Queensland’s Remarkable Events & Firsts In Its 162 Years

Around 162 years ago, Queen Victoria signed the Letters Patent and made Queensland separate from New South Wales. The state has been a hub of political and social activities that make Queensland what it is today. It has witnessed numerous milestones since its establishment, which is why its history, culture and heritage are so rich. Learning about Queensland’s first is one of the best things you can do if you live here or plan to visit or move to the state. Thus, here are Queensland’s remarked events and firsts since its first governor proclaimed the colony from the balcony of the Deanery of St John’s Cathedral (then Government House).

Things That Happened in the 1800s

After the incorporation of Queensland in 1859, the first parliament was held a year later in 1860. Other firsts that happened in the 1800s are listed below.

• Considering cricket is a popular sport in Australia, knowing Queensland played its first cricket match with New South Wales in 1864 is fun and enlightening for sports fans.
• In 1865, the first train between Ipswich and Grandchester started.
• The new Parliament House in George Street holds a session for the first time in 1868.
• Not only in Queensland but also in Australia, primary education was introduced in 1870.
• The first Ekka happened in Brisbane in 1876. It is one of the largest annual events in Queensland that helps know more about agriculture. This year, the flag of Queensland was also displayed.
• It wasn’t until 1889 that the first barrel of the Bundaberg rum rolled off the production line.
• The Queen granted the Queensland Coat of Arms to the state in 1893. It is the oldest Arms in Australia.
• In 1895, the first performance of Waltzing Matilda happens at North Gregory Hotel at Winton. This fact is often really important and interesting to people in music.

Things That Happened in the 1900s

Not many people know that it was on 1st January 1901 that Queensland became a state of the Commonwealth of Australia. Other major things that happened in the 1900s are listed below.

• Queensland’s first national park was announced in 1908 and it is the Witches Falls at Mount Tamborine.
• After completion, in 1911, the University of Queensland opened its door to students.
• The first grand earthquake of a magnitude of 6 happened in 1918. It came near Lady Elliot Island and affected Rockhampton and Bundaberg the worst.
• Qantas, which is still a string airline service in Australia, was established in 1920 in Queensland.
• Queensland is the only Australian state without a bicameral legislature because in 1922, the Queensland Legislative Council was abolished.
• The first Koala sanctuary was opened in 1927 and open still. It is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
• 1935 is when cane toads were introduced to control pests on sugar cane toads, and they became major pests that the state still struggles with today.

The Bottom Line

The history of Queensland is diverse and extensive, making it have many events and firsts that impact it even today. The ones listed above are some from the 1800s and 1900s that make Queensland one of the best states in modern times.