‘Never seen anything like it’: Think $2 can’t get you much? This Aussie roadside find says otherwise
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There’s something truly special about the Australian countryside—rolling green hills, the scent of eucalyptus in the air, and, if you’re lucky, a roadside surprise that’ll make your day.
For one British expat, Anita, who recently swapped the hustle and bustle of London for the laid-back charm of Far North Queensland, it was a humble yellow trailer on the side of the road that left her absolutely gobsmacked.
Picture this: you’re driving along a sun-drenched road near Cairns, and suddenly, you spot a bright yellow trailer brimming with fresh bananas.
No shopkeeper in sight, just a sign: $2 per kilogram. It’s not a mirage—it’s one of the region’s beloved honesty stalls, a tradition that’s as Aussie as a meat pie at the footy.
Anita, still getting her bearings in her new home, couldn’t believe her eyes. 'I’ve never seen anything like it,' she said, still sounding a bit in awe. 'The bananas are organic and straight from a local farm, which makes it feel like a healthier and more authentic way to get your fruit. It’s also just a fun experience and way more memorable than picking something off a supermarket shelf.'
For many Aussies, these roadside stalls are a familiar sight, especially in regional areas.
From avocados and mangoes in Queensland to strawberries and mandarins in the southern states, these stalls are a testament to the country’s rich agricultural heritage and the good old-fashioned trust that still exists in our communities.
The banana stall Anita discovered is one of 11 operated by the Banana Brothers, a local business run by Tony Trafford.
The bananas come straight from nearby farms, and Tony reckons they taste better than anything you’ll find in a supermarket. 'You don’t get $2 snacks anywhere now,' he said, and he’s not wrong—where else can you get a kilo of fresh, local produce for the price of a cup of coffee?
What makes these stalls even more remarkable is the honour system they run on.
There’s no one watching over your shoulder; you simply weigh your bananas, drop your coins in the box, or tap your card on the built-in EFTPOS machine. It’s a system built on trust, and according to Tony, most people do the right thing.
Of course, there are the occasional bad apples—like the infamous Maserati driver caught on camera making off with a boot-load of bananas—but for the most part, honesty prevails.
Source: @anitakapoor_ / Tiktok.
And it’s not just about the bananas. These stalls are a lifeline for local farmers, especially in a region that produces a whopping 94% of Australia’s bananas, valued at around $600 million a year.
With strict quarantine laws, all bananas sold in Australia are homegrown, supporting local jobs and communities.
But life on the land isn’t always easy. Earlier this year, Queensland’s banana crops took a beating from unprecedented rain, leaving many farms waterlogged and facing months of recovery.
Yet, even in tough times, the resilience of these communities shines through. In the town of Innisfail, when supermarket shelves were bare after the floods, there was still an abundance of bananas—proof that local produce and community spirit go hand in hand.
For Anita, the move to Cairns has been nothing short of life-changing. 'The winter weather alone is a winner,' she laughs, basking in the tropical climate.
'Being surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, mountains, and the Daintree Rainforest honestly feels surreal. I still can’t believe I get to call this place home.'
It’s easy to see why she’s fallen in love with the region—and why she wishes the honesty stall tradition would catch on back in England. 'I’d love to see these kinds of stands become a normal thing all around the world. It would be amazing to see something like this back home.'
So next time you’re out for a drive in the Aussie countryside, keep your eyes peeled for those colourful roadside stalls. Not only will you score a bargain, but you’ll also be supporting local farmers and experiencing a slice of true-blue Aussie culture.
Read more: How to ripen bananas in seconds—no paper bag required!
Have you ever picked up a treat from a roadside honesty stall? Maybe you’ve got a favourite spot or a story to share about a quirky find on your travels? We’d love to hear your experiences—drop us a comment below and join the conversation!
For one British expat, Anita, who recently swapped the hustle and bustle of London for the laid-back charm of Far North Queensland, it was a humble yellow trailer on the side of the road that left her absolutely gobsmacked.
Picture this: you’re driving along a sun-drenched road near Cairns, and suddenly, you spot a bright yellow trailer brimming with fresh bananas.
No shopkeeper in sight, just a sign: $2 per kilogram. It’s not a mirage—it’s one of the region’s beloved honesty stalls, a tradition that’s as Aussie as a meat pie at the footy.
Anita, still getting her bearings in her new home, couldn’t believe her eyes. 'I’ve never seen anything like it,' she said, still sounding a bit in awe. 'The bananas are organic and straight from a local farm, which makes it feel like a healthier and more authentic way to get your fruit. It’s also just a fun experience and way more memorable than picking something off a supermarket shelf.'
For many Aussies, these roadside stalls are a familiar sight, especially in regional areas.
A British expat in Far North Queensland was amazed by an unmanned roadside banana stall, selling locally grown organic bananas for $2 a kilo on an honesty system, and said she’d love to see this concept adopted in other countries. Image source: @anitakapoor_ / Tiktok.
From avocados and mangoes in Queensland to strawberries and mandarins in the southern states, these stalls are a testament to the country’s rich agricultural heritage and the good old-fashioned trust that still exists in our communities.
The banana stall Anita discovered is one of 11 operated by the Banana Brothers, a local business run by Tony Trafford.
The bananas come straight from nearby farms, and Tony reckons they taste better than anything you’ll find in a supermarket. 'You don’t get $2 snacks anywhere now,' he said, and he’s not wrong—where else can you get a kilo of fresh, local produce for the price of a cup of coffee?
What makes these stalls even more remarkable is the honour system they run on.
There’s no one watching over your shoulder; you simply weigh your bananas, drop your coins in the box, or tap your card on the built-in EFTPOS machine. It’s a system built on trust, and according to Tony, most people do the right thing.
Of course, there are the occasional bad apples—like the infamous Maserati driver caught on camera making off with a boot-load of bananas—but for the most part, honesty prevails.
Source: @anitakapoor_ / Tiktok.
And it’s not just about the bananas. These stalls are a lifeline for local farmers, especially in a region that produces a whopping 94% of Australia’s bananas, valued at around $600 million a year.
With strict quarantine laws, all bananas sold in Australia are homegrown, supporting local jobs and communities.
But life on the land isn’t always easy. Earlier this year, Queensland’s banana crops took a beating from unprecedented rain, leaving many farms waterlogged and facing months of recovery.
Yet, even in tough times, the resilience of these communities shines through. In the town of Innisfail, when supermarket shelves were bare after the floods, there was still an abundance of bananas—proof that local produce and community spirit go hand in hand.
For Anita, the move to Cairns has been nothing short of life-changing. 'The winter weather alone is a winner,' she laughs, basking in the tropical climate.
'Being surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, mountains, and the Daintree Rainforest honestly feels surreal. I still can’t believe I get to call this place home.'
It’s easy to see why she’s fallen in love with the region—and why she wishes the honesty stall tradition would catch on back in England. 'I’d love to see these kinds of stands become a normal thing all around the world. It would be amazing to see something like this back home.'
So next time you’re out for a drive in the Aussie countryside, keep your eyes peeled for those colourful roadside stalls. Not only will you score a bargain, but you’ll also be supporting local farmers and experiencing a slice of true-blue Aussie culture.
Read more: How to ripen bananas in seconds—no paper bag required!
Have you ever picked up a treat from a roadside honesty stall? Maybe you’ve got a favourite spot or a story to share about a quirky find on your travels? We’d love to hear your experiences—drop us a comment below and join the conversation!
