For many years, Port Douglas enjoyed a boom period, soon eclipsing Cairns as the port.  But in 1885, Cairns was chosen as the terminus for the railway to the hinterland and this killed any further development of Port Douglas for many years.
When Redwater Fever appeared in cattle herds of the district in 1896, the farmers turned to cane and Mossman came into prominence with a post office opening and the Exchange Hotel being built for Denis O’Brien.  The sugar mill at Mossman commenced operation the following year which signalled a period of great prosperity.
In 1903 the Douglas Shire Council was created, replacing the Douglas Divisional Board.  Its offices were in Port Douglas.
A disastrous cyclone razed Port Douglas and surrounding countryside in 1911.  Most buildings in the district were badly damaged and two people were killed.

A butter factory and sawmill were built at Daintree in 1924, and Daintree State School opened with 10 pupils.
With the decline of Port Douglas, the business centre began to move to Mossman near the sugar mill.  The new hospital was opened in 1930 and the Port Douglas hospital, on the site of the Beach Club, closed.
In 1932 Masons were the first family to settle in Cape Tribulation.   more...