Going for a drive around Australia - Brisbane to Moree
December 7th 2007 00:49
I love planning trips - even if it means that in the immediate future I won`t be taking said trip. I love to explore the world, learn where is where and what is what and in doing so, begin to etch in my mind all the deep valleys, flowing rivers and undulations of this wonderful planet we call home. So join me on a drive from Brisbane to Perth - let`s see what we can find along the way!
Brisbane was originally home to the indigenous clans of the Jagera and Turrbal people, who named the area 'Mian-Jin', meaning 'place shaped like a spike'. The Jagera people inhabited the areas south of the Brisbane River, whilst the Turrbal people enjoyed the north. Before white settlement, numbers said to range in the region of around 5000 people, as the land provided plenty of food and the river a reliable and adequate supply of water. All of this changed in 1823 when surveyor, General John Oxley, sailing on the ship 'Mermaid', spotted a group of people on shore at what is now known as Moreton Bay.
Oxley had been sent in search of a new site for jail. Upon seeing the area around Redcliffe he decided that this would be the ideal place. Around the same time ex-convict Thomas Pamphlett had left Sydney on a voyage to discover cedar, a voyage that went horribly wrong and saw him stranded in Moreton Bay and living with the local indigenous people for several months. It was here that Oxley and Pamphlett met, the latter being spotted onshore by one of the crew.
The two men got to talking and when Oxley mentioned he was looking for a new penal site, Pamphlett told of a large river located just south of their current position. An expedition was quickly arranged and upon seeing the red cliffs of the current Brisbane site, Oxley changed his mind. 1825 saw the Redliffe area being abandoned and settlement began in Brisbane, which took its name from the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane. White settlers moved into the area, slowly forcing out the indigenous people and finally an Act was passed in 1857, banning Aborigines in town after 4:30pm during the week and Sundays. 1965 saw the passing of the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders Affairs Act, allowing Aborigines to claim control over their lives once more and move back into the area they called home, away from the reserves and missions around the State to where they had been displaced.
Brisbane is now a bustling city, State Capital of Queensland and home to just under 2 million people. Parks dot the city landscape, galleries and small coffee shops line the streets and the river slices through the buildings in a lazy arc, its tree-lined shores perfect for a Sunday stroll or a weekend picnic. Heading out of the city and eventually linking to the Warrego Highway, we drive for around 2 hours until we reach Goondiwindi, which lies on the Queensland/New South Wales Border.
Goondiwindi was first settled in the 1840`s by farmers and takes it name from the Aboriginal word meaning 'resting place of the birds'. One of the biggest attractions is the McIntyre River which forms part of the Murray-Darling, the 4th longest river in the world. As well as this, it is home to one of the worlds largest cotton gins, which offers tours for the inquisitive traveller. In ancient India the 'charka' was invented, a small machine used for removing the seeds from the cotton lint. In America it was adapted, although did not work on certain kinds of cotton, eventually being reinvented by Eli Whitney in 1793. Cotton gins work around the world to produce the fabric which has a wide variety of uses in our every day life.
Our last stop for the day will be in the town of Moree, known as the 'Artesian Spa Capital'. The Kamilaroi people inhabited the area, its name meaning 'long waterhole' or 'rising sun'. The soil is extremely fertile and as a result it has a very large farming community.
Queensland is home to the Great Artesian Basin, which at a depth of 3000m, is the longest and deepest in the world, lying under almost 23% of the continent. People flock to these waters because of their high mineral content and healing properties, Moree having its own centre where you can relax in its pools. These pools are emptied and cleaned everyday.
Buried in the Moree cemetary is the youngest son of Charles Dickens, Edward Bulwer Lytton Dickens, who worked for the Lands Department until his death in 1902.
There are a great many accommodation options as well as eateries and sights to keep any traveller occupied during their stay.
