Golden Gumboot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden Gumboot |
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The Golden Gumboot at Tully. The Golden Gumboot stands just outside the town's main street.
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| General information | |
| Location | Tully, Queensland |
| Opened | 10 May 2003 |
| Height | 7.9 metres (25.9 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Fibreglass over steel frame |
The Golden Gumboot is famous for two reasons in Australia. First, it's a giant monument shaped like a rubber boot in the town of Tully. Second, it's the name of a fun competition. This competition is held between three towns in Far North Queensland: Tully, Innisfail, and Babinda. They compete to see which town gets the most rainfall each year!
These towns are in a very wet part of Australia called the Wet Tropics. This area used to be covered by thick rainforest. They get a lot of rain from monsoons (seasonal winds that bring heavy rain) and powerful storms called cyclones. Since 1970, the town that wins the "wettest" competition gets a special rubber boot as a prize.
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The Giant Golden Gumboot Monument
Even though Babinda has often received more rain than Tully over the last 40 years, 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, including help from volunteers.
What the Gumboot Looks Like
The giant boot stands 7.9 metres (about 26 feet) tall. This height represents the record amount of rain Tully received in one year, back in 1950. The boot is made from fibreglass, which is a strong, lightweight material.
Inside the boot, there's a spiral staircase. You can climb to the very top for a great view of Tully town. As you walk up, you'll see old photographs on the walls. These pictures show past floods in the area, reminding everyone how much rain this region can get! A person named Brian Newell designed, built, and put the Gumboot in place.
Golden Gumboot Festival
Tully also celebrates its wet weather with an annual event. They hold a special Golden Gumboot Festival every year. It's a fun way for the community to come together and celebrate their unique climate.
After Cyclone Yasi
In 2011, a very strong storm called Cyclone Yasi hit the area. The Golden Gumboot monument had to be closed because of damage. But it was repaired and reopened early in 2012. Andrew Fraser, who was the Acting Premier of Queensland at the time, helped reopen it. The repairs were paid for by insurance and a $20,000 donation.
