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 Monday of every 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
Our Xmas party dinner will be on Tuesday December 3rd at 6pm at the Surfy. Bookings essential via info@douglashistory.org.au. —————————————
The Museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am till 1pm and knowledgeable volunteers will be there to assist everybody.
Visit the Port Douglas Court House Museum
25 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4871
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-1pm
Admission $3, Children and Students Free
Available for sale
Many publications and bulletins are available for sale.
There are also various fascinating articles under the LOCAL STORIES and TIME LINES tabs on the top menu.
You are welcome to email or message any questions you have about our local history.
Daintree Village 1933
Mossman Sugar Mill 1950s (Lancini Photography Studio)
Bally Hooley steam train, Port Douglas 2000-2017
Craiglie, Four Mile School
1911 cyclone damage, Port Douglas.
Low Isles 1928-1929
Mossman in the 1950s, with Port Douglas in the background
Slatey Pinch on the old Bump Track road, Mowbray 1930
Sugar Wharf, Port Douglas mid 1980s
Calley’s Exchange Hotel Port Douglas c1883
Many images on this site are sourced from the State Library of Queensland, which holds a vast collection of Queensland historic photos.
Other suggested reference sources for your research include:
Cooktown History Centre (website in development)