The history of travel is the history of human development. From the first time we ventured out of our caves looking for greener pastures, to the first time we encountered tribes that spoke different languages, to the first time we flew like birds.
Here are a few of the major developments that happened this week in travel history.
The Aussie icon and “Crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin was born on 22 February 1962 in Essendon, Melbourne.
Until his tragic death in September 2006, Irwin was one of the most popular Australian TV personalities, promoting our sun drenched beaches around the world.
And it looks like TV may be in the Irwin’s blood.
Bindi Irwin, the pocket-sized daughter of the legendary Aussie, recently took part in the American TV show Dancing with the Stars.
Just like her dad, Bindi is helping to promote the Sunshine Coast, even attributing a few of her performances on the hit US show to the Australia Zoo and Sunshine Coast.
On the same day, but back in 1928, Bert Hinkler – the Australian aviator –became the first person to fly solo from the UK to Australia.
The trip took 16 days – much, much, much more than the 23+ hours it takes most airlines to make it to that part of the world.
With Qatar Airways recently announcing flights ex Sydney to Europe, we also think the trip over to London would be a hell of a lot more comfortable too.
And lastly, it was on 26 February 1606 that the Dutch explorer Willem Jansz became the first recorded European to land on Australia’s shores.
Yep, it wasn’t the British who first sunk their toes into Australian sand.
Unfortunately, Jansz lost ten of his men on his Aussie holiday (due to indigenous hostility).
These days, Queensland is much more welcoming, especially the Gold Coast, with tons of cool events happening this year showcasing its hospitality.
