Gordonvale

A quintessential Queensland town, Gordonvale is a place of astounding landscapes and various fascinating places of interest. Not to be left out by its neighboring country towns, Gordonvale is also fast becoming a favorite tourist destination in North Australia. Blessed with a magnificent tropical climate, Gordonvale abounds in natural wonders that attract thousands of visitors every year. Add to that the town’s rich history and friendly locals and you have one of Australia’s most wonderful places. A rustic town with lots to offer, Gordonvale is the perfect destination for people who want to have an adventure-filled and relaxing vacation.

Just like the other towns that surround it, Gordonvale’s economy depends on sugar. This sugar town lies near the Gillies Range, the Atherton Tableland and the city of Cairns. The Blackwell and Alley families were the first settlers in the area who arrived in 1877. These families were loggers who made a road for hauling out cedar. In a few years time, a little town had developed in the area, which was first named Mulgrave. Later on, the town was re-named Nelson before changing finally to Gordonvale after John Gordon, one of the town’s pioneers.

A place with its own special appeal, Gordonvale is not just an ordinary sugar town. Its rustic appeal is not attributed to the lack of hustle and bustle in the town, but to its exceptional architecture. Unknown to some, a great number of buildings in Gordonvale are already 70 to 80 years old. For this reason, Gordonvale is one of those few places in Queensland that appears to be frozen in time.

Attractions

Standing imposingly at the town’s backdrop is the famous Walsh’s Pyramid. Rising at 922 meters, “The Pyramid” is the highest free-standing natural pyramid in the world. This natural wonder is celebrated every year with an event called “The Great Pyramid Race.” Held around August or September, the participants of this annual event race their way to the top of the mountain and back. The “Great Pyramid Race” is one of the most popular events that runners from different parts of Australia look forward to.

Apart from the Walsh’s Pyramid, other natural wonders that can be found near Gordonvale include the Bellenden Ker Gardens Rainforest and the Goldsborough Valley State Forest. The Bellenden Ker Gardens Rainforest provides a tranquil retreat for visitors who want to relax in a lush natural setting. Featuring a spectacular rainforest with its outstanding flora and fauna, the Bellenden Ker Gardens Rainforest has everything a naturalist can ever hope for. Meanwhile, the Goldsborough Valley State Forest is a splendid park located at the foot of the Bellenden Ker Range. This place is believed to have been the home of Aborigines who settled in the area before gold was discovered there during the late 19th century. The Goldsborough Valley State Forest has picnic areas and campsites available for those who want to spend some quality time with Mother Nature.

For those interested in Gordonvale’s history, the Mulgrave Rambler and Sugar Mill is the place to go. A prosperous sugar mill since 1896, the Mulgrave Sugar Mill replaced the Pyramid Mill as the primary sugar producer in the area. A railway was built in 1898 to support the flourishing sugar industry. At present, the Mulgrave Rambler provides an exciting journey aboard a steam engine from the town through sweeping sugarcane fields and dense rainforest, to the Orchid Valley.

Apart from the sugar mill, which provides tours on off-production seasons, the Mulgrave Settlers Museum is another excellent place of interest. With numerous historical artifacts and exhibits donated by the locals, this museum has many stories to tell. It is open on weekdays from 10 AM to 2 PM, except on the months of December and February. With so many things to see and do at Gordonvale, this one-of-a-kind rural town is definitely worth visiting.