Northern Queensland was first visited by Europeans when Captain Cook was forced to berth his damaged ship, the Endeavor, on the coast. The area remained a mystery for almost another 100 years, however until other intrepid Europeans ventured north. These expeditions were perilous and explorers were faced with harsh conditions and hostile Aboriginal tribes. In 1844 Ludwig Leichardt and his group set out from Brisbane to Port Essington but most of the men were killed or wounded by Aborigines. In 1848, Edmund Kennedy led an expedition from Cairns to the top of Cape York. All but two of this party perished including Kennedy who was speared by Aborigines.
Today, most of the areas wealth comes from its growing tourist trade. Luxury resorts line the coastline and tourists come to experience the spectacular natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This was not always the case. In the late 19th century, Northern Queensland found prosperity through the discovery of gold in the region. The population grew to service the mines until the beginning of the 20th century, when the gold had dried up.
Today the Queensland's Outback is mostly associated with agriculture as well as gold, silver and iron mining. There is also a lot of Australia's national heritage here such as the Tree of Knowledge, which was the first meeting place for the Australian Labor Party in 1891. You can also find the town, Winston, that Banjo Paterson wrote Australias national song "Waltzing Matilda" in 1895.
The area north of Cairns is Australias sugar producing cane fields. Cairns is the only city, in Northern Queensland, as this region is sparsely populated. Port Douglas and Mossman are small towns worth visiting however. Other villages to note are Daintree and Cooktown. Cape York Peninsula, one of the last untouched wildernesses in the world, covers 200,000 sq kms. The landscape varies according to the time of year, during the dry winter the rivers are dry and the countryside is bare and arid. During the wet season, November to March, makes the landscapes green and the rivers overflowing.
Cairns is well serviced by public transport with regular air, train and coach connections and also has an international airport. North of Port Douglas and the outback region requires a car unless you take part in an organized tour.4wd would be advisable and generally Hire Car companies insist on this.
Today, most of the areas wealth comes from its growing tourist trade. Luxury resorts line the coastline and tourists come to experience the spectacular natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. This was not always the case. In the late 19th century, Northern Queensland found prosperity through the discovery of gold in the region. The population grew to service the mines until the beginning of the 20th century, when the gold had dried up.
Today the Queensland's Outback is mostly associated with agriculture as well as gold, silver and iron mining. There is also a lot of Australia's national heritage here such as the Tree of Knowledge, which was the first meeting place for the Australian Labor Party in 1891. You can also find the town, Winston, that Banjo Paterson wrote Australias national song "Waltzing Matilda" in 1895.
The area north of Cairns is Australias sugar producing cane fields. Cairns is the only city, in Northern Queensland, as this region is sparsely populated. Port Douglas and Mossman are small towns worth visiting however. Other villages to note are Daintree and Cooktown. Cape York Peninsula, one of the last untouched wildernesses in the world, covers 200,000 sq kms. The landscape varies according to the time of year, during the dry winter the rivers are dry and the countryside is bare and arid. During the wet season, November to March, makes the landscapes green and the rivers overflowing.
Cairns is well serviced by public transport with regular air, train and coach connections and also has an international airport. North of Port Douglas and the outback region requires a car unless you take part in an organized tour.4wd would be advisable and generally Hire Car companies insist on this.
About the Author:
If you are looking for information on Port Douglas accomodations or Cairns accommodations you should go to www.TropicalNorthQueensland.com.au. They have everything you are looking for from hotels to areas of interest your whle family will enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment