On the 6th June 1859, the colony of Queensland, Australia was separated from New South Wales via Letters Patent signed on that day.
Initially spanning from latitude 29º S northward to the coast, and longitude 141o E eastward to the coast, the borders would be clarified and moved over a period until they were finalised in the position they remain today, on the 13th March 1862.
The tropics of Queensland hold many mysteries, dating back thousands of years – to navigators who sought the wealth that the terrain restrained.
Discover some of the events that led to the evolution of Queensland into the state that we know today . . .
Historical POI – Northern Queensland
Region’s Boundary:
- For the purpose of these Historical POI Timelines, the Northern region is defined as follows:
- Eastern Boundary: Commences at Townville, and follows the coastline northward to Cape York
- Northern Boundary: commences at Cape York, and follows the coastline southward and westward to the NT Border
- Western Boundary: commences at the junction of the NT border and the northern coastline, southward to the junction of Highway A2
- Southern Boundary: commences at the NT border at the junction of Highway A2 and follows Highways A2, A6 & A1 eastward to the coastline at Townsville
Historical POI – South Western Queensland
Region’s Boundary:
- For the purpose of these Historical POI Timelines, the South Western region is defined as follows:
- Southern Boundary: commences at the junction of the NT / QLD / SA border, following the SA /QLD border eastward, then southward to the junction of the QLD, SA & NSW border, then following the NSW border eastward to the junction of Highway 46 at Mungindi
- Eastern Boundary: commences at Mungindi, and follows Highways 46 & 55 northward, then Highway A2 north-westward, to the NT border
- Western Boundary: commences at the junction of the NT border & Highway A2, following the border southward to the junction of the NT / SA / QLD border
Historical POI – Central Queensland
Region’s Boundary:
- For the purpose of these Historical POI Timelines, the Central region is defined as follows:
- Northern Boundary: commences at the intersection of Highways A2 & A6, following Highway A6 eastward to the intersection of Highway A7
- Eastern Boundary: commencing at the intersection of Highways A6 & A7, following Highway A7 southward to the intersection of Highway A4. Then follows Highway A4 eastward to the intersection Highway A5 – following the major Highways A5, A3 & A15 southward to the NSW border at Cottonvale
- Southern Boundary: is the NSW border from the junction of Highway 46 at Mungindi, eastward to the intersection of Highway A15 at Cottonvale
- Western Boundary: commences at Mungindi, and follows Highways 46 & A55 northward to the intersection of Highway A2, then follows Highway A2 north-westward, to the intersection of Highway A6
Historical POI – North East Queensland Coast
Region’s Boundary:
- For the purpose of these Historical POI Timelines, the North East Coast region is defined as follows:
- Northern Boundary: commences at the intersection of Highways A6 & A7, and follows Highway A6 north-eastward to the coastline at Townsville
- Eastern Boundary: follows the coastline from Townsville to Bundaberg
- Southern Boundary: commences at Ban Ban Springs, and follows Highways 52, A1 & 3 north-eastward to the coastline at Bundaberg
- Western Boundary: commencing at the intersection of Highways A6 & A7, follows Highway A7 southward to the intersection of Highway 60 at Rolleston, continues on Highway 60 eastward to the intersection of Highway A3 at Biloela, then follows Highway A3 to the intersection of Highway 52 at Ban Ban Springs
Historical POI – Mid Queensland Coast
Region’s Boundary:
- For the purpose of these Historical POI Timelines, the Mid Coast region is defined as follows:
- Northern Boundary: commences at Ban Ban Springs, and follows Highways 52, A1 & 3 north-eastward to Bundaberg
- Eastern Boundary: follows the coastline from Bundaberg to Caloundra
- Southern Boundary: commences at Yarraman, and follows Highways A17, 85 & 6 eastward to the coastline at Caloundra
- Western Boundary: commences at Ban Ban Springs and follows Highway A3 southward to Yarraman
Historical POI – South East Queensland Coast
Region’s Boundary:
- For the purpose of these Historical POI Timelines, the South East Coast region is defined as follows:
- Southern Boundary: commences at the junction of the NSW Border with the coastline, follows the border westward to Cottonvale
- Eastern Boundary: follows the coastline from Caloundra southward to the NSW Border
- Northern Boundary: commences at Yarraman, and follows Highways 17, 85 & 6 eastward to the coastline at Coloundra
- Western Boundary: commences at Yarraman and follows Highway A3 & A15 southward to the intersection of Highway A15 at Cottonvale
Some Timelines revealing Early Shipping in Queensland:
So much of Australia was impenetrable by land – the lifeline of these new coastal settlements was the sea. Discover the ships that plied up and down the coast – picking up and delivering supplies, cargo, communications and passengers . . .
The inland waterways were often the only communication for the early settlers. Discover the rivers and lakes that form the water highways that transported the treasures and produce of the land to the rest of the world . . .