Golden Gumboot facts for kids
The Golden Gumboot is a famous landmark in Tully, Australia. It's a giant boot monument that celebrates Tully's reputation as one of the wettest towns in Australia. But it's also linked to a fun competition between Tully and its nearby towns, Innisfail and Babinda, to see which one gets the most rain each year!
These towns are in a special part of Far North Queensland called the Wet Tropics. This area used to be covered by thick rainforests. It gets a lot of rain because of seasonal winds called monsoons and powerful storms known as cyclones. Since 1970, the town that wins the "wettest town" competition gets a special rubber boot as a trophy.
Quick facts for kids Golden Gumboot |
|
|---|---|
The Golden Gumboot at Tully. The Golden Gumboot stands just outside the town's main street.
|
|
| General information | |
| Location | Tully, Queensland |
| Opened | 10 May 2003 |
| Height | 7.9 metres (25.9 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Fibreglass over steel frame |
Contents
The Giant Gumboot Monument
Even though Babinda often gets more rain than Tully, the big Golden Gumboot monument was built in Tully. It was opened in May 2003 by local community groups, the Tully Lions and Rotary Clubs. The whole project cost about $90,000.
What the Boot Represents
The monument stands 7.9 metres (about 26 feet) tall. This height is important because it represents the record amount of rainfall Tully received in one year, back in 1950. It's a way to show off how much rain the town can get!
Inside the Boot
The giant boot is made from a strong material called fibreglass. Inside, there's a spiral staircase that lets you climb all the way to the top. From up there, you can get a great view of the town of Tully. As you walk up the stairs, you can see old photographs on the walls. These pictures show past floods in the area, reminding everyone of the powerful rain that falls here. A person named Brian Newell designed, built, and put the Gumboot in place.
Festivals and Reopening
Tully celebrates its rainy fame with an annual event called the Golden Gumboot Festival.
The monument had to close for a while after a big storm called Cyclone Yasi hit in 2011. It was damaged but was fixed and reopened in early 2012. The repairs were paid for by insurance and a $20,000 donation. Andrew Fraser, who was the Acting Premier of Queensland at the time, officially reopened it.
See also
- Australia's big things
- Big Dreamers
Images for kids
-
The view of Tully Sugar Mill from the top of the Golden Gumboot
