The Aboriginal spoken history claims that their people have lived in Queensland for thousands of years, which is supported by scientific discovery.  Archeological discoveries have been made in areas of Queensland that prove humans inhabited the land as many as 30,000 years ago.  Because similar discoveries have been made in southern Australia dating back 40,000 years, it is possible that humans lived on Queensland more than 30,000 years ago.

            The first European explorer to find Queensland was Dutch navigator Jansz in 1605, who landed on Cape York. 

            It was Captain Cook in 1770 that was given credit as the first European Explorer to encounter the east coast of Queensland. 

            In the early 1800’s Queensland was being explored more and more.  During this time, the area south (New South Whales) of Queensland was being used by the British to transport convicts.  This trend ended in 1839, and the penal settlements were freed in 1842.

            During the 19th century, fighting between the white settlers and the Aboriginal people was never-ending.  Thousands of people died on both sides of the battles, but as history reveals, the settlers came away victorious. 

            The Gold Rush was experienced in Queensland during periods in the late 1800’s, which for the time being brought prosperity to certain areas.

            For more information, including that leading up to current times, check out a detailed history of Queensland .