Tin mining begins in Herberton. The mining industry's need for timber brought sawyers into the Atherton Tableland, and the growth of Herberton township prompted a survey for a railway line from Cairns around the north and west of the Tableland. The Cairns to Herberton railway line reached Atherton in 1903.
Tinaroo Division Board headquartered at Herberton set up.
Pioneer Divisional Board established, south from O'Connell River (near Midge Point) to Cape Palmerston, inland to Cattle Creek.
Camping reserve laid out next to Plantation Creek is the forerunner of the town of Ayr. A rush of land selections for sugar persuaded the Bowen land commissioner to sell off town lotsin the town in 1882.
John Spiller, founder of the sugar industry in Mackay, and Henry Brandon started Pioneer Estates.
Mulgrave gold field (Goldsborough) proclaimed.
Robert Watson discovered the Great Western Tin Lode (later Watsonville).
Colonial Sugar Refinery Co (CSR) began to acquire interests in the Herbert River district.
Thomas Henry Fitzgerald's Fitzgerald and Co started the 'Innisfail' plantation at Johnstone River.
Great Northern tin discovery was made at Herberton.
John Spiller built a five-kilometre tram line on his River Estate in Mackay.
March
9 Newly created Pioneer Divisional Board (later Pioneer Shire Council) meets for the first time
July
21 First issue of Mackay Free Press & Pioneer Advocate. (ceased 18 May 1882).