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Tropical
Coastal
Queensland
activities
This is the Matthew Flinders
Coastal Landform Site,
part of Flinders
2002 Web
The 'Investigator'
SOUND
naval
whistle
(flute
playing tune 4)
LANDFORM THEME:
Features of the northern coastline
The
distinctive coastline
of southeastern Australia could be regarded as ending at the sandy beaches
of Township of 1770. South of this area, the coastlines are regarded as
'high energy'; largely sandy,
with many prominent headland, and only relatively minor sections of fine
sediments (i.e. mud). Beyond 1770 the coastline changes, with 'low energy'
depositional environments of fine
sediments becoming much more significant (while sandy stretches and
coastal headlands are less important). The massive offshore feature,
the Great Barrier
Reef is largely responsible for these influences.
FLINDERS
THEME:
Exploring northern waters
Matthew Flinders sailed the waters of
northern Queensland on more than one occasion. While a young sailor in
training under Captain Bligh, he first viewed the far northern waters and islands
at the top of 'New South Wales'
(Cape York Peninsula / Torres Strait) in Sep 1792. In 1802 he was following in the path of
James Cook while on the second phase of the great circumnavigation voyage in Investigator.
Aware of the risks of sailing in this area, he hoped to find a navigable channel through the reef to the open
ocean. He visited far northern Australian waters for the third and final time on
his return to England in the Cumberland (Oct 1803) after the drama
of the shipwreck of the Porpoise and the subsequent rescue.
The
coastal ranges reach down almost to the sea near Cairns. This confines the
transport routes, settlements and agriculture into a narrow band in
places, while offering striking scenery. The mountains formed a
considerable obstacle to coast-inland transport in earlier days. In
addition, the mountains 'attract' a high annual rainfall through the
orographic effect. 
The
steep topography, high rainfall, and dense vegetation made exploration and
settlement difficult; however, these factors presently contribute to the
ecological value of the region and offer considerable attractions to
tourists, many of whom are seeking high quality ecological experiences or
wilderness-based adventure.
