Lorne Sugar Mill, Walkerston, QLD

History

Arthur Vandeleur Robinson acquired land on the north bank of Baker's Creek east of Walkerston. Crushing began on 24th October 1872.

In February 1874 a distillery began producing rum. That year Lorne produced 1, 427 proof gallons of rum, which was 3% of Mackay's total rum production.

In 1875 Lorne "Bourbon" variety cane was badly affected by rust, causing financial problems. This led to its closure in 1876. Lorne continued as a plantation, managed by the Donaldson brothers from "Cassada" over the other side of Bakers Creek and Andrew Tidemann.