Page 255 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

QUEENSLAND  253

NORTHERN AND

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

European explorers who made epic journeys into the previously
impenetrable area of Northern and Outback Queensland in
the 1800s found a land rich in minerals and agricultural
potential. They also discovered places of extreme natural
beauty, such as the Great Barrier Reef and other unique
regions now preserved as national parks.

Northern Queensland was first visited by of the 20th century much of the
Europeans when Captain Cook was forced gold had dried up. These once
to berth his damaged ship, the Endeavour, Endeavour, Endeavour thriving “cities” are now little more than
on the coast. The area remained a mystery one-street towns, lined with 19th-century
for almost another 100 years, however, architecture as a reminder of their glory
until other intrepid Europeans ventured days. Today, much of the area’s wealth
north. These expeditions were perilous stems from its booming tourist trade.
and explorers were faced with harsh Luxury resorts line the stunning coastline,
conditions and hostile Aboriginal tribes. and tourists flock to experience the
In 1844, Ludwig Leichhardt and his group spectacular natural wonders of the
set out from Brisbane to Port Essington, Great Barrier Reef.
but most of the men were wounded or Queensland’s Outback region has a
killed by Aboriginals. In 1848, Edmund strong link with Australia’s national
Kennedy led an expedition from Cairns heritage. The Tree of Knowledge at
to the top of Cape York. All but two of Barcaldine marks the meeting place
this party perished, including Kennedy, of the first Australian Labor Party during
who was killed by Aboriginals. the great shearer’s strike of 1891. The
In the late 19th century, Northern town of Winton is where “Banjo” Paterson
Queensland found sudden prosperity (see p39) wrote Australia’s national song
when gold was discovered in the region. “Waltzing Matilda” in 1895. Today, the vast
The population rose and towns grew up Outback area is known for agriculture and
to service the mines, but by the beginning a wide range of mining operations.

A treetop walkway through incredible rainforest surroundings in Daintree National Park, Northern Queensland
A shoal of bigeye trevally swimming in a spiral pattern at the Great Barrier Reef