A companion book to Herberton Hotels published in May 2024.

James Mulligan in his 1875 expedition to the area discovered large stands of red cedar which would become an important industry for the area. After tin was discovered in Herberton and the township established in 1880, tracks like Robsons and Hunts would open the area to the early pioneers.

Shanties were established on the routes to quench the travellers' thirsts. Towns were established and new industries like dairying and cropping commenced. In many towns substantial buildings were constructed to dispense drinks and provide accommodation for travellers and locals. As the new railway from Cairns to Ravenshoe was being built, more towns were established.

This book documents these hotels which are included in the Tablelands Regional Council boundaries.

Sadly only 13 hotels are operating in 2025. It is not intended to be a definitive history of the towns and hotels but a snapshot of the social and economic reasons why they were built and their demise or existence in the present day.