Our Story

“Born from a love of hospitality, Garuma Café is a family-owned gem in the heart of Airlie Beach. From Neasha’s unique beginnings on Melville Island to the team’s commitment to quality and service, every visit to Garuma feels like coming home. Whether you’re stopping in for a cup of the town’s best coffee, savoring our famous homemade pies, or enjoying our pet-friendly patio, we’re here to fuel your Whitsundays adventures with fast, friendly service and delicious food made with love.”

Garuma Café is more than just a place to eat—it's a family dream brought to life in the heart of Airlie Beach. With a love for hospitality that runs deep, siblings Neasha and Josh, together with their father, joined forces to create a café that feels like home to locals and travelers alike. After hearing about Garuma’s availability, the family knew it was their chance to create something special in the Whitsundays.

Neasha’s journey into hospitality began on Melville Island, a remote community in the Northern Territory, where her parents ran a renowned fishing lodge. Growing up in a tight-knit community of 350 Tiwi People, Neasha learned the importance of attention to detail and service excellence. Her passion for hospitality deepened as she worked alongside her family, developing skills that would shape Garuma’s foundation.

This isn’t Neasha’s first café—she successfully ran a bustling café in Darwin before pursuing her dream of owning a venue in the Whitsundays. Her brother Josh, also deeply rooted in the hospitality industry, completes the dynamic team, ensuring every guest enjoys fast, friendly service paired with delicious, thoughtfully crafted food.