Mona Mona Mission, ghost town in Queensland, Australia
Mona Mona Mission was a mission station and ghost town in Queensland, founded in 1913 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in a remote rainforest location near Kuranda. The settlement consisted of basic structures including dormitories, farm buildings, a sawmill, and a dining hall spread across open grounds.
The mission opened in 1913 as part of Australia's policy of removing Aboriginal children from their families and placing them under church and government control. It closed officially in 1962, when residents were forcibly relocated to other institutions like Woorabinda and Palm Island.
The mission served as a settlement where the Djabuganjdji people lived together, though many were brought here forcibly. The layout of buildings and separate dormitories for boys and girls reflected how the mission was organized and controlled the daily life of residents.
The site is located in a remote rainforest area north of Cairns and is accessible by car, though roads can become difficult during rain. Wear sturdy shoes for walking through overgrown structures and uneven terrain where old building remains are scattered.
Despite the official closure in 1962, some people eventually returned and began rebuilding their homes, showing their deep connection to the land. Since the 2010s, the Queensland government has granted the local community a lease to manage the site with hopes of future restoration and community growth.
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