Coastal Swirls, a mobile ice cream business, has served New Zealand-style treats across South East Queensland since 2021. Founder Ella moved from New Zealand to Australia four years ago and started the business inspired by her childhood memories of enjoying ice cream at roadside stalls. “It’s a huge part of a New Zealand childhood,” she told The Urbanite, explaining how the warm Queensland weather made her miss those refreshing treats even more. After some research, she launched Coastal Swirls to share this tradition with her new community.
The ice creams at Coastal Swirls are made-to-order, blending real fruit with either vanilla or vegan coconut ice cream using a special machine. The menu includes banana, mango, strawberry, and mixed berry flavours, with a few select toppings available. Ella highlighted the New Zealand style, where fruit stalls commonly use these machines to create creamy, fruity swirls—a novelty for Australians. She was thrilled to find her blending machine locally made outside Brisbane, which she tested at home for months, even if her husband grew tired of being the taste-tester.
Ella chose a mobile setup for Coastal Swirls, reflecting the spontaneous roadside stops of her youth. The trailer allows her to move with her husband’s job and pop up at markets and beach gatherings, which she finds more practical than a fixed shop. “It’s cool being able to pop up at different events,” she said, though she admitted that towing and parking in new locations can be tricky. Over time, she’s mastered the setup, making it a smooth operation that brings her ice cream to wherever the crowds are.
What Ella loves most is the joy her ice creams bring to customers. She enjoys seeing people’s reactions, especially when they’re hesitant at first but return raving, “That’s the best ice cream I’ve ever had.” Coastal Swirls has become a community favourite, with families and couples delighting in the creamy, fresh flavours. Ella promises a “creamy, fruity, and fresh” treat for those yet to try it, capturing the essence of a New Zealand classic with a Queensland twist.
Times and locations: https://www.bnefoodtrucks.com.au/coastal-swirls
Coastal Swirls Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/coastal_swirls/
