Queensland style
Detail of illustration of Great Barrier Reef corals, William Saville-Kent
How often have you heard the slogan "Queensland style"? Spruikers selling tantalising dreams of holidays and life style use it. Writers and artists claim to have it. Governments promote its wonders to one and all. But what is it and where does it come from?
There are our wonderful natural flora and fauna, beaches and coral reefs and of course the tropical climate. Then there are the man-made elements of architecture, gardens and cuisine and the special Queensland sense of hospitality.
These are a mix of the home-grown and imported. Never an isolated wall-flower, Queensland welcomed streams of newcomers and visitors who brought the new with them. A can-do mentality bent them all into an enigmatically Queensland shape.
Critters and creepers
Exotic flora and fauna make Queensland into a fabled Mecca for scientists and developers.
Detail of orchid reproduced from Australian orchids, 1882, Robert D. FitzGerald
From the veranda
The veranda is an icon of Queensland architectural style but where does it come from?
Detail of the veranda at The Hollow, near Mackay, Queensland, ca. 1875
Creature comforts
Seasonal abundance and making-do create Queensland’s distinctive style.
Detail of cover of Mrs. Lance Rawson's cookery book and household hints
Last updated: 28th November 2011
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