Population 243 (2011 census) Mean max temp Mean min temp Postal code 4871 | Postcode(s) 4871 Elevation 292 m Local time Sunday 11:52 PM | |
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Weather 25°C, Wind E at 8 km/h, 67% Humidity | ||
Georgetown is a town and locality in the Shire of Etheridge, Queensland, Australia. In the 2011 census, Georgetown had a population of 243 people.
Contents
- Map of Georgetown QLD 4871 Australia
- Geography
- History
- Heritage listings
- Facilities
- In popular culture
- References
Map of Georgetown QLD 4871, Australia
Geography
Georgetown is on the Etheridge River in Far North Queensland, Australia. The Gulf Developmental Road passes through the town, linking Cairns - 380 kilometres (240 mi) to the east - and Normanton - 301 kilometres (187 mi) to the west. Georgetown is the administrative headquarters of the Shire of Etheridge, a local government area encompassing the nearby settlements of Mount Surprise, Forsayth and Einasleigh.
History
The Etheridge River was the site of a gold rush in the 1870s; the town of Georgetown was established on the site of the diggings. Originally known by the name Etheridge, the town's name was changed in 1871 to honour an early gold commissioner, Howard St George. Georgetown Post Office opened on 15 January 1872. Georgetown State School opened on 14 Sep 1874.
By 1900 grazing had replaced gold mining as the region's primary source of income.
At the 2006 census, Georgetown had a population of 254.
Heritage listings
Georgetown has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
Facilities
Georgetown has a public library, racecourse, swimming pool and a tourist information centre and camping/caravan park.
In 2014, Georgetown State School had an enrolment of 57 students with 3 teachers.
In popular culture
Georgetown is one of the real locations mentioned several times in the novel "A Town Like Alice" by Nevil Shute.