The name of the town, Mareeba, is taken from an Aboriginal word meaning 'Meeting of the Waters'. This name is based on the fact that the town lies on the confluence of Granite Creek, Emerald Creek and Barron River. John Atherton was the first settler in the vicinity, arriving in 1877. The town was established in 1880, originally as a stopping point for coaches which were travelling between Herberton and Port Douglas. After the discovery of tin around the Wild River and the Hodgkinson Goldfield, the numbers in the area grew. This in turn increased the accessibility to the coast, making it possible to transport agricultural goods to the market there. Crops at the time included vegetables, fruit and tobacco, as well as cattle. It became clear that some form of irrigation was required for the crops to remain successful. A number of weirs were constructed, however, this was not a wholly satisfactory in terms of providing optimal amounts of water. In 1952, it was decided to build a dam on the Barron River. It took five years and cost $12,666,000. There is now 225,000 megalitres available for irrigation annually, as well as 72,000 megalitres of flowing water being made available for the Barron Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Station.


General Attractions

The Davies Creek National Park, and the Emerald Creek Falls Forestry Reserve allow visitors get that bit closer to nature, both flora and fauna. Every year the Mareeba Rodeo attracts many people. It is held in July and lasts all of three days. It involves 250 of the most skilled horsewomen and men in the country. The rodeo brings with it a real sense of fun and carnival. There is a full week of activities leading up to the event, including a parade and mardi gras. The town is close to the popular attractions of Chillagoe Caves and the Barron Falls. Lake Tinaroo and the Tinaroo Falls Dam are not too far away. Apart from the irrigation and power source that the water here provides, it is also a very picturesque area, therefore attracting many visitors for recreational purposes. There are picnic facilities, as well as a whole host of possible watersport activities - swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing and windsurfing.

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