A Bit about Queensland
Queensland is Australia’s second largest state with a population of three and a quarter million and rising. It encompasses some 1,727,000sq km [667,000sq miles], covering one fifth of the area of Australia and is the most popular tourist destination for Australians. It has 7400 km of coastline stretching from the Gold coast on the border with N.S.W up to Cape York.
The south can be wet or dry tropical climate changing to a wet tropical climate in the north from Townsville. The coastal areas are lush and green with rainforests and areas of immense natural beauty. As you venture inland you will find hot and dry areas, becoming arid as you reach the border with South Australia or the Northern Territory.
Gold Coast
The Gold coast is becoming, if it hasn’t already, a world class holiday spot. You have the famous “SURFERS PARADISE”, where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are theme parks Galore and much in the way of entertainment of all types. It is right next to the N.S.W. border so you can cross states to experience a different sort of Australia, and a good days driving will get you to Sydney.
Brisbane
A city of one and a half million and rising, Brisbane is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. You will find “ Queenslander” style houses, old colonial buildings, botanical gardens and skyscrapers all mixed together in one geographically small area. The city came about, when in 1823 the Governor of N.S.W, Sir Thomas Brisbane decided that the more dangerous of his convicts should be held in a more secure location. After a bit of a clash with the local aboriginals, who were, quite rightly, not overly happy about not being asked, the colony was settled on the Brisbane River. Free settlers began to arrive in 1837, and the rest is history.
Sunshine Coast
About an hour and a half drive north of Brisbane will bring you to, in our opinion, the best place in Queensland. Beaches to match Surfers Paradise, yet without the hustle and bustle .Night life and entertainment, peace and quiet if you want it, areas of natural beauty both inland and coastal. Go whale watching any where off the coast, visit the numerous islands, or step into Glass House Mountains[Named by Captain Cook, as they reminded him of the glass making furnaces in Yorkshire] for a bit of history both natural and Australian. Steve “CRIKEY MATE” Irwin, had his home here at Australia Zoo, Beerwah, not to mention having a road named after him!
Travel a little father north and you will find Bundaberg, the home of the best rum in the world [in my opinion of course!], Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.
Barrier Reef
Townsville and Northern Queensland
Townsville is the second largest city in Queensland. Founded in the 1860’s by Robert Towns, who began the practice of “Blackbirding”, namely kidnapping Kanakas from their homeland and using them in Australia for cheap labour. 8km off Townsville is Magnetic Island, which is the only reef island with a permanent population.
Starting at the Tropic of Capricorn, [About level with Gladstone], is the home of one of the wonders of the natural world, namely the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching up as far as Cape York Peninsula, the coast line offers you a doorway to see natural colour and beauty hard to match any where in the world. You will find the Whit Sunday Islands just off the coast of Mackay and farther North, Cairns will expose you to Natural Rainforests and even more Barrier Reef. Hit the very top of the Cape York Peninsula, and you will be a short swim [140km, not far in Aussie distance] from Papua New Guinea.
Interesting facts about Queensland
Fraser island is the worlds largest sand island, at 120km long and 15km wide. It is famous for rainforests, freshwater lakes and pure-blooded Dingos.
Made up of more than 2900 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral structure.
Cape York Peninsula is about the same size as the UK.
The song Waltzing Matilda was written in 1895 in the Town of Winton in the Queensland outback by Banjo Patterson.
In 1770, Cooktown became the first white settlement in Australia when Captain Cook damaged the ship “Endeavour” on a coral reef and stayed for 6 weeks. It peaked at a population of around 30,000 in the gold rush days, but now sits at less than 2000.
The name of the airline “QUANTAS”, stands for Queensland and Northern Territory Air Service.
The original Aboriginal inhabitants of Moreton Bay used to hunt fish with the help of wild Dolphins, who chased the fish into the Aboriginal traps and nets.
…………………and finally, the water does spin the other way when you pull the plug out!!!!!!