Sources:
Oxley Photo -
Really Long Link
Brisbane Info - www.ourbrisbane.com, www.brisbites.com,
Moree Info - www.nnsw.com.au
Goondwindi info - www.queenslandholidays.com.au, www.cvhs.com
General Info - www.wikipedia.com
Brisbane was originally home to the indigenous clans of the Jagera and Turrbal people, who named the area 'Mian-Jin', meaning 'place shaped like a spike'. The Jagera people inhabited the areas south of the Brisbane River, whilst the Turrbal people enjoyed the north. Before white settlement, numbers said to range in the region of around 5000 people, as the land provided plenty of food and the river a reliable and adequate supply of water. All of this changed in 1823 when surveyor, General John Oxley, sailing on the ship 'Mermaid', spotted a group of people on shore at what is now known as Moreton Bay.
Oxley had been sent in search of a new site for jail. Upon seeing the area around Redcliffe he decided that this would be the ideal place. Around the same time ex-convict Thomas Pamphlett had left Sydney on a voyage to discover cedar, a voyage that went horribly wrong and saw him stranded in Moreton Bay and living with the local indigenous people for several months. It was here that Oxley and Pamphlett met, the latter being spotted onshore by one of the crew.
The two men got to talking and when Oxley mentioned he was looking for a new penal site, Pamphlett told of a large river located just south of their current position. An expedition was quickly arranged and upon seeing the red cliffs of the current Brisbane site, Oxley changed his mind. 1825 saw the Redliffe area being abandoned and settlement began in Brisbane, which took its name from the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane. White settlers moved into the area, slowly forcing out the indigenous people and finally an Act was passed in 1857, banning Aborigines in town after 4:30pm during the week and Sundays. 1965 saw the passing of the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders Affairs Act, allowing Aborigines to claim control over their lives once more and move back into the area they called home, away from the reserves and missions around the State to where they had been displaced.
Brisbane is now a bustling city, State Capital of Queensland and home to just under 2 million people. Parks dot the city landscape, galleries and small coffee shops line the streets and the river slices through the buildings in a lazy arc, its tree-lined shores perfect for a Sunday stroll or a weekend picnic. Heading out of the city and eventually linking to the Warrego Highway, we drive for around 2 hours until we reach Goondiwindi, which lies on the Queensland/New South Wales Border.
Goondiwindi was first settled in the 1840`s by farmers and takes it name from the Aboriginal word meaning 'resting place of the birds'. One of the biggest attractions is the McIntyre River which forms part of the Murray-Darling, the 4th longest river in the world. As well as this, it is home to one of the worlds largest cotton gins, which offers tours for the inquisitive traveller. In ancient India the 'charka' was invented, a small machine used for removing the seeds from the cotton lint. In America it was adapted, although did not work on certain kinds of cotton, eventually being reinvented by Eli Whitney in 1793. Cotton gins work around the world to produce the fabric which has a wide variety of uses in our every day life.
Our last stop for the day will be in the town of Moree, known as the 'Artesian Spa Capital'. The Kamilaroi people inhabited the area, its name meaning 'long waterhole' or 'rising sun'. The soil is extremely fertile and as a result it has a very large farming community.
Queensland is home to the Great Artesian Basin, which at a depth of 3000m, is the longest and deepest in the world, lying under almost 23% of the continent. People flock to these waters because of their high mineral content and healing properties, Moree having its own centre where you can relax in its pools. These pools are emptied and cleaned everyday.
Buried in the Moree cemetary is the youngest son of Charles Dickens, Edward Bulwer Lytton Dickens, who worked for the Lands Department until his death in 1902.
There are a great many accommodation options as well as eateries and sights to keep any traveller occupied during their stay.
Sources:
Oxley Photo -
Really Long Link
Brisbane Info - www.ourbrisbane.com, www.brisbites.com,
Moree Info - www.nnsw.com.au
Goondwindi info - www.queenslandholidays.com.au, www.cvhs.com
General Info - www.wikipedia.com
| 165 |
| Vote |

















Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This sounds like a great trip, I've been to Brisbane lots of times (my close friend used to live there), but I didn't know its history that you just mentioned.
