Finally, like all other Australian goldfields, the gold ran out and people left the town for greener pastures. In 1911, Port Douglas was hit by a devastating cyclone and, with the effects of the reduced population, evolved into a small fishing village. It then functioned as the port for the sugar produced at the nearby Mossman Central Mill until 1958. However, by 1960 there were only 100 people left in the town. It was looking bleak for the village of Port Douglas. Twenty years later the tourism industry saved the town. It now has a permanent population of around 4,000 yet maintains that historic village atmosphere.
Want to know more, please visit Douglas Shire Historical Society Inc.
All images on this section of the website are from Douglas Shire Historical Society.