Canterbury, Queensland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids CanterburyQueensland |
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 Canterbury
Location in Queensland
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| Postcode(s) | 4481 |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Barcoo |
| Region | Central West Queensland |
| State electorate(s) | Gregory |
| Federal Division(s) | Maranoa |
Canterbury is a small, abandoned settlement located in Windorah, a part of the Shire of Barcoo in Central West Queensland, Australia. Today, you can still find the ruins of the JC Hotel at this historic site.
Contents
Where is Canterbury Located?
Canterbury is situated in a remote part of Queensland. Its closest neighbor is a place called Morney. The Morney River is also nearby. You can find Canterbury along the Diamantina Developmental Road, which is a key route in the region.
The Story of Canterbury
Canterbury has an interesting history, starting with a waterhole and growing into a small settlement.
Early Days: JC Waterhole
In the late 1860s, a person named John Costello was a pastoralist, meaning he raised livestock like sheep or cattle. He set up a camp near a waterhole in this area. To mark the spot, he carved his initials, "JC," into a nearby tree. Because of this, the waterhole became known as the JC Waterhole.
The Native Police and a New Name
By the 1870s, the JC Waterhole area became important. It was chosen as the main base for a group called the Native Police in that region. Sub-Inspector William Gough was in charge of this police detachment.
In the early 1880s, a hotel was built at this location, and it was called the JC Hotel. Then, in 1884, the entire settlement was officially renamed Canterbury.
Post Office Services
Canterbury even had its own post office for a while. A receiving office, which is a small place to send and receive mail, opened in 1888. This was upgraded to a full Post Office on January 1, 1891. However, as the settlement became less active, the Canterbury Post Office eventually closed in 1920.
