Mr Murchison, tragically, was on his final patrol before resigning. As for Mr Kelly, a senior inspector, it was his first patrol after taking up duties in Bundaberg about a month before. The men would normally not have ventured so far north around Bustard Bay, but with the Gladstone inspector on leave, the duo decided to take up the patrol. On June 24, an oar and hat were found at Jenny Lind Creek around noon, prompting a full-scale search of land, air and sea. The search was called off when torn and ripped clothing, that looked like it had been in the jaws of sharks, was discovered.
THE HISTORY of Queensland oldest operating coastal lighthouse at Bustard Head reads like a Hollywood script featuring murder, suicide, shark attacks, drownings, and ultimate triumph over adversity. Stuart Buchanan began his first stint as lighthouse keeper at the 152-year-old structure in 1974, and has written six books during that time about the fascinating tales associated with the historic light. These include
Light of their Lives: The fight to save Bustard Head. An aerial photo of the Bustard Head lighthouse and the 1770 LARC, which conducts regular tours to the historic light station.
Construction Bustard Head Lighthouse Association Inc president Stuart Buchanan said the cast iron structure was designed and its heavy panels founded in the United Kingdom, before being shipped to Australia and assembled on site.
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With school holidays almost coming to an end, there are still plenty of things left to do in the region.
One of them is visiting the abundance of naturally beautiful spots we have in Central Queensland.
Here are nine waterholes you must visit in Central Queensland to beat the heat this summer:
1. Blackman’s Gap, Boyne Valley
Located in the Boyne Valley, Blackmans Gap is a one hour and nine minute drive from Gladstone.
Turn off the Gladstone Monto Rd onto Blackmans Gap and drive for a few kilometres until you find a small parking area.