A sugar mill was first erected in the Mossman area in 1883, financed by a wealthy investor from Melbourne, but the venture did not succeed.

In 1896-97, however, with the establishment of the first sugarcane plantation and the opening of the Mossman Mill in its present location, the industry was established on a firm foundation.

Records show that by 1927 there were 148 cane growers in the Mossman area delivering cane to the Mossman Mill for crushing.

Cane was delivered to the mill from the surrounding district by rail, hauled on a narrow gauge line by steam locomotives.

In the early years of production, bagged sugar was railed to Port Douglas wharf, loaded on to ships and exported to southern centres.

Since 1958, however, bulk sugar has been transported by road to the sugar terminal at the Cairns export wharves.