| Mount Molloy Queensland |
|
|
Mount Molloy
|
|
| Population: | 276[1] |
| Postcode: | 4871 |
| Location: |
|
| LGA: | Tablelands Region |
| State District: | Cook |
| Federal Division: | Leichhardt |
Mount Molloy is a historic mining and timber town lying 160 kilometres north of Cairns. At the 2006 census, the town and surrounding area had a population of 276.[1]
At its height it was a copper mine in the 1890s. It was commonly used as camping grounds and Chinese market gardeners used to grow grain and other foodstuffs for the miners nearby.
A private railway was constructed to Mount Molloy, junctioning from the Cairns to Mareeba line at Biboohra, opening in August 1908. It was built by Mount Molloy Limited to serve its smelters. The line was transferred to Queensland Railways on 1 March 1917 following the liquidation of the company and was extended to Rumula on 5 December 1926. The branch closed on 1 May 1964.[2]
Mount Molloy was named after Patrick Molloy, an early teamster for a stock route and the person who discovered copper at what was to become Mount Molloy.
The dominant industry of Mount Molloy is now cattle grazing and consists of a few shops and an old hotel.
Nearby towns are Julatten, Mount Carbine and Mount Mulligan.
Quaid Road terminates south of Mount Molloy.