The Australian Sugar Heritage Centre
The Australian Sugar Heritage Centre is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Australian Sugar Industry’s heritage.
Our exhibits examine the pioneering methods and processes of the Australian Sugar Industry’s machinery and implements, historical artefacts and labour.
Historic Tractors and Farm Implements
Percy Benn’s Fordson Tractor, circa 1926 was adapted by Percy in El Arish. He built up the wheels with timber, which effectively raised the tractor so as not to damage the young cane crop.
The Fordson Tractor on display, 1928-1929, was the first Fordson tractor to have a magneto integral to the engine – a distinct improvement to earlier trembler coils used in Fordson tractors and Model T’s.
McCormack Deering Farmall
The McCormack Deering Farmall 14 Tractor was made in 1938. This 14hp tractor was the first true row crop tractor that International Harvesters made.
The Furphy’s Water Carts
The Furphy’s Farm Water Cart, circa 1940, was originally used to carry water to Australian troops in Europe in World War 1. The driver, as well as delivering water, would deliver news, which was often unreliable and more rumour – thus was born the slang term “What a furphy!”.
500hp steam-driven crushing mill
The working model of a large flywheel dominates this crushing mill, driven by a 500hp steam engine built by A & W Smith & Co Ltd of Glasgow.
A time switch sets the massive flywheel in motion.
Steam locomotives
The Fowler 0-4-2 Narrow Gauge Loco was built in 1882 by John Fowler & Company, Leeds, England. It was one of three built especially to handle inclines. It was reported that it could pull 35 tons up a gradient of 1 in 55 – no mean feat! Until 1921 this little local hauled cane to Mourilyan Mill and sugar to the nearby Mourilyan Harbour.
The Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 ‘Townsville’, built by Hudswell, Clarke & Co Ltd Railway Foundry in 1919. It worked in North Queensland hauling cane to the CSR Victoria Mill.
Historical photographs and artefacts
Photos dating back to the mid-1800s many copied from photos held in the Queensland State Archives, showing the industry, people and implements used in the sugar industry.
South Seas Islander labourers (Kanakas)
Part of the Refined White exhibtion is on display. Explains the history of indentured labour and the contribution that South Seas Islanders (Kanakas) to the development of the Sugar Industry in Australia.
Explains the change to policies of the Federal Government which lead to the deportation of kanakas back to their island homes.
The pioneers of the Australian Sugar Industry
Photos and stories of the men and women who pioneered the establishment of the sugar industry in Australia.
Covers the creation of large sugar milling companies and the people who made it all happen.
Need directions to the Heritage Centre?
Ample parking, suitable for caravans, coaches and all RV’s. Clean toilets and Disability access.
