Gordonvale Things to Do Tips by tropicrd

Heritage Mosaics.

If you want to know about Gordonvale and the history of a town built around the sugar industry,then stroll around the streets from the Sugar Mill and you will see some terrific mosaics depicting stories of the early traders in the area.
I found it facinating especially the Aboriginal legend of the now named Walsh's Pyramid mountain.There were a lot of meeting places in Gordonvale and they were essential to the way of life in a small town.
The Cane Cutter statue has a drinking fountain in Norman Park and a mosaic surrounding it showing when all the work was done by hand or horse and plough.They were tough times for those not used to tropical heat.
The statue is dedicated to the men and women who worked in the cane fields and those who started family cane farms in the district.
It was known as "Natures Sweet Gift" The walk is easy and free--suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Free parking if you are driving or you can get here via the public Sunbus.

Address: Gordonvale,Qld Australia

Directions: Approx 23 klms south of Cairns.Turn left at the Gillies Highway traffic lights at Gordonvale.
Follow the the road into the township to Norman Street and and you can't miss the statue or the sugar mill .

Other Contact: Mulgrave Settlers Museum

Phone: 07 4056 1810

The banks of the Mulgrave River at Gordonvale

Most visitors miss the opportunity to stop on the bank of the Mulgrave River in Gordonvale because there is no direct turn off from the Bruce Highway.

This is a lovely place called 'Green Patch' where the locals go for a swim and picnic/or bbq.
As you stroll along the bank you will get fantastic views of Walsh's Pyramid and looking back you will see the railway bridge and the sugar mill smoke stack.

There is a car park but the tracks to the river are dirt and have some nasty holes,so be careful you don't damage your car.It is drivable and walkable in the dry season but not in the wet season as this river usually floods.

You will also see burnt logs where people have built camp fires along the bank--it is not safe to venture here on your own or after dark as it is often used for drinking and sometimes intoxicated people get out of control.

But it is worth a look in my opinion.

Address: Green Patch,Gordonvale,QLD 4870

Directions: Turn left into Griffin Street which runs along the side of the white cottage before the servo station on the right hand side of Riverstone Road,Gordonvale.

Website: http://www.focusongordonvale.com

Sugar mill tour

The Gordonvale sugar mill offers really good tours for those who are interested in how the cane is crushed and the process of sugar .

The cane trains are fast disappearing which in my opinion is sad because they have been a part of the industry from the very beginning. It is pretty special to see them chugging along and blowing the whistle--sometimes just to wave and welcome you to Gordonvale.

The cane harvesting usually happens during June,July,August--

Address: Gordonvale,QLD,Australia

Directions: Turn left at the Gordonvale traffic lights on the Bruce Highway--20klm south from Cairns.If you are travelling north,then turn right at the traffic lights after crossing the Mulgrave River.

Other Contact: Cairns Regional Council