Port Douglas, Queensland

From Freepedia

Port Douglas is a town in Far North Queensland, Australia. It has a population of approximately 4000. The town is named in honour of former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas. Previous names for the town included Terrigal, Island Point, Port Owen and Salisbury. Situated adjacent to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is a popular tourist destination.

History

Port Douglas was established in 1877 after the discovery of gold at Hodgkinson River by James Venture Mulligan. It grew quickly, and at its peak Port Douglas had a population of 12,000 people and 27 hotels. With the construction of the Mulligan Highway it serviced towns as far away as Herberton.

When the railway from Cairns to Mareeba was completed in 1893, the importance of Port Douglas dwindled along with its population. At its nadir in 1960 the town, by then little more than a fishing village, had a population of 100.

The town has since become a popular tourist destination, and now boasts a population of approximately 4000.

Government

Port Douglas is in the Douglas Shire. It comprises of seven councillors in three divisions. The current mayor is Mike Berwick. For more information visit the Douglas Community Post at www.dcpost.org