The Mt Mulligan Adventure Drive begins from Dimbulah. Located 100kms south-west of Cairns, Dimbulah was established near the Walsh River as a watering point for trains servicing the Hodgkinson Goldfields. Once the Tinaroo Dam and the Mareeba-Dimbulah irrigation projects were completed, the town became a thriving centre supporting large-scale agriculture and the expansion of the tobacco industry.

Driving in this area you will pass farms growing a huge variety of crops including mangoes, avocados, citrus, and sugar cane. Visitors can view the original railway station located in the park at the centre of the town or enjoy a picnic and a swim down on the famous Walsh River just out of town.

The current Junction Hotel was built in 1956 at the height of the Tobacco industry. Enjoy a cold beer, country style accommodation and meet the locals. There is also a fantastic bakery or enjoy coffee at character filled Camp 64 Café also located on the main street.

The mine heritage site of Wolfram is 25kms west of Dimbulah. Travel west, crossing the Walsh River bridge and continuing on Wolfram Road for 18kms turning right onto the partly sealed Wolfram Camp Road for 7kms until you arrive at Main Street. The mineral Wolfram (also known as Tungsten) was discovered in the area in 1891 attracting miners from neighbouring mine settlements such as Thornborough and the Palmer River gold fields.

Wolfram is the site of the Queensland heritage-listed Thermo-Electric Ore Reduction Corporation Mill (1906 to 1918) a site that according to the heritage register, “demonstrates the evolution of rare mineral mining and processing practices in Queensland in the early 20th century”.

Set in a beautiful mountain valley, visitors will find a memorial erected by the Mareeba Historical Society as well as a sign with images and the history of the old town. Walk along the road (which was the main street of Wolfram) and follow a trail of metal signs indicating where the hotels, church and general stores once stood.

Following the town’s survey in 1878, Thornborough went on to become the region’s administrative centre with a population of over 1,500 people by 1880 serviced by 22 hotels, 9 General Stores and even a newspaper, “The
Hodgkinson Mining News”. The Queenslander Newspaper, based in Brisbane reported on 26th May 1877 that “this is the most promising, rich and extensive goldfield ever opened in Queensland” and that total crushings to date were 500 tons of quartz which yielded 14,236 ounces of gold at an average value of 3 pounds, 6 shillings per ounce.

Thornborough Cemetery serviced the principal town on the Hodgkinson Goldfield. There is a historic sign marking the entrance to the township and cemetery. Take the time to walk through the heritage-listed cemetery which contains 23 standing and one fallen grave stone dating from 1879 to 1962. The monuments and general site are well preserved and are visited and maintained annually by volunteer members belonging to the Cairns 4WD Club since 1981.

After visiting the Thornborough Cemetery, continue along the track to view the Beehive Kiln and Chimney, important remnants of the region’s early mining and smelting operations. Built in the late 1800s, these brick and stone structures were once part of a complex used to process ore from nearby mines. The kiln’s distinctive beehive shape helped contain high heat for smelting, while the tall chimney vented smoke from the furnace. Together, they stand as a tangible reminder of the engineering skill and resourcefulness that defined the early mining industry in North Queensland.