Australia Zoo, instead of stopping at Beerwah station, stop one more station north at Landsborough Station, stop by the Steaming cup then hop on the 649 to the Zoo with the best cup of coffee in hand!
Tim Adams found on Adelaide Street
The Brisbane Treasure Hunt
That single cup sparked a bit of an obsession. Later in the year, while staying in Brisbane, I started actively researching Tim Adams. I began noticing their distinct signs popping up at independent cafes across the city. It became a personal rule: if I saw the Tim Adams logo, I was stopping. I've stopped at over 150 cafes, and I'll tell you, Tim Adams never misses.
The highlight was having the chance to meet one of their reps at a farmers market near the hospital in Brisbane. Getting to chat with them in person solidified what I already knew—this is a company with real, tangible passion. I quickly learned that whenever I see their sign, whether I'm deep in Brisbane or up on the Sunshine Coast, I am guaranteed an amazing cup of coffee.
What They Offer (And Where to Find Them)
If you live in Australia, there is a very good chance you aren't far from a Tim Adams brew. While their home base and primary roastery is located at 9 Machinery Avenue in Warana on the Sunshine Coast, their wholesale partnerships stretch across Queensland—from Townsville and Cairns out to Moranbah, and all the way down to Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. They even supply loyal partners across New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia!
Flat White Brewed by Dale At Tim Adams Warana Roastery
They offer an incredibly diverse lineup of products to ensure there is a coffee for every palate. Their core lineup features distinct, consistently post-blended roasts like the Chapola, The Doctor (aka: My Favorite), the Tortoise & The Hare, Choc Bomb, and their rotating Seasonal blend. On top of that, they feature unique, rare single origins that rotate monthly for both espresso and filter brewing. Beyond the beans, they supply cafes with everything from alternative milks and teas to state-of-the-art machinery and comprehensive, ongoing barista training.
Coffee with a Conscience: The Chapola Project
As a huge advocate for charities and fundraising—having worked closely to support organizations like Wildlife Warriors and NBCC—I am incredibly selective about the businesses I champion. This is where Tim Adams truly won me over. When you buy their coffee, you aren't just paying for a morning pick-me-up; you are buying into a community and supporting a regenerative global food system.
Their overarching charitable initiative, The Chapola Project, is a masterclass in giving back. Moved by the challenges faced by coffee farmers, Tim Adams formed the project to directly improve the quality of life for producers around the world. They purchase beans at prices above standard market rates to ensure the premium actually reaches the farmers who deserve it. Furthermore, they donate funds to help build infrastructure right at the farm level.
Some of their most inspiring work includes supporting the Women in Coffee Project in Brazil and partnering directly with the Lanza family in Honduras to purchase Finca Chapola. By investing in this farm, they aren't just supporting a single family; they are using it as an educational platform to teach neighboring producers, baristas, and roasters from around the globe about sustainable agriculture.
How to Support the Mission
If you want to support a roaster that is doing wonderfully amazing things for both the industry and the planet, I highly encourage you to check out their website at timadams.net.au. You can order their freshly roasted blends and single origins directly to your door, or browse their online shop for barista tools and brewing equipment.
They also run a fantastic social media account that pulls back the curtain on the entire process—from the tree, to the coffee cherry, to the roast, and finally to the cup we enjoy every day. It’s the perfect way to stay connected to the community they are building.
I am already counting down the days until my trip back this November. I plan to head straight to their Warana roastery and their flagship shops. I fully intend to bug the team, get a "behind the brew" look at their process, and dive even deeper into the knowledge and care that goes into their specialty roasting. Until then, I'll be dreaming of that next perfect flat white.
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