January 26th, 2010 - A Queensland Holiday Is Filled With History and Fun
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.
Northern Queensland found wealth from the 19th to 20th century due to gold mines in the region. What was once a thriving city was now a one road town. Today most of their wealth comes from tourism. People travel here to stay at a hotel on the coastline or to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef.
The Tree of Knowledge at Barcaldine, in Queensland’s Outback region, is the first meeting place of the Australian Labor Party in 1891. In 1895, in the town of Winston, Banjo Paterson wrote Australia’s national song Waltzing Matilda”. Today the majority of the Outback is known for its agriculture as well as gold, silver and iron mining.
Australians sugar producing fields are just north of Cairns. Cairns is the only city in this area, most are just small towns like Port Douglas and Mossman. In this region you can also find the Cape York Peninsula, one of the last untouched wildernesses, at 200,000sq kms. In the wet season this area is green and the rivers are full, but the opposite can be said for the dry seasons.
Cairns are well serviced by public transport with regular air, train and coach connections and also have an international airport. North of Port Douglas and the outback region require a car unless you take part in an organized tour.4wd would be advisable and generally Hire Car companies insist on this.
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 whole family will love.
