Gordonvale Queensland

Gordonvale Queensland was founded on the Mulgrave River south of Cairns in tropical Far North Queensland. The town is located 23 kilometres south of Cairns CBD. This once proud sugar milling town is now becoming part of greater Cairns.

Gordonvale Queensland Map

Gordonvale Queensland things to do

As the town has grown, there is an increasing number of things to do in the town.

Gordonvale Shops

The Norman Street Shopping District in Gordonvale offers a variety of shops. Don’t forget to check out the specialty stores in town.

From boutique clothing shops to Piefection Bakery, these stores offer unique and high-quality products that you won’t find anywhere else.

Gordonvale Queensland Restaurants

The Parkview Hotel has a popular bistro, with an extensive menu. Capable of catering for small or large functions, it has something to please everyone. The friendly staff are only to happy to help

Thai Sugarcane Gordonvale is an authentic Thai restaurant that serves all your favourite dishes. Conveniently located on Norman St, right in the heart of town, it is a great option if you are looking for an option to dine out.

Gordonvale Queensland Events and Public Facilities

During winter the Great Pyramid Race and Country Fair is held, normally on the 2nd weekend of August.

Markets are also held on the first Saturday of every month at Norman Park.

Norman Park Gordonvale Queensland

Norman Park is the main park in Gordonvale. Indeed the township centres on the park.

You can enjoy Norman Park in Gordonvale in Queensland. It is a tranquil setting with heaps of shade. Enjoy the magic of this popular park with its relaxing environment.

Greenpatch Camping Ground

The Greenpatch Camping Ground lies just south of Gordonvale on the banks of the Mulgrave River. Simply leave the highway, cross the old bridge and you are at the camping ground.

Gordonvale Qld Woolworths

Woolworths have built a modern store in west Gordonvale. While this store is located outside the shopping precinct, it is well placed to service the growing residential population on the western side of the Bruce Highway.

Education in Gordonvale

Indeed Gordonvale is well served by a quality public education system. It has both primary and secondary state schools.

In addition, St Michael’s Catholic Primary School is located on Mill Road in Gordonvale.

Gordonvale Hospital

The hospital offers inpatient palliative care and short term accommodation for families of those inpatients. They also have a community palliative care service.

Public Transport

Gordonvale is well serviced by a state funded bus service. Accordingly there are numerous bus stops in the town.

Cycle and Pedestrian Access

The suburb is very well serviced by ‘shared pathways’ that support cycle and pedestrian access.  It also connects to the Cairns Southern Access Cycleway for those wanting to take longer journeys on a safe off-road cycleway.

Gordonvale Qld FAQs

Sugar Industry

Initially, in 1882 the first sugar was processed at the Pyramid Mill, which was on the Mulgrave River, 5 kilometres upstream from the town. Subsequently, the Mulgrave Central Mill was built in 1896 at Gordonvale.

Gordonvale History

This Far North Queensland town is situated about 23 kilometres south of Cairns. Established on Yidinji tribal land, it was initially called Mulgrave and later renamed Nelson.

Gordonvale was finally settled on as a tribute to John Gordon. In addition to being a pioneer in the district, Gordon had been a butcher, dairyman, grazier and early director of Mulgrave Sugar Mill.

Djarrgun (Walsh’s Pyramid)

The town’s most prominent geographical feature is Walsh’s Pyramid or Djarragun. Hence, this cone-shaped peak rises 922m on the outskirts of the town, surrounded by cane-fields.

Further Reading on Gordonvale History

Clive Morton, By strong arms, Mulgrave Central Mill Co, 1995. Also by Clive Morton, Gordonvale State Schools: the first 75 years, The School, 1972

Government & Politics

Local Government

Gordonvale lies within the Local Government Municipality of Cairns Regional Council. Moreover the town is located in Division 1 and the local representative on Council is Cr Brett Moller.

Mulgrave State Electorate

The town is located in the state Electorate of Mulgrave in the Queensland Parliament. Indeed, this electorate was first created in 1950 for the election held that year.

However, this century Mulgrave has had only two MPs. Firstly Warren Pitt (1998 to 2009) and then his son Curtis Pitt (2009 to 2022).

Other South Cairns Suburbs

• Bentley Park
• Cairns Flooding
• Edmonton Queensland
• Mount Peter
• Mount Sheridan
• Packers Camp
• White Rock
• Woree Cairns
• Wrights Creek

Relevant Material

• Cairns West
• Central Cairns
• Mount Whitfield Suburbs
• North Cairns
• South Cairns

Cairns