Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3000 BC
The last known large migration to the continent from Asia occurs (at least until about 1970). Humans
introduce the dingo which, along with hunting, drives some native species to extinction.
AD 1607
Spanish explorer Luis Torres manages to sail between Australia and New Guinea and not discover
the rather large continent to the south. The strait bears his name today.
1770
English Captain James Cook maps Australia's east coast in the scientific ship
Endeavour
. He runs
aground on the Great Barrier Reef near a place he names Cape Tribulation.
1823
Government explorer John Oxley surveys Redcliffe for a convict settlement. It is established the fol-
lowing year and becomes known as a place of blood, sweat and tears.
1844-45
The first guidebook to Australia is written in the form of a journal by Ludwig Leichhardt. It chron-
icles his party's exploration from Brisbane almost to Darwin. In 1848 he vanishes without a trace.
1846
Sole survivor of a shipwreck of Queensland, Jemmy Morrill is rescued by Aboriginal people. He
lives with them for 17 years, and later plays a key role in improving European-Aboriginal relations.
1859
Queen Victoria gives approval to establish the new colony of Queensland, which formally separates
from New South Wales and is named in her honour (rather than 'Cooksland', another proffered op-
tion).
1872
The gold rush sweeps into Charters Towers, funding the construction of magnificent homes and
public buildings. Queensland is connected to Europe by telegraph.
1884
In a tragic last stand, the defiant Kalkadoon Indigenous nation is defeated in a massacre at Battle
Mountain, near Mt Isa.
