The Old Laura Homestead on Battlecamp Road, Lakefield National Park

Heritage & Significance of the Region

Quinkan country also boasts a colourful history of exploration and settlement.

Early explorers of the region included Ludwig Leichardt, Edmond Kennedy and William Hann. Later the ‘adventurous prospector' James Mulligan discovered gold and the towns of Palmerville and Maytown became the centre of gold-fever in the 1870s. Both towns also had significant Chinese populations and their presence contributed to the economic and cultural development of the region.

Also making a significant contribution was the building of the overland telegraph line and the establishment of the pastoral industry throughout Cape York. The history of settlement in this remote outback environment is a story of Queensland's pioneering heritage.

Local Legend, Bowie Gostelow, worked for many years maintaining the ‘Overland Telegraph Line’ north of Laura

Display replicating miners during the Gold Era at Maytown & Palmer River in the late 1800’s