Our Story
GUYALA: White breasted Sea eagle
Guyala [pronounced goo-ya-la] Cafe in Cairns North is named after the local Yirrganydji word for the White Breasted Sea Eagle. This is also the name of the mountain range embracing the Southern side of Trinity Inlet.
The Yirrganydji tell stories about Guyala, the majestic white bellied sea eagle as it soars effortlessly on its two metre wings.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land our cafe is on, and believe language is an important key to maintaining and celebrating culture.
Inspiring, inclusive and healthy
Guyala Cafe has intentionality; in a first-of-its-kind fully accessible community centre for the not-for-profit Spinal Life Australia, the cafe acts as an integration between the broader community and the Spinal Life facility. Its intention is to be inspiring, inclusive and provide healthy sustenance for its visitors.
The result is a beautiful fit-out, thoughtful menu utilising local and indigenous ingredients and an experienced and warm team of professionals.
Our Fearless Leader
Oliver James started making coffee at 9 years old in his Father’s NSW countryside, garden-to-plate restaurant. In 2009 Oliver opened his first cafe, Caffiend in Cairns CBD.
Since, Oliver has opened several cafe venues. He currently operates Caffiend, Newell Street Cafe, Guyala Cafe, Tattooed Sailor Coffee Roasters, Sourdough Cultures, Cairns Coffee School & his hospitality consulting business.
Specialty Coffee & Innovative food
Oliver – winner of the 2013 Cairns Barista Competition – has been actively involved in coffee and barista competitions as a judge since 2014. He is a certified World Barista judge and was the Queensland Cup Tasters Champion in 2017.
Locally sourced ingredients with a focus on delicious flavour balance, and international culinary influence is the philosophy of our menu.
Oliver’s passion for food and coffee takes him on journeys around the world, where he explores delicious cuisines, visits coffee farms, and continues to enhance and share his knowledge of coffee and hospitality.
Our Coffee
Feel like a strong flat white with flavours of toasted almonds and rich caramels? A V60 of an Ethiopian natural? A smooth and balanced Doppio of fruit-driven deliciousness? Batchie, decaf, a tasting board of all the above? Meet us at Cairns North – your coffee experience is in good hands at Guyala Cafe!
