Typically Queensland
Queenslander house
1. Backyard BBQs
The backyard BBQ has become somewhat of a Queensland institution. The weekend tradition perfectly epitomises our relaxed and 'outdoorsy' way of life. What's a summer lunch on the patio without a lamb chop, a couple of snags and a cool ale?
2. Queenslander house
The traditional Queenslander is a timber home set on stumps with an iron roof and deep verandah. The primary reason for this architectural style is Queensland's climate. Our long hot summer days often end with a torrential downpour. A house with wide verandahs provides shelter from these conditions. Being built off the ground allows cooler air to pass through the home.
3. XXXX beer
Brewed since 1924, Fourex (or just plain XXXX) is Queensland's beer. The blend of hops produces a distinct bitter flavour with a light texture. Not surprisingly, it is perfect for BBQs on a warm afternoon. The winking Mr Fourex, atop of the Milton brewery in Brisbane, is one of the most recognised trademarks in the State.
4. Bundy Rum (and Bear)
In 1888, the first barrel of Bundaberg Rum literally rolled out of the production line. In 1961, the company chose a polar bear as its corporate mascot, on the basis that their product could "ward off the coldest chill of winter". Today, the dark rum, through its many trials and tribulations, has gained recognition as one of Australia's favoured spirits.
5. Sunshine
Life is great in the Sunshine State! Sunshine warms the body and lifts the spirit. How many mums have nudged their kids off the couch, saying, 'turn that television off and get out into the sunshine!' The warmth of the rays reminds us Spring is on its way or that Summer is definitely here. Just don't forget to 'slip, slop, slap'.
6. Bowen mango
Queenslanders say the best place to eat a mango is in the bath. It's easy to see why when you sink your teeth into a mango from the town of Bowen. Bowen mangos are known as the cream of the crop and the first batch of this sought-after summer fruit is traditionally auctioned to kick off the mango season.
7. Summer afternoon storms
Guaranteed to liven up a backyard cricket match, summer storms are part and parcel of the Queensland way of life. At about three or four o'clock on thick, humid days we see storm clouds approach from the west and know that after the downpour there will be welcome relief from the heat. Loud thunder and wild lightning dance across the sky—a dramatic end to a long hot summer's day.
8. Waltzing Matilda
It's Australia's unofficial national anthem. The words were written by Banjo Paterson, and the score by Christina Macpherson, at Dagworth Station near Winton, in January 1895. It is thought to have been first performed publicly at the North Gregory Hotel in Winton, on 6 April 1895, apparently at a banquet for the Premier of Queensland.
9. Macadamia nut
The macadamia nut was originally called the 'Australian bush nut'. The trees were found by early settlers at Mount Bauple near Maryborough in southeast Queensland, however local Aborigines have feasted on them for thousands of years. The macadamia nut is the only plant food native to Australia that is produced and exported in significant quantity.
10. Maroon
It's the colour of Queensland. Our State of Origin team is commonly referred to as 'The Maroons' in reference to the colour of their jersey.
11. Jacaranda tree
For students, a Jacaranda in bloom signals the time to start preparing for end of year exams. For everyone else, the lavender flowers simply proclaim that spring has arrived. The trees have become an iconic part of Brisbane's landscape, their proliferation due, in part, to the practice in the 1930s and 40s of giving new mothers a jacaranda sapling to plant after they left the maternity ward.
12. Cane fields
In Queensland's early days, sugar cane was cut by hand with crude, handmade knives – a physically demanding task. The cane cutters, who included Kanakas and migrants, worked in gangs of seven or eight, from dawn until it was too dark to see. They encountered rats and snakes and often suffered cuts, blisters and boils. In regional Queensland, you can drive for miles with nothing but cane fields to your left and right.
13. Cane toad
It'll never win a beauty contest but the cane toad has been listed by the National Trust of Queensland as a state icon. An imported pest and a threat to native wildlife, it's certainly one we would be happy to lose. However, the colloquial term 'cane toad' is one of affection, referring to an inhabitant of Queensland, particularly a player or supporter of our State of Origin football team.
14. Thongs
You'd be hard pressed to find a household without a pair of thongs propped up against the door mat. They are the must-have footwear for summer. A Queensland favourite.
15. Mud crab
They're expensive but worth every cent – a Queensland specialty that lives up to its reputation as a gourmet delight. The mud crab is enjoyed for its strong, sweet flavour and distinctive firm flesh.
The inclusion of a person, event, invention or place on the Q150 icons list is not intended to offend or upset any individual member or groups of the public nor does it constitute an endorsement or affiliation by Q150, the State of Queensland, their officers, employees or agents with that person, event, invention, place, or any affiliated product or service.
Last reviewed 4 June 2009
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