PADDOCK TO PORT
Our growers are the heart and soul of Tully Sugar.
Every season, locally grown cane travels from paddock to mill before becoming premium Australian raw sugar supplied around the world.
THE JOURNEY FROM PADDOCK TO PORT
Follow the journey of locally grown sugar cane as it travels from North Queensland paddocks through the Tully Sugar Mill and on to customers around the world.
Growing Sugar Cane
Sugar cane is grown throughout the Tully district by local farming families. The region’s fertile soils, tropical climate and abundant rainfall provide ideal growing conditions for premium sugar cane production.
Harvesting
During the crushing season, modern harvesters cut mature cane and transfer it into haulout bins ready for transport from the paddock.
Haulout Transport
Harvested cane is transferred into haulout bins and transported from the paddock to nearby cane bins for collection.
Cane Rail Network
Tully Sugar operates one of Australia’s largest cane railway networks, transporting harvested cane from farms throughout the district to the mill.
Cane Receival
At the mill, cane is weighed, sampled and prepared before entering the crushing process.
Inside Tully Sugar
Explore the key stages that transform freshly harvested sugar cane into premium Australian raw sugar.
Step inside Tully Sugar Mill and discover how harvested cane is transformed into premium Australian raw sugar. Every season, thousands of tonnes of cane pass through a carefully managed process including preparation, crushing, juice clarification, evaporation and sugar formation before being stored and exported around the world. Visitors can experience first-hand how local cane growers, advanced technology and skilled operators work together to produce Australian raw sugar.
INSIDE THE MILL
Explore the key stages involved in transforming freshly harvested sugar cane into premium Australian raw sugar.
Preparation & Crushing
Freshly harvested cane is tipped into the mill and prepared for processing. Large shredders and crushing mills break down the cane to extract sweet juice while separating the fibrous material known as bagasse.
Juice Clarification
The extracted juice is heated and treated to remove impurities. This process removes soil, fibre and other materials, creating a cleaner juice ready for concentration.
Evaporation
The clarified juice passes through multiple evaporators where water is removed. This increases the sugar concentration and creates a thick syrup.
Vacuum Pans
The concentrated syrup is boiled under vacuum conditions. This allows sugar crystals to form efficiently while maintaining product quality.
Centrifuges
The crystal mixture is spun at high speed in centrifuges, separating raw sugar crystals from molasses.
Raw Sugar Storage
The finished raw sugar is dried, cooled and transferred into storage facilities before being loaded for export to customers around the world.
EXPORT & CUSTOMERS
Once stored and prepared for shipment, Tully Sugar’s premium Australian raw sugar is transported to domestic and international markets around the world. Through established export networks and domestic supply chains, Tully Sugar delivers high-quality Australian raw sugar to customers across the globe.
COMMUNITY, SUSTAINABILITY & BY-PRODUCTS
Tully Sugar supports local growers, regional communities and sustainable operations throughout Far North Queensland. By utilising valuable by-products such as bagasse and molasses, the mill generates renewable energy, reduces waste and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Australian sugar industry.
BAGASSE
Bagasse is the fibrous material remaining after juice extraction. Rather than becoming waste, it is used as a renewable fuel source to generate steam and electricity for the mill.
MOLASSES
Molasses is the rich syrup remaining after sugar crystals are separated. It is used in animal feed, food production and a range of industrial applications.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
By using bagasse as a renewable fuel, Tully Sugar generates a significant portion of the energy required to operate the mill, reducing waste and supporting sustainable sugar production.
LOCAL COMMUNITY
Tully Sugar supports local growers, contractors, businesses and community organisations, helping sustain employment and economic activity throughout the region.
Our Journey Through Time
From a small regional mill established in 1925 to one of Australia’s leading raw sugar producers, Tully Sugar has grown alongside the local community, growers and industry it proudly supports.
1925
Foundation of Tully Sugar
The Tully Sugar Mill commenced operations, providing local cane growers with a dedicated milling facility and helping establish the region as a major sugar-producing district.
1950s–1970's
Growth and Expansion
Increased cane production across the Tully district drove major upgrades to milling capacity, transport infrastructure and grower services.
1980s–1990's
Modernisation
Continued investment in technology, efficiency improvements and rail infrastructure strengthened Tully Sugar’s ability to process high-quality sugar while supporting local growers.
2000's
Innovation and Sustainability
The mill adopted modern production systems and expanded its focus on renewable energy, environmental performance and sustainable operations
2011
Investment for the Future
Major investment programs strengthened milling performance, reliability and long-term sustainability while supporting the future of the Tully sugar industry.
2020's
Rail Infrastructure and Network Improvements
Significant investment in the cane rail network included construction of the new Tully River Cane Rail Bridge and the introduction of the Tully 2 locomotive. These projects improve reliability, efficiency and long-term transport capacity for local growers.
Today
Paddock to Port
Today, Tully Sugar continues to connect growers, rail transport, milling operations and export markets through a fully integrated paddock-to-port supply chain, delivering premium Australian raw sugar to customers around the world.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Bagasse Utilisation
Bagasse, the fibrous material remaining after juice extraction, is repurposed as a renewable fuel source to generate steam and electricity for mill operations.
Molasses Production
Molasses is a valuable by-product used in agriculture, livestock feed and other industries, helping maximise the value of every tonne of cane processed.
Filter Mud Recycling
Filter mud is returned to local farms as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner, supporting sustainable farming practices and soil health.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Through efficient use of bagasse and modern production systems, Tully Sugar continues to support renewable energy generation and reduce waste.