Iconic Frosty Mango celebrates 30 years of being delicious

It started as nothing more than a humble fruit trolley on the side of the road, but now one of Townsville’s most popular tourism spots is celebrating its 30th birthday.

Shop manager Ruby Brooks and business manager Jennet Guy held a free community fun day at the Frosty Mango turned 30. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

IT STARTED as nothing more than a humble fruit trolley on the side of the road, but now one of Townsville’s most popular tourism spots is celebrating three decades of satisfying hungry tourists and locals.

The Frosty Mango at Mutarnee has been a favourite for ice creams, sorbets, drinks and other treats using the tropical fruit, and yesterday it celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Owned by Alf and Heidi Poefinger the destination has grown to include a restaurant with veranda, tourist information centre and walk through display orchard.

The owners were overseas for the celebrations, but the party went on, as shop manager Ruby Brooks and business manager Jennet Guy held a free community fun day.

Shop manager Ruby Brooks and business manager Jennet Guy held a free community fun day at the Frosty Mango turned 30. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

Ms Brooks said it was a place that held memories for many North Queenslanders.

“I grew up around here and I worked here as a teenager, and I just came back,” she said.

“When I was a kid it was my favourite place to go and being here and watching the next generation wanting to come (is great).

“There’s even adults who have moved away and come back, and this was their favourite place.”

The day included a classic car display, kids rides, live entertainment and, of course, plenty of mangoes.

Ms Guy said it was important to recognise the hard work of the owners.

“They’ve done a fantastic job, we want them to be proud, we want them to relax,” she said.

“We get lots of people tell us they love it.”

Originally published as Iconic Frosty Mango celebrates 30 years of being delicious