Croydon Chinese Temple Site
About the Tour
Croydon, in Tagalaka country, was home to one of North Queensland’s larger settlements of Chinese people during the Australian Gold Rush of the late 18 and early 1900s. On this walking tour around the Chinese Temple and Settlement Site ruins, you’ll hear the remarkable story of Chinese migrants who sought fortune and opportunities in Croydon.
Starting in front of the Fu Dogs that stand guard at the site’s entrance, you’ll learn how, in 1904, the Year of the Dragon, Croydon’s Chinese community built a temple in this remote outback town. Heritage researcher Dr. Janis Hanley brings history to life by sharing stories of descendants. You’ll hear from archaeologist Gordon Grimwade, who documented the rediscovered site in the 1990s, as well as descendants like Violet searching for her grandfather, Sue Kee, and Tagalaka Elder Gary Owens, who grew up nearby.
You’ll walk past the temple ruins and to what remains of the pig oven that fed community celebrations. As you make your way to the Iguana Consuls Outdoor Mining Museum, where the tour ends, you’ll find out about the difficulties of tracing Chinese-Aboriginal heritage.
On this 40-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:
- See the extraordinary Chinese bush temple ruin with its lotus-shaped sandstone column bases
- Light incense and make an offering at a Chinese urn
- Hear about contemporary pig oven practices in a Chinese village and how to roast a pig in one of these ovens
- Find out about life as a Chinese market gardener in the outback
- Learn how cultural design principles have been used to help re-tell and honour the site’s heritage
This tour follows an easy path through contemporary lotus-inspired shade structures designed by architect Nancy Lau.
We gratefully acknowledge the storytellers for sharing their knowledge and personal experiences, and for generously giving their time. In order of appearance, we have:
Gordon Grimwade, site archaeologist
Douglas Lam, a Chinese-born elder
Nancy Lau, site architect
Lai Chu Chan, President, Cairns & District Chinese Association Inc
Graham Wardle, Atherton Temple guide
Cedric Hughes, Croydon Chinese descendant
Violet Dargan, Croydon Chinese descendant
Gary Owens, Tagalaka elder of Chinese heritage
Wayne Bing Chew, Croydon Chinese descendant
Joanna Chen, Drummer, CADCAI
Tour Producer
Croydon Shire Council
Croydon Shire is situated just east of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Far North Queensland, approximately 2,200 kilometres by road from Brisbane, the state capital. Spanning an area of 29,538 square kilometres, Croydon Shire is nearly half the size of Tasmania and offers a unique and stunning outback experience as part of the Gulf Region.
Croydon Shire Council's primary role is to continually enhance the quality of life for residents through the provision of high-quality services. The Council supports the diversification of the Shire’s economy, which ultimately contributes to the wellbeing of the entire community. We are committed to delivering positive outcomes for our residents through effective governance.
The Shire’s economy is still predominantly based on pastoral and service industries. With successful promotion, the tourism sector continues to grow, drawing increasing numbers of travellers along the Savannah Way. The Council remains dedicated to preserving and promoting the Shire's rich mining and pastoral heritage, as recognised by its ongoing success in the Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Awards, including the accolade of ‘Friendliest Town’ in Far North Queensland in 2008.
Croydon's town water supply is sourced from Lake Belmore, the largest freshwater impoundment in the Gulf region. Located just 4 kilometres from Croydon on a sealed road, Lake Belmore offers various recreational and boating facilities. Stocked with barramundi for year-round fishing, the lake is also home to an abundance of aquatic wildlife and birdlife, contributing to the Shire's position within the diverse Gulf Savannah Region ecosystem.
The township of Croydon is well-presented, with beautiful shaded parks, gazebos, picnic tables, free electric barbeques, children’s playgrounds, and other amenities for the convenience of both residents and visitors. Croydon also boasts an impressive range of sport and recreation facilities that promote healthy, active lifestyles and foster community cohesion.
With its unique blend of historic buildings, modern facilities, and one-of-a-kind attractions, Croydon Shire is an inviting destination for an overnight stay and longer. Croydon's Chinese temple ruin is a 'must see' - it is well interpreted with a sound trail as well as fresh signage.The community takes great pride in the town's reputation for tidiness, friendliness, and warm bush hospitality.
Whether you're interested in exploring your family’s local genealogy or taking a ride on the historic Gulflander Train, Croydon is a "must-see" destination that should not be missed on any travel itinerary.
The Council acknowledges and is proud of its achievements and is dedicated to building on them to provide a high-quality lifestyle for residents, as well as an enjoyable and memorable experience for visitors.
Preview Location
Location 2
Site Design Elements
Cairns based architect, Nancy Lau, designed the site structures and re-oriented the entrance to the site. Here she describes some of the design features to look out for.
Nancy Lau:
I'm a first generation of Australian-born Chinese. To work on a project lik... Read More
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Major Landmarks
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Chinese memorial
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Mining Museum
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Lake Belmore
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Croydon Club Hotel
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True Blue Visitor Information Centre
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VisitCroydonQLD
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Croydon Caravan Park
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationCroydon QLD 4871, Australia -
Total distance0m -
Final locationEdward St, Croydon QLD 4871, Australia -
Distance back to start location0m
Directions to Starting Point
Take the road towards Lake Belmore, (Alldridge Street) and look for the prominent shade structures on the right, less than half a kilometre from town. If you are driving, there’s a carpark right in front. The tour starts at the Fu Dogs.
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Purchase incense to make an offering at the temple site from the Visitor Information Centre; further dive into history in Croydon’s Chinese Museum Room; be taken back in time at the Bing Chew House (located at the outdoor Iguana Consols Mining Museum); visit Croydon’s Cemetery to see the distinct Chinese sandstone headstones.
Just beyond the temple is Lake Belmore – excellent spot for a picnic.
Best time of day
All year in daylight hours.
Precautions
It’s hot in the outback, you’ll need a hat and a water bottle in the middle of day.
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