How long is the trip going to take you? I know what you mean about planning the trip even if it doesn't happen, I'm the same.
Looking forward to hearing more, have fun!!
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I thought it would be a good idea for me to learn some history of this area too - its interesting to know who tread in your footsteps before you hey?
I was at the markets the other day and came across some old photos that were taken before concrete was poured over everything - what a beautiful place.
Thanks for taking the journey - we should go on a road trip sometime in the Orble fan - how much fun would that be?!
ash
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Yeah me neither - but readin about the local history was really interesting and in particular seeing the old photos of the place.
I have thought of taking this trip many times before. I was going to go with a friend of mine who did it last year howeveer I wasn`t financially able to so missed out. I regret it now - should have just taken a loan or something! Who knows maybe one day hey!?
I took this photo a little while ago when we had some GLORIOUS stormy weather. Looks set for much the same weather in the next few days - time to dust off the camera me thinks!
Ash
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Byeee
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I love the rain it makes for interesting days doesn`t it? sounds like you have one coming your way
Have a good one
ash
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Hope you have a good day too,
Trace
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Have a great day, girl~
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I really don't like being confronted by my own ignorance but I recognised the cotton, you know me and history and geography and all that boring stuff, I'm up in the stars or off with the daisies, must think about next year.
Well done as always, nice to see your sunnies.
katyzzz
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
D. Armenta
Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
I love Moree
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Thanks for stopping by
I`m glad you like the drive so far - sorry we had to take a break for the Christmas/New Year season - ya know drinking and driving and all that.
I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, love-filled new year
Ash
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Hope you've had a great trip,looking forward to hearing more.
Trace
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Yes...i love exploring too...
Comment by Nina
Oh, and I too love your banner. Stormy clouds are just magnificent, aren't they?
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
It`s on a bit of a hold at the moment as I plan New Zealand but I`ll plod along and try and get it done before I head off.
Ash
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
It was really interesting reading the history on Brisbane... would be amazing to have seen it before all the cement was poured over it,
Ash
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Yes I was also interested in the history - and looking at all the old photographs too.
Happy travels!
Ash
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I've only been in Brisbane for five years and this was riveting...
Bravo! More, more...
Lilla ...
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I really enjoyed putting this post together. There is some fascinating stuff out there about the area that we live in - I can just see the ships drifting offshore and the overgrown surrounding land. If we think the trip to Brisbane is a schlep now can you imagine what it was like back then?? woah!
I have been near Brisbane for a little less than you and I never realised the history of the town.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy the rest of the journey
Ash
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I was just talking to a friend in Canberra who came back from down the Coorong and the mouth of the Murray-Darling.
I think everyone has heard that the river is sick... but I wasn;t aware of how sick.
According to my friend, when you stand in the reeds down there you are standing knee deep in absolute horrible muck that oozes out of the Murray Darling, where up stream all the abbatoirs popur their offal into it.
He said the mire was thick with half disintegrated toilet tissue paper and it stunk.
It came up in conversation because last term I studied Storm Boy with my youngest as part of the term work... we read the book, watched the film and talked about how they had adapted it from the book to the screen. We drew story boards and made lots of notes about the difference between the story in the book and the script on the screen.
It was fabulously interesting and i began to romanticise about going there one day... I still would like to... and i hope to God it's cleaned up by then, or not as bad as my friend said it was.
IF it is, it's so sad.
TTFN
Lilla ...
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I wonder why nothing has been done to stop them dumping in it if it is killing the river? That`s terrible because from pictures I have seen of it, it is certainly a beautiful part of the world. I hope that the plant and animal life are surviving under the circumstances.
I hav`nt heard of Storm Boy before - will have to keep an eye out for it. Your talk of home schooling has my yearning for teaching returning everytime! It all sounds so exciting, especially with the projects you all do. Nothing like our syllabus I tell you!
Be well
Ash