kissingpoint

The charming North Queensland town of Townsville has a rich history. The town played an integral role in the war in the Pacific, and many landmarks remain today, just waiting to be explored. Steeped in history, Kissing Point Fort is home to some imposing reminders of World War II: huge guns pointing out to sea from the point. The barracks and guns may date back to the late 1800s, but the new 15-hectare heritage precinct, Jezzine Barracks is the perfect backdrop to explore this notable landmark. 32 public artworks span the area, commemorating the military and Aboriginal heritage of the point. Coastal walkways, including an ethnobotanical walk with traditional flora, offer the ideal vantage to explore. The Army Museum of North Queensland sits in the center of the precinct, with many exhibitions and collections on the history of the Australian Army in North Queensland available for viewing. Source: www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/hi...

John Melton Black is credited with being the “practical” founder of Townsville. Townsville may not have grown to become the “Capital of North Queensland” without this man’s energy, vision and enterprise. Black set his sights on the vast tracts of unsettled lands in North Queensland as an opportunity for pastoral wealth. He sent his station manager to explore Cleveland Bay for a suitable site for a port. Ross Creek was identified and became the site of Townsville’s early development. In late 1864, under Black’s management, the first wharf, store and buildings were erected at the mouth of Ross Creek. For the next few years, Black was the driving force behind the new settlement. He worked as the town surveyor, builder, storekeeper, shipping agent, stockman and newspaper editor. When the town was proclaimed a municipality, he became Mayor for the first two terms. Troubled by failing health, the hardships of pioneer life and a strained relationship with Robert Towns, Black returned to Sydney in 1867, selling his share of the business to Towns. Black never returned to Townsville. However, the Townsville community sent him a beautifully designed gold cup that recognized “valuable services In opening up and developing the resources of North Queensland”. Black later married and settled in England. He died in London in 1919 aged 89. Source: www.townsville.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/109...

I'd never heard this story. Incredible.

Someone stuffed up

It's a 'rivetting' story - they used dummy bolts! Lots of argy-bargy in the contemporary newspapers. See - trove.nla.gov.au/search/category/newspapers?keyword=braes... The burning of the 'Braeside' - trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16117947 Some background - www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Library/Local-and-Family-History/Hist...

The fellow in the white suit and dickie tie has an "Oops!" look about him.

It would be the 'Braeside' as the focus of the photo. The 'Burnside' to the left. Braeside was launched in April 1920 with the Burnside construction less advanced. Until it was cancelled - the contract of sale for the two ships to Burns, Philp & Co saw them name the ships - and the names Burnside (1940) and Braeside (1949) would yet be seen in their fleet - albeit - built in Scotland - and not of wood.

Same view some years earlier

North Ward is one of the oldest and most popular suburbs of Townsville. Wedged between towering Castle Hill and the deep blue Coral Sea, North Ward overlooks the tourist drawcard of Magnetic Island and the Port of Townsville. The suburb of North Ward also contains fine examples of early Queensland architecture including pre-war hotels and church buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Jezzine Barracks, located at the end of The Strand, is a perfect outing for history buffs with access to the Military Museum and a collection of outdoor sculptures and walkways that provide historical insight into the days of the war and Townsville's development. Head up to Kissing Point Jezzine Barracks for some of Townsville's best ocean views. Not far from The Strand and Jezzine Barracks is Queens Gardens, one of three fine botanical gardens in the city. Established in 1870, Queens Gardens includes a formal rose garden, two small hedge mazes, a rainforest walk, and a small aviary featuring peacocks, lorikeets, and sulfur-crested cockatoos. Source: www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/things-to-do/product...