ONE of the Far North's most prominent pubs has become one of the most protected. 
 

The Daintree Inn at Mossman has been listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, ensuring its rich history as a drinking hub for cane-growing communities is preserved.

Built in 1896 as the Exchange Hotel, the pub was particularly popular when the region's sugar industry boom began early last century.

"A walk through this historic building allows you to imagine quite clearly what it would have been like to be a guest there in its heydays of the 1930s," Queensland Heritage Council chairman Professor Peter Coaldrake said.

"The hotel retains its lounge and coffee room space -- formerly a ballroom -- and evidence of its bars, parlours and retail facilities on the ground floor and the first floor still has largely intact bedrooms.

"The Exchange Hotel was an important part of Mossman's social life. It was the venue for dances, Melbourne Cup parties, weddings, World War II fundraising events and Rotary Club meetings and hosted a variety of guests."

The hotel was severely damaged by three cyclones, the worst in 1934 after which it had to be rebuilt.

"The Daintree Inn showed a pattern of hotel building, rebuilding and modification during the 1930s, undertaken with Queensland Government support, to encourage tourism," Environment and Heritage Protection Minister Andrew Powell said.

The Daintree Inn's owner, Melynda Harding, welcomed the listing for the pub to be appreciated by future generations.

"Some people are frightened about heritage listing but it's important," she said.

NEW CAIRNS.COM.AU COMMENT POLICY
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Comments submitted without a full name and suburb/location will not be considered for publication. Please read our full comment policy and publication guidelines.

Share this article