State of Queensland Off The Beaten Path Tips by tropicrd

Mosaics of Gordonvale.

Gordonvale,QLD is 25klm south of Cairns in the Mulgrave area.

The mosaics are the towns footprints with each one telling you the history of settlement.

Gordonvale was first settled in 1877 and a road was put in to haul the huge cedar logs,used by miners and teams of mules that carried provisions across the ranges to Herberton in the 1880s.

The Mulgrave Goldfield was declared after prospectors found and mined gold in 1879 but never became a gold boom town.

Gordonvale was formerly called Nelson and was renamed Gordonvale after John Gordon,a butcher and one of the earlier pioneers of the region.
The first cane toad was released in Gordonvale,QLD in 1935 in an attempt to stop the cane beetle.It didn't work and the cane toad has been declared a national pest.

The other thing about Gordonvale that may not be known is during the 2nd world war a contingent of approx 3000 American paratroopers was stationed in this town to train for missions into New Guinea.One of the mosaics depict this time.

Local women in Gordonvale and areas were employed to pack parachutes and were known as the "Parabelles" (young and attractive girls of the parachutes)
It is a delight to explore this township.

Website: http://www.focusongordonvale.com

Have morning tea at the florist at Gordonvale.

Not many tourists stop off at Gordonvale which is approx 25 klm south of Cairns.
When you get to the turnoff to the Gillies Range--instead of turning right at the lights turn left from the Bruce Highway into Varney Street Gordonvale and explore this historical township.

It has a working sugar mill,a purpose built settlers museum which show cases objects used by early settlers in the late 1800s.
Stroll along the historical walkways with mosaics depicting stories of traders and Aboriginal legends of the now famous Pyramid Mountain representing the lifestyle in this small country town.

It runs along the Mulgrave river and has a beautiful park, a golf course and four old style Australian pubs.

One of the nicest experience was having morning tea at a cafe called the Florist in Norman Street opposite Norman Park.

It is an actual florist with a gift shop and a cafe--we had scrumptious scones with homemade jam,fresh cream and coffee served on old china.
The ambiance is perfect and the owner will welcome you as if she has known you for years.Even the water is served in a matching china jug.

The cost is very affordable---coffees or teas made how you like it for $3.80.

$7.50 for a devonshire tea,savoury foods or cakes and pastries including tea or coffee.

You can also have a high tea experience for $25.50 per person or you can go on a tour and stroll package including morning tea for $10.00 per person.

This lovely place is open from
Mondays to Fridays 9am to 5pm
Saturdays 9am to 1pm
Sundays by appointment only (a good time to take your time over a high tea.

So if you are staying in Cairns area then why not check out Gordonvale township.
You will be surprised.

Other Contact: Gordonvale Township.

Phone: 07--40563711