Redcliffe History

Redcliffe Historical Society Inc

The History of Queensland's First Settlement at Redcliffe

For over 4,000 years, the Redcliffe area was inhabited by the Ningy Ningy; the Aboriginal people who roamed from the North Pine River to Toorbul Point. They also had camps on Moreton and Bribie Islands. Captain James Cook sailed past the area while charting the east coast in 1770. On July 17, 1799, Matthew Flinders saw the strongly impregnated red ironstone cliff face (on what is now known as Woody Point) and actually wrote on his chart 'Red cliff Point'. Redcliffe Jetty from SS 'Koopa' - 1950 With the passage of time, Redcliffe has passed through phases of land sub-division and development, farming, a favourite holiday place and now a city of around 50,000 people. Redcliffe has recently entered into a new phase of its history, becoming a part of the amalgamated Moreton Bay Regional Council. Visit Redcliffe Historical Society Website

Redcliffe Historical Society Museum - 1990 John Oxley recommended the site of Redcliffe to Governor Brisbane as suitable for a convict settlement. On September 14, 1824, Lieutenant Henry Miller arrived on the brig 'Amity' and led a group of about 70 people including soldiers (some with families) of the 40th Regiment of Foot, 29 convicts and explorers to establish the First European Settlement in Queensland. While the settlement lasted only until May 1825, it saw the birth of the first white child in the colony, its first death, the construction of the first brick kiln, the erection of the first pre-fabricated house (for the commandant) and it is said, the first weir in Queensland. Redcliffe Picture Palace - 1920

Become a Society Member and Discover More About Redcliffe

The Redcliffe Historical Society Inc was formed at a public meeting on 23rd of February, 1967 for the purpose of preserving and documenting the history of Redcliffe and surrounding areas. Mr James Houghton was elected Foundation President.

The Society conducts meetings on the 2nd Friday of each month at the Redcliffe City Library as well as holding Saturday Seminars, which feature a speaker covering topics of historical interest.

A popular event is an Annual Dinner that features a guest speaker with a broader interest.

Members work together on historical projects throughout the Peninsula in conjunction with the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the Redcliffe Museum and Redcliffe City Library. The Society also provides Tour Guides for the Henry Miller Trail Historic Walk, as well as mini bus tours of historic sites around the Peninsula.

The Society acts as a contact point for Redcliffe residents who have valuable historical memorabilia which they may wish to donate or are willing to have recorded for future generations.

Overall the Redcliffe Historical Society is a strong, healthy, pro-active organisation and always welcomes new members. To learn more about the Society or Membership, visit our website www.redcliffehistoricalsociety.com or contact The Secretary on telephone (07) 3284 0028 or by mail at PO Box 370, Redcliffe 4020.

Redcliffe Historical Society aims to
Research, Collect, Evaluate, Preserve, Inform, Promote and Honour Redcliffe History.

Visit Redcliffe Historical Society Website