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 Markets

Gordonvale markets are held on the first Saturday of every month at Norman Park.

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 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.

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 Golf Club

With Social Golf at $30 per round and Introductory Membership available for $735 per year (payable on a pro rata basis), the club is not only the friendliest, but the best value golf course in the Cairns Region. Kids under 15 play for 1/2 green fee with a paying adult!

Great Pyramid Race

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

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 Queensland Accommodation

While it’s primarily a residential area, there are a few options for accommodation in and around Gordonvale.

Education in Gordonvale

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

Gordonvale State High School

Gordonvale State High School has a strong reputation for its provision of educational opportunities across academic, vocational, agricultural and sporting areas.

With a student population of approximately 850 students, the school is diverse enough to offer a full range of subjects, and something for everyone, while being able to value every student as an individual who is respected and supported to achieve their own ‘personal excellence’.

Gordonvale State High School’s highly qualified staff are dedicated, professional and have a strong interest in our students. Gordonvale State High School enjoys significant community support and actively engages parents and carers as key partners in the achievement of student educational success.

Gordonvale State School

Gordonvale State School has provided quality education to the students of Gordonvale for in excess of 100 years. The school has a long tradition of excellence in academic achievement, sport, the arts and community engagement. The school vision is centred on creating active and informed citizens for the 21st century.

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 to Cairns

It is a 28 minute drive from Gordonvale to Cairns. Alternatively, you can catch the line 150 bus, which will take you around 42 minutes.

Gordonvale Qld FAQs

Gordonvale Mill

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