Mossman is a small (population 1800), picturesque, north Queensland country town, surrounded by sugar cane fields, with a backdrop of the McDonnel Ranges. It is only a few kilometres from the Mossman Gorge, and on the edge of the Daintree National Park. It is 20 kilometres north of Port Douglas, and many tourists pass through, on their way to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, making it a busy tourist centre.
Mossman was established in 1876, and became the major centre for sugar cane growing in the area, when they built the sugar cane crushing mill in 1897. This became the most northerly mill in Queensland, and therefore serviced all the growers in the area. The mill is still in operation, and comes alive between June/July and November/December, when the cane is cut. Once cut, the cane must be processed within 12 to 18 hours, which forces the mill to run 24 hours a day during this period. To supply the mill, a narrow gauge rail system of 86 kilometres, called a tramline, is used by small engines to pull thousands of specially designed cane trucks, called caintainers, from all over the area. Outlying areas move their cane to tramline locations by truck, for pickup. The mill currently processes in excess of one million tonnes of cane per year. The final product is transported to Cairns for export. It is very interesting watching this whole process, which is now totally mechanized, from cutting the cane, to the end product, which is sugar and molasses. It is possible to have a guided tour of the mill if you’re keen!!
Remember, Mossman is the last town before the Daintree River, so stop off for a break, have a coffee. While you are there, have a drive around town to see the early Queensland architecture, especially the Hospital. Maybe, take a side trip to Mossman Gorge, well worth a visit. If it’s hot, take your swimmers, there are some nice swimming holes in the river, oh yes, and some sun cream, and don’t forget the water!!
|