New South Wales

The Northern Rivers district of New South Wales represents the southern boundary of Australia's commercial cane growing belt. Unlike their tropical counterparts in the north, these mills process a two year cane crop, necessitating unique agricultural cycles and milling practices. The region is defined by the historic operations of the NSW Sugar Milling Cooperative (trading as Sunshine Sugar), which has diversified into refining and renewable energy to maintain viability in a changing market.

Self-Drive Heritage Tours

Experience the "River Mills" of the south. This route follows the Pacific Highway through the lush floodplains of the Northern Rivers, crossing the Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed rivers. These tours showcase the unique river transport legacy of the New South Wales industry and the distinct two year cropping rotation.

Harwood Mill

Located on the Clarence River at Harwood Island, this facility holds the distinction of being the longest continuous operating sugar mill in Australia, having commenced crushing in 1874. Originally established by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR), it was purchased by the local growers cooperative in 1978. Today, it operates as a joint venture with the Manildra Group and features a collocated refinery that supplies sugar to the domestic food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Broadwater Mill

Commissioned in 1881, Broadwater Mill processes cane from the rich floodplains of the Richmond River valley. Like its sister mills in the Sunshine Sugar group, it is largely energy self sufficient, utilising a modern cogeneration plant fuelled by cane fibre (bagasse) and camphor laurel timber waste. It serves as the economic hub for the mid North Coast cane growers.

Condong Mill

Situated on the banks of the Tweed River near Murwillumbah, Condong Mill was established by CSR in 1880. It processes cane from the Tweed Valley and plays a critical role in the local green energy grid through the Cape Byron Power cogeneration facility. The mill is also known for its historical use of river barges for cane transport, a practice that defined its early operations.