Before tracks were established south of Cairns, supplies to the town of Nelson (renamed Gordonvale in 1914) came by boat, through Packers’ Camp and were carried by pack-horse and mules to the hinterland; tin and gold made up the backloading.

The complete blacksmith’s workshop inspires admiration of the craftsmanship employed to make and repair equipment essential to these pioneers and the increasing numbers of families of many nationalities taking-up land to grow sugar cane.

Household furniture and fittings show the ingenuity of these early settlers who made use of anything to hand. A hand-crafted Joss is in safe keeping in this compact museum, together with other items commemorating the Chinese community.

Of special interest to Gordonvale are objects recalling over 3,000 members of the American 503rd Parachute Regiment who trained here during World War II.