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

The next General Meeting of the Society will be held at the RSL Hall in Johnston Road in Mossman, opposite the Hospital on Monday 8th April (the first Monday of the month is a public holiday. .

Wally and Ron from the RSL will talk about the items held in their Museum at the hall. There will, of course, be Anzac biscuits at afternoon tea. We hope to see you all there.

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