How Queenstown Became The Adventure Capital Of The World

Through the ages, generations of brave and determined people have moulded Queensland into an easily accessible place for people across the globe. However, Queensland is still identified as the adventure capital of the world for its array of adventurous activities offered for its myriad of visitors.

History

For ages in the past, Maori tribes fashioned trails through Queensland for hunting purposes and in search of greenstones. The first party of European adventurers was led towards the shores of Lake Wakatipu by Maori chief Reko in 1856. Afterward, many pioneers of Queensland followed them looking for fertile farmland, during which many sacrificed their lives in the rapid waters of Lake Wakatipu. Those who survived the raging water had to undergo many hardships, including floods, steep mountains, and heavy snow during the making of their settlements. Once gold was discovered in the lands of Queensland, many daring souls braved the treacherous paths that revolved their livelihood around the mining industry. They survived under basic conditions to make a living out of the fatal mining industry. Apart from the brutal topography, these courageous men and women struggled through mud and hailstorms, all while nurturing and taking care of their infants. Babies were often transported in cases that were thrown over the backs of packhorses, who trudged across narrow mountain paths. When the gold ran out in the end, these settlers opted for other means of income by which they could stay in Queensland and raise their families.

How mountain climbing became an adventure sport

For the pioneers who settled down under Queensland's harsh conditions, mountain climbing was an integral part of making their living. It was when Reverend W. S. Green tried his luck with climbing Mount Earnslaw that mountain climbing became a highly-sought adventure sport in Queensland. Several years after Reverend Green's unsuccessful attempt, Harry Birley, a popular Glenorchy guide, bagged the glory of conquering Mount Earnslaw. Several years later, the brothers Malcolm and Kenneth Ross became the next successful mountaineers ever to have conquered Mount Earnslaw. Even after many centuries, many rock climbers, canyoners, and mountaineers make it their life goal to explore Queenstown's challenging peaks and valleys. By the 20th century, there was a growing demand for adventure tourism in the region of Queensland. Many adrenaline junkies sought out this region to exhilarate in its breathtaking landscapes and sheer drops. At present, many of these challenging trails are enjoyed by mountain bikers as well.

The rise of water adventures

Jet boating, another popular adventure activity in Queensland, was invented by Bill Hamilton. It was primarily developed as a means of travelling in rivers that found their way through his farmlands. He created a unique water jet propulsion method that allowed him to propel his boats at such speeds that weren't achieved by other contemporary propeller-driven boats. Thanks to Bill Hamilton, the 1960s saw the rise of the commercial jet boat industry that made good money by offering rides to tourists along Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. When the early 1970s brought white water rafting to the world of adventure sporting, the raging rivers that once proved hazardous to Queensland's pioneer settlers transformed into an adventure land. Here, many adventure enthusiasts started enjoying exhilarating water sports such as white water rafting, kayaking, river surfing, and sledging. During your stay at the best ski resort in Queenstown the likes of Oaks Queenstown Club Suites, one can head over to Lake Wakatipu, where opportunities of kite skiing, parasailing abound.

How bungy jumping became an international phenomenon

On 12th November 1988, Queensland's first-ever commercial Bungy operation was launched at the historic Kawarau Bridge. Although it was considered as a one-off situation by many locals in the area, Bungy jump quickly rose to stardom and became an international phenomenon. Today, it remains as one of the opening events of the adventure sprees undertaken by many visitors around the clock. Bungy jump has also inspired more coveted and gravity-defying adventure sports such as canyon swings and zip lining, which become more exhilarating with the captivating surrounding in which they are based.