The Sweetest Journey, Sugar Trail, QLD

Drive south on the Bruce Highway to the charming township of Sarina and make your first stop at the fantastic Field of Dreams! The Field of Dreams Parkland is situated in front of Wilmar Plane Creek Sugar Mill and is also home to an array of interesting and historical attractions.

Begin your exploration by booking a tour through the Sarina Sugar Shed, Australia's only miniature sugar mill and distillery, to discover the journey of sugar, from paddock to plate! Learn about the evolution of the sugar industry throughout Queensland and view vintage cane harvesting equipment. Enjoy a coffee and sweet treat from the cafe before discovering the other attractions within the parklands, including the Sarina District Historical Centre, Sarina Arts and Craft Centre and Sarina Art Gallery.

Drive north to Mackay and head on the Peak Downs Highway through Walkerston and when you reach the township of Eton, head towards the Marian-Eton Road. On your journey to Marian, you will pass a large brick chimney, the sole surviving stack of the 39 sugar mills that were built in the Mackay District in the 1800's. Other surviving relics can be discovered on this site, including concrete foundations and a well. Mackay's Visitor Information Centre on Nebo Road has a replica of the Richmond Mill stack built beside it.

Once in Marian, take the opportunity to visit historic Melba House. This historic building was once the home of famous Australian opera singer, Dame Nellie Melba and showcases a collection of memorabilia to celebrate the Dame's career. Melba House is also home to an accredited Information Centre, with advice and information to enhance your local excursion.

Marian is also home to Mackay District's largest sugar mill, which operates during crushing season (June to November).

Continue your drive to the quaint township of Mirani and visit the Mirani Museum. The beautifully presented musuem includes a display on the sugar industry, Indigenous artefacts and a large natural history section which includes the fossilised remains of a Diprotodon.

The nearby township of Pinnacle is an ideal location to stop for coffee and cake. The Pinnacle Pub is home to the Pinnacle Pie and they are one of the best pies in town!

Farleigh Mill was built by Sir John Bennett Laws, founder of the world's oldest agricultural research station at Rothamsted, UK, which is still functioning. The mill originally operated a plantation; however cultivation was suspended after a few years.

The mill itself was one of 10 built in the district in 1883. It was said to have cost between £25,000 and £30,000. It was erected by Foulden engineer George Wolfe. A pipeline linked the mill to wells at Foulden. The selection of the site for the mill was a problem due to the distance from where the best cane had to be hauled from.

Tours are no longer available.