The Douglas Shire runs along the eastern coast of Far North Queensland from just north of Cairns, near Wangetti, to the Bloomfield River, south of Cooktown.

Mossman is located inland and is the seat of the Douglas Shire Council and the Mossman Central Mill which processes sugar cane from the district.

Port Douglas is a coastal resort village set on a peninsula. The primary activity is tourism because of its location as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest.

Mowbray / Craiglie The Mowbray Valley, lies south of Port Douglas in the foothills of the Macalister Range and the Wet Tropics Mowbray National Park.

Daintree is a village located north of Mossman, the former heart of the timber industry.

Cape Tribulation, Cow Bay, Baileys Creek, Diwan and Snapper Island are north of the Daintree River and part of the Wet Tropics Heritage rainforest. The Great Barrier Reef runs along the coastline.

Low Isles are two coral cays located about 15km off the coast of Port Douglas.

Bloomfield / Wujal Wujal. The Bloomfield River forms the Douglas Shire’s northern boundary.

When does the Historical Society meet?

The Douglas Shire Historical Society meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Mossman Community Centre, 20 Mill St Mossman, at 2pm where we hear presentations on local history. Everybody is welcome to attend our meetings, especial history enthusiasts.

Join the Society for $10 pa for individuals or $15 pa for a family subscription.

What does the Historical Society do?

Operates the Port Douglas Court House Museum, (you are welcome to join the roster as a volunteer attendant).
Promotes signposted historic walks in Port Douglas, Mossman and Daintree in partnership with Douglas Shire Council.
Collects local history papers, historic photographs and oral histories.
Researches and publishes local history books and bulletins available through our shop.
Conducts occasional guided walks for groups along the Heritage Trails and through Port Douglas and Mossman cemeteries.
Maintains databases for Port Douglas cemetery, old farm machinery in our area, and our collection of historical items.

Latest News

The next meeting of the Society will be on Tuesday April 1st at 2pm at Mossman Support Services, Mill St.

Jeanette Gray will speak about the late Cop Hingley’s quest for his medals from service in World War II.

To commemorate Anzac Day, an historic photo display will be held in DSC foyer in Mossman from March 18 to April 18.

We have also launched a new website for the Diggers of Douglas, with World War I history at www.douglasdiggersww1.org.au

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Please NOTE meetings will now be held on the first Tuesday afternoon of the month, not Monday as previously.

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ADVANCE NOTICE

The Society will be having a Trivia Night led by KStar at the Central Hotel on Wednesday 16th April at 6pm.

Come along and book a table for a fun night. Funds raised will assist the Court House Museum.

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The Port Douglas Court House Museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am till 1pm and knowledgeable volunteers will be there to assist everybody.