LEGENDS OF THE OUTBACK
Frank Jardine - Cape York pioneer
His name will forever be linked with Cape York Peninsula. Described as tough - some say ruthless - Frank Jardine opened up the far northern tip of Australia, and left behind a legacy that still touches people today.
Story and photos Ron and Viv Moon
The settlement of Somerset, near the tip of Cape York Peninsula and a popular destination for adventurous travellers today, was founded in 1864. Established as a government outpost and a supply station for passing shipping trade, it was also seen as a place of refuge and as a garrison town in a wild and remote region of the relatively new colony of Queensland. It was even described, rather grandiosely, as a new ' Singapore of the south', by the governor of the day.
Police magistrate John Jardine was sent to Somerset with a small detachment
of marines and other government officials to establish the settlement. He commissioned
his sons, Frank and Alec, then 22 and 20 respectively, to bring a mob of cattle
up from the family property Carpentaria Downs, near Rockhampton, to the fledgling
settlement, which was in need of fresh supplies.
Full story Issue 34 April/May 2004
