Burnett Heads

Burnett Heads, a coastal town in Queensland, Australia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. This historical town was originally inhabited by the Gooreng Gooreng people prior to European settlement. In 1770, during his voyage, Captain Cook discovered an inlet that he named Port Curtis. Following which, a few explorers arrived in the area. But it wasn't until 1847 that Burnett Heads was first surveyed to become a town and was officially declared a port by the government. The first settlers arrived in Burnett Heads in the 1860s, and the area soon became renowned for its primary industries such as fishing, sugar cane farming, and timber. Burnett Heads Port quickly became a bustling and profitable port that was involved in the trade of timber, sugar, and fishing. However, the town's growth was slowed down due to the limited transport infrastructure available in the early years. As a result, many of its residents found it difficult to get their goods to the markets in other towns. In 1874, Burnett Heads was hit by a devastating cyclone that destroyed many boats, homes and took several lives. Many people moved inland as a result of this, and the town's economy took a significant hit. The Burnett Heads Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1873, was built to help boats navigate the treacherous coastline and is now a popular tourist spot. During World War II, a strategic military base was established in Burnett Heads. The military base played a crucial role in defending Australia's coastlines and played an essential role in the war effort. Many of the buildings built during that time still stand today. In the post-war period, Burnett Heads once again became a thriving port and a popular tourist destination, with many people coming to enjoy fishing and other water sports. The town also benefited from the opening of the new Bruce Highway, which connected it to other towns and enabled easier transportation of goods. Today, Burnett Heads is a thriving and culturally diverse place that is home to around 2,000 residents. Whilst it's still a popular destination for fishing and other marine activities, it also offers several other tourist attractions, such as the Burnett Heads Historical Lighthouse, the local museum, and the Mon Repos Conservation Park, which is famous for turtle nesting tours. In Conclusion, Burnett Heads has a rich and interesting history that has seen it grow from a small fishing village to a prosperous port town. Although it has suffered setbacks like the cyclone, the town has remained resilient and is now a prosperous and culturally diverse place. It's a place where visitors can experience the unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, surrounded by beautiful beaches and fantastic natural scenery. A must-visit destination indeed!