The Bean Tree Cafe, in Olive Pink Botanic Garden, Alice Springs, takes much of its inspiration from its remarkable surroundings.
Story Terri Cowley Photo Peter Pap
Don’t be surprised if you see a black-footed rock-wallaby hop past as you enjoy a quiet brunch in the arid bushland at The Bean Tree Cafe in Alice Springs, NT. It helps that the dining spot is located within the city’s Olive Pink Botanic Garden, a 16ha botanical reserve that showcases 600 plants indigenous to Central Australia.
The wallabies are one of cafe owner Eugenia Cindy’s favourite sights. “There are many, but some of my favourites are watching the wallabies hop by as I work, seeing the sunset over the hills and seeing Alice Springs in a light only this side of town can offer,” Cindy says.
The kitchen forms the central hub of the cafe, with outdoor tables fanning out into the gardens and an indoor dining space decorated with historical paraphernalia. A team of nine staff members has enabled the business to expand to include catering and functions.
The menu focuses on modern Australian-fusion cuisine, with original twists. Dishes include twice-cooked pork belly burger, grilled marinated lamb, buttermilk pancakes, saltbush smashed avocado, grilled chicken burgers, classic fish and chips, Mediterranean lamb salad, lamb and fish tacos, truffle chips and beef burgers. It’s more than you’d expect to eat after a stroll through the gardens. Cindy’s personal favourite is the twice-cooked pork belly burger. “It comes with the lot – egg, chips and our house-made pickled cucumber,” she says.
This story excerpt is from issue #163
Outback Magazine: Oct/Nov 2025
