Northern Region

The Northern Region encompasses a historically significant and geographically diverse sugar belt, stretching from the Daintree Rainforest in the north to the Cassowary Coast in the south. Characterised by high rainfall and lush tropical vegetation, this district presents unique challenges and advantages for cane cultivation, ranging from the coastal flats of Gordonvale to the elevated Atherton Tableland. This section documents the evolution of the industry in the Far North, contrasting the enduring operations of high output facilities like Tully and Mulgrave with the legacies of historic closures such as Mossman, Babinda and Goondi. It traces the region's shift from a landscape of numerous independent cooperatives to a rationalised network of central mills adapted to the demands of the modern global market.

Mossman Central Mill (Closed)

This mill ceased operations in early 2024 after entering liquidation, which ended more than 130 years of sugar production in the Douglas Shire. The 2025 crop was transported to the Mulgrave Mill for processing as the local community transitioned toward alternative agricultural industries and diversified land use.

Hambledon Mill (Closed)

Established in 1883 by Thomas Swallow and later owned by CSR, this facility was a cornerstone of the Edmonton community for over a century. It closed in 1991 due to urban encroachment from the expanding Cairns suburbs, and the site has since been transformed into a residential estate and the Sugarworld water park.

Tableland Mill

Located near Mareeba, this is the only mill in the region situated on the Atherton Tableland rather than the coastal plain. It is operated by MSF Sugar and features a 24 megawatt green energy plant that converts bagasse into renewable electricity for the local grid during the crushing season.

Cairns Bulk Sugar Terminal

The Cairns Bulk Sugar Terminal is situated at Portsmith on Trinity Inlet and was the final major bulk facility commissioned in Queensland during the modernisation era of the 1960s. For over 60 years, it served as the exclusive export gateway for the Mossman Central Mill and previously supported the Mulgrave and Hambledon mill areas.

Mulgrave Mill

Operating since 1896 in Gordonvale, this mill is a primary industrial hub for the Cairns region and is currently owned by MSF Sugar. It remains a vital part of the local economy and has recently taken on the additional responsibility of processing cane from the now closed Mossman district.

Babinda Mill (Closed)

This mill operated from 1915 until its closure in 2011, which followed significant damage from Cyclone Yasi and a period of low global sugar prices. The facility was demolished in 2013, and the town has since focused its economic efforts on tourism and diverse tropical fruit production.

Mourilyan Mill (Closed)

Founded in 1884, this mill was one of the oldest in the state until it was severely damaged by Cyclone Larry in 2006. Its owners, Bundaberg Sugar, decided to close the facility permanently, resulting in the transfer of all local cane harvests to the nearby South Johnstone Mill for processing.

Mourilyan Bulk Sugar Terminal

The Mourilyan Bulk Sugar Terminal is a key export facility located within the natural harbour of the Moresby River, serving the sugar mills of the Cassowary Coast and Atherton Tableland. It was established as part of the industry wide transition to bulk handling, replacing the lighterage system that previously transported bagged sugar to ocean going vessels.

Goondi Mill (Closed)

Opened by CSR in 1885 near Innisfail, this mill served the Johnstone River area for 102 years. It was closed in 1987 as part of industry rationalisation, despite initial opposition from local growers who were eventually required to redirect their harvests to Mourilyan and South Johnstone.

South Johnstone Mill

This mill was established as a government enterprise in 1916 and remains a vital processing centre for the Cassowary Coast today. It is currently operated by MSF Sugar and supports an extensive network of growers throughout the southern sections of the Johnstone River catchment.

Tully Mill

Commissioned in 1925, Tully was the last major coastal sugar mill built in Queensland and remains one of the largest and highest yielding in the country. It is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the agribusiness company COFCO and benefits from the consistently high rainfall found in the Tully and Murray River valleys.