Gracemere is a town located in the Central Queensland region of Australia, approximately 9 kilometers west of Rockhampton. The town has a rich history that spans back to the early 1800s. In this article, we’ll take a look at the timeline of events that have shaped Gracemere into the town it is today.
1800s:
- In the early 1800s, the Gracemere area was inhabited by the Darumbal Aboriginal people, who had lived in the area for thousands of years.
- In 1855, explorer William Archer passed through the area and named it Gracemere after his daughter, Grace.
- The first settlers arrived in the area in the 1860s, with the establishment of several cattle stations.
1900s:
- In the early 1900s, Gracemere became a hub for the cattle industry, with the establishment of saleyards and the construction of the Rockhampton-Emu Park railway line.
- In 1924, Gracemere State School opened, providing education for local children.
- During World War II, Gracemere was used as a training ground for Australian and American troops.
- In 1965, the Gracemere Progress Association was formed to promote the development of the town.
- In the late 1900s, Gracemere experienced rapid growth, with the construction of new housing estates and the expansion of local businesses.
2000s:
- In 2000, Gracemere became part of the Rockhampton Regional Council.
- In 2008, Gracemere State High School opened, providing secondary education for local students.
- In 2013, Gracemere experienced severe flooding, with many homes and businesses affected.
- In recent years, Gracemere has continued to grow and develop, with the construction of new infrastructure and the expansion of local industries.
Today, Gracemere is a thriving town with a rich history and a bright future. It continues to be a hub for the cattle industry, as well as a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its picturesque scenery, friendly locals, and vibrant community, Gracemere is a town that’s definitely worth a visit.
Mount Archer National Park
Mount Archer National Park is a protected area located in Central Queensland, Australia. The park covers an area of approximately 4250 hectares and is situated on the summit and slopes of Mount Archer, which is a prominent landmark in the region. Here is some information about the national park:
- Mount Archer National Park is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is home to a number of different vegetation types, including open eucalypt forest, dry rainforest, and vine forest.
- The park is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking, with a number of trails available to visitors. The most popular trail is the 14km loop around the mountain, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- There are a number of lookouts throughout the park, including Pilbeam Drive Lookout, which offers panoramic views of Rockhampton and the surrounding area.
- The park is home to a number of native animals, including wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, and a variety of bird species.
- The park has a number of picnic areas and facilities, including barbecues and toilets, making it a great destination for a day trip with family and friends.
- Mount Archer National Park is located just 15 minutes from Rockhampton, making it easily accessible for visitors to the region.
- The park is named after the explorer Thomas Archer, who was one of the first Europeans to explore the area in the 1850s.
Overall, Mount Archer National Park is a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers visitors the chance to explore the great outdoors and experience the unique flora and fauna of Central Queensland.
10 Interesting facts about Gracemere Queensland
- Gracemere is known as the ‘Gateway to the Capricorn Coast’ due to its location as the first town west of Rockhampton on the Capricorn Highway.
- The town was named after William Archer’s daughter, Grace, who he admired for her courage and strength. Archer was a Scottish immigrant who became a prominent cattle grazier in the region.
- Gracemere is home to the largest selling centre for cattle in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 400,000 head of cattle passing through the Gracemere Saleyards each year.
- The Gracemere Saleyards were established in 1953 and have since become a major economic driver for the region.
- The town is located in the traditional lands of the Darumbal Aboriginal people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
- Gracemere was once home to a US Army hospital during World War II, and the site is now used for the Gracemere Industrial Area.
- The town is known for its annual Beef Australia event, which is held every three years and attracts visitors from around the world to showcase the best of the Australian beef industry.
- Gracemere State School, which opened in 1924, is one of the oldest and most well-respected schools in the region, providing education for local children from Prep to Year 6.
- Gracemere has a rich sporting culture, with a number of local teams and clubs in sports such as rugby league, soccer, and cricket.
- The town is located in a beautiful natural setting, with nearby attractions such as Mount Archer National Park, the Capricorn Caves, and the stunning Capricorn Coast just a short drive away.
