General News
5 March, 2026
South provides city’s future
THE southern suburbs of Cairns – Gordonvale, Edmonton, Bentley Park and Mount Peter – grew from cane country into dynamic residential communities.
Gordonvale, originally known as Mulgrave, developed around the Mulgrave Sugar Mill and retains its rural charm.
Edmonton’s growth was spurred by proximity to the Bruce Highway and rail lines. Today, new housing estates, schools and parks are transforming these once-quiet townships into thriving family hubs, balancing heritage with modern living.
What’s in a name?
Gordonvale, originally called Mulgrave, then Nelson, was connected to Cairns in 1897 via the Mulgrave tramway to the Cairns wharf.
Nelson was a productive settlement which was based around a five acre reserve later called Norman Park.
With the new connection to Cairns, it quickly developed as goods and services passed from the wharves to Nelson and agricultural product and sugar passed back to Cairns.
Gordonvale was connected to the hinterland with the opening of the Gillies Highway in 1926.
The civic heart of town grew with substantial buildings in the centre in the 1930s, with many constructed of concrete.
During WWII, the area expanded with the arrival of American divisions and an air-raid shelter provided potential protection in the event of Japanese bombing.
You can see the shelter on the right-hand side of the photo (below) with army tents in the foreground.
Hambledon Mill
Hambledon Sugar Mill was opened in 1883 to serve the sugar farms in the Edmonton area.
Men, who worked in the fields or at the mill, dispersed back to their homes in southern states or went fruit picking as an alternative income at the end of crushing season.
By the 1970s-1980s urban expansion from the nearby city of Cairns and suburbs was taking over the cane farms until the mill closed and was demolished in 1991.
Families in the field
Far North Queensland cane farming in the 20th century was a family affair where everyone pitched in at times when many hands were needed.
This was no exception when it came to the Ghidella family who held land around Mirriwinni and laboured in the field when the time for harvest came.
The Ghidella family were an active family from the mid-1930s onwards. They entertained family and friends, played sports, such as tennis, the children won awards at school and AMEB music exams and Mrs Ghidella worked hard at the local Country Women’s Association as secretary.
Babinda’s hidden treasure right under your nose
Hidden beneath this mural, in the little town of Babinda, is a little known treasure from World War II.
Built as an air raid shelter to protect the community, it has been repurposed as a public amenity providing the perfect serenity against explosions.
