Central Queensland is a region located in the heart of Queensland, Australia. It encompasses a vast area that stretches from the Capricorn Coast in the east to the Queensland- Northern Territory border in the west.
The region has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The Indigenous people of Central Queensland, including the Darumbal, Wadja, and Gangulu, have lived in the area for tens of thousands of years, and have a deep connection to the land and its natural resources.
In the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in Central Queensland, attracted by the region’s rich natural resources, including gold, coal, and grazing land. The discovery of gold in the region led to a gold rush, with thousands of people flocking to the area in search of their fortunes.
The region also played an important role in the development of the Australian cattle industry, with large pastoral properties established throughout the area. The cattle industry remains an important part of the region’s economy to this day.
Central Queensland has also been shaped by its unique geography and climate. The region is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged mountain ranges, expansive plains, and pristine beaches. The climate is tropical and subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.
Today, Central Queensland is a thriving region that is home to a vibrant and diverse community. It is a popular destination for tourists, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage attracting visitors from around the world.
Riding on the Sheep’s Back
The sheep industry played a crucial role in the history and development of Central Queensland.
The first sheep of any substantial number arrived in Central Queensland in the 1860s, brought in by Cameron and Crombie for their property, Barcaldine Downs.1
Later came the establishment of several large pastoral properties in the region. These properties were often vast, covering thousands of hectares of land, and were used to graze large flocks of sheep.
The sheep industry in Central Queensland was driven by the demand for wool, which was a valuable commodity in the 19th century. Wool was exported to markets around the world, and the industry quickly became a major contributor to the Australian economy.
The sheep industry faced many challenges over the years, including droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. However, it continued to thrive in Central Queensland, and by the early 1900s, the region was home to some of the largest sheep stations in Australia.
Info sources
- 1936 ‘RURAL EXPANSION IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND OVER 75 YEARS’, Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 – 1954), 9 July, p. 21. , viewed 08 May 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54964924
