subject: The History Of Whitsunday Islands [print this page] With more than ninety islands that stretches from Bowen to the Repulse Islands, Whitsundays is a part of the Cumberland island groups, Australia's biggest offshore island chain. The government of Queensland made some of the islands as national parks including Molle, Holbourne, Lindeman, Repulse, Whitsunday and Gloucester Island National Park.
The Whitsunday Islands are known for their beautiful green-clad islands, white sands and blue waters. In addition to the jaw-dropping views, it has a rich geological and indigenous history to tell and a complex ecosystem waiting to be explored.
To better understand the geological make-up of Whitsundays, you must go a hundred million years back, during the time of massive volcanic eruptions in the earth's surface. Australia came to be as the earth's crust slowly and steadily moved, breaking up Gondwana, the super continent that originally included South America, New Guinea, India, Australia and more.
A man named James Cook, captain of the 'Endeavor' ship sailed through the coast of Queensland for a scientific expedition. On the 1st of June, he laid eyes on Whitsundays. On the third of June, the time when Christians celebrated the Whit Sunday Festival, Captain James Cook named the deep stretch of water that divides the mainland from the island strings as 'Whitsunday Passage'. He also named different places during his trip. These include the Cumberland Islands, Repulse Bay, Cape Conway, Cape Hillsborough and Cape Gloucester.
Aboriginal Heritage
Archeological evidences suggest that the Ngaro people or popularly known as the Canoe people once inhabited the islands. Historians also believed that the Ngaro men were great navigators. They are also skilled in using island plants. For example, they used grass tress for their food, tools, shoots, nectar and glue. They used different tools in their everyday lives. Among them were pieces of rocks that were used for crushing and grinding grains, cutting and for axe heads.
Animal Life
The Whitsunday islands is home to thousands of animal and bird species. The amphibians and reptiles for example are well represented by 9 snake species, 7 frog species and 31 lizard species. However, as you go farther away from the mainland, the animal diversity decreases. As for the land mammals, Whitsunday is home for the Proserpine rock wallaby. Koalas, possums, water rats, fruit bats and echidnas can also be found in the area.
Today, the Queensland government together with the descendants of the people of Ngara actively work together to protect the entire Whitsunday environment. More and more people all around the world continue to be amazed with the majestic beauty of Whitsundays. So, get an Airlie beach accommodation today to unravel the wonders and the many things to do in Airlie beach and in the rest of Whitsundays.
