General News
23 August, 2025
Venue steeped in history
CLUB Mossman is deeply rooted in the heart of the Douglas Shire, nestled under the striking panorama of Mt Demi (Manjal Dimbi).
The location in Mossman, Far North Queensland, offers breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage.
The Mossman Gorge, part of the renowned Daintree rainforest, is steeped in Dreamtime stories passed down through generations of the Kuku Yalanji people.
Founded in 1945 during the war years, Club Mossman (originally the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club) has a deep-rooted history.
The club was established on land obtained from the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen Imperial League (RSSAILA) and initially served as a gathering place for returning soldiers.
The Mossman branch of the RSSAILA obtained an allotment in Johnson Road that housed a small cottage with plenty of vacant land at the back. Working voluntarily, the members cleared and traded the vacant area to create four rinks suitable for playing bowls.
By 1994 the bowling club had finalised purchasing both the bowling green area and the hall from the RSL ensuring ownership of the entire site.
In 1996, the club completed a major renovation, introducing a new clubhouse offering bistro-style dining and upgraded facilities.
The new clubhouse was opened in a special celebration by long serving member and previous president Dan Micshlewski, who recounted at the time that “on walking from Johnson Road on to the bowling club property today you see a modern clubhouse, carpark and bowling greens equal to anywhere – somewhat different to what one saw on walking up the old brick path to the ‘old red hut’ in the 1950s.”
The original cottage now stands in Mango Park Road, bought for 100 pounds and the second clubhouse now operates as the rooms for the Mossman Sharks Rugby League team at the Mossman Showgrounds.
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