Dunethin Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dunethin Rock |
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Dunethin Rock in the landscape, 2007
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| Location | Dunethin Rock Road, Maroochy River, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Official name: Dunethin Rock | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape) |
| Designated | 5 February 2009 |
| Reference no. | 602695 |
| Significant period | 1900s-ongoing |
| Significant components | natural landscape |
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Dunethin Rock is a special heritage-listed park found on the Maroochy River in Queensland, Australia. It's a popular spot for picnics and enjoying nature. This important site was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2009, meaning it's protected for its historical and natural value.
Contents
A Look Back: Dunethin Rock's Story
Dunethin Rock is a beautiful spot on the Maroochy River. It became important for tourism on the Sunshine Coast starting in the early 1900s. This area is now a major tourist destination in Queensland.
Early Days and Timber
In the 1850s, the land around Dunethin Rock was used for grazing animals. The rock itself marked the edge of these large land areas. Later, in the 1860s, the Maroochy region became known for its rich timber. Trees were cut down and floated along the river.
A timber merchant named William Pettigrew was very active here. He had depots on the Maroochy River. One of his depots was near Dunethin Rock. The name "Dunethin" comes from an Aboriginal word. It means "place of swimming trees," referring to the logs floating in the river.
A Place for the Community
In 1901, local people asked the government to protect the land around Dunethin Rock. They wanted it to be a public reserve. This meant it would be a safe place for people and animals, especially during floods. So, a large reserve was created.
Over time, parts of this reserve were used for other things. A school, the Maroochy River State School, opened in 1911. Students often arrived by boat at the Dunethin wharf. A community hall, called the School of Arts, also opened nearby in 1914. These places were important for local families and social events.
In 1923, a smaller, special "Scenic Reserve" was set up just for Dunethin Rock. This area was managed by the local council. It became a popular spot for picnics and enjoying the views.
Growing Tourism and Fun
The Maroochy River area started to become a holiday spot in the 1880s. People would camp by the river, swim, boat, and fish. Dunethin Rock quickly became a favorite destination for locals. They loved picnicking, fishing, and climbing to the top for the amazing views.
Many events were held here. In 1907, there were "Grand Aquatic Sports" on the lake. Community meetings and fundraising events also took place. In 1916, a "Grand Excursion" helped raise money for wounded soldiers.
Spreading the Word
From the early 1900s, more people learned about the beauty of the "North Coast" (now the Sunshine Coast). Travel guides and railway companies promoted the area's natural features. In 1910, a special tour was arranged for important visitors. They climbed Dunethin Rock to see the wide views of cane fields, farms, and mountains. From then on, many important guests visiting the Maroochy area were taken to Dunethin Rock.
Getting There: Trams and Boats
Getting to Dunethin Rock became easier over time. From 1909, sugar cane trams also carried passengers from Nambour to nearby areas. From these points, motor launches (boats) took people further along the river. In 1923, a tram line was even built to Dunethin Rock itself, mainly for sugar cane. It also carried tourists for a short time.
The Maroochy River was the main way visitors traveled until the late 1920s. Many motor launches offered trips up the river. Dunethin Rock was a popular stop. Boat owners like Percy Evans offered weekly cruises from Cotton Tree to Dunethin Rock.
Roads and Improvements
As more people owned cars, roads became more important. After 1934, people started paying more attention to road access to Dunethin Rock. Local groups asked for better roads and signs.
The community also worked to improve facilities for visitors. In 1940, a shelter shed was built at the wharf. Trees were planted around the reserve. People noticed how popular the motor boat cruises were, especially during holidays.
In the mid-1940s, hundreds of people visited Dunethin Rock. The Queensland Tourist Bureau even sent a photographer to capture its beauty for new tourist booklets. More facilities, like toilets, were built in 1948 to handle the growing number of visitors.
David Low, a local politician, believed Dunethin Rock would become a "chief tourist place." He pushed for better facilities and promotion. In the 1950s, a gravel road was built to the top of the rock. A small wooden picnic shelter and water tank were also added for visitors.
Dunethin Rock Today
Dunethin Rock has stayed mostly the same since its busiest tourist days in the mid-1900s. The old school and community hall are no longer there. While some trees have grown, you can still enjoy amazing views from the top. The area by the river is still a popular picnic spot. There's also a boat ramp for those who want to enjoy the water.
What You'll See at Dunethin Rock
Dunethin Rock is about five kilometers southeast of Yandina. It's a beautiful rocky hill on the south bank of the Maroochy River, next to Lake Dunethin. From the top, you can see amazing views stretching from the Blackall Range to the coast.
You'll spot mountains like Ninderry, Mount Coolum, and Cooroy Mountain. There are also green fields, sugar cane farms, and the winding Maroochy River.
At the bottom, near the river, there's a flat area. Here you'll find a concrete boat ramp, a small wooden jetty, and a picnic shelter. There are also concrete picnic tables and a toilet block. (These newer structures are not part of the heritage listing).
A steep gravel road goes up the rock. Near the top, there's a timber picnic shed. This shed is important to the heritage listing. It has a roof and open sides, with two wooden tables and benches inside. A rainwater tank is nearby.
From the road, a path leads to the very top of the rock. This natural viewing platform offers the best panoramic views.
Why Dunethin Rock is Special
Dunethin Rock is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it's important for several reasons:
- It shows how Queensland's history has changed.
Dunethin Rock was a popular picnic spot and tourist destination from the early 1900s. It shows how the Sunshine Coast grew as a holiday area. People reached it by motor launches on the Maroochy River and even by a sugar cane tram line. Later, road access improved as car travel became more common.
- It shows what a "beauty spot" used to be like.
Dunethin Rock is a great example of an early tourist "beauty spot." It was mainly reached by boat from seaside resorts. It offered beautiful scenery and chances for people to relax and have fun. The picnic shed near the top is a good example of the shelters built in the 1950s for picnic areas.
- It's beautiful to look at.
Dunethin Rock is a dominant feature on the peaceful Maroochy River. People have always valued its natural beauty. From its summit, you get an amazing view of the Blackall Ranges, mountains like Ninderry and Coolum, sugar cane fields, and the winding river. The area by the river and Lake Dunethin is also a lovely place to relax.
