Queensland, Part IV

This is the forth flight in Queensland, Australia.

We depart from Mackay (YBMK) and follow the coast south. There are very few airports, but eventually, we reach Williamson Shoalwater (YWIS), a military training area. Continuing southeast we reach Samuel Hill (YSMH), an airfield that also belongs to the Military training area. Heading south we arrive at Rockhampton (YBRK). The economy of Rockhampton has strengths in tourism, health, and agriculture. The Central Queensland University founded in 1967, has its main campus at Norman Gardens, and is the only Australian university with a campus presence in every mainland state. The city is served by Rockhampton Airport, and Port Alma, located at the south end of the Fitzroy River delta. Rockhampton is renowned for its history and heritage and has been sometimes referred to as the "Melbourne of the North", because of its tree-lined boulevards and laneways. The city's historic quarter is one of Australia's most significant 19th-century streetscapes and is listed on the National Trust; the quarter comprises three city blocks along Quay Street, from Fitzroy to Derby Street, and is known for its neoclassical architecture, dining, and nightlife.

50 miles southwest we reach Gladstone (YGLA). In 1847 the British attempted to establish the new colony of North Australia at Port Curtis. Colonel George Barney was chosen to lead this experiment in colonization and his expedition was eventful. On 25 January 1847, the Lord Auckland, carrying 87 soldiers and convicts, arrived off the southern entrance of Port Curtis and promptly ran aground on shoals off the southern tip of Facing Island. The settlers spent seven weeks on the island before being rescued by the supply ship Thomas Lowry and delivered the intended settlement site, the region now known as Barney Point. On 30 January at a proclamation ceremony, Barney was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of the colony of North Australia. The convict settlement lasted barely two months and cost the Imperial government £15,000. A change of government in Britain ordered the withdrawal of Barney and the settlers. However, interest in the region remained. By 1853, Francis MacCabe was surveying the site of a new town on the shores of Port Curtis under the protection of several detachments of Native Police. In 1963, Queensland Alumina Limited established its alumina refinery on the site of the old meatworks. Gladstone's port facilities were expanded and the city launched into an era of industrial development and economic prosperity. We continue southeast and reach today’s destination, Bundaberg (YBUD). The Bundaberg central business district is situated along the southern bank of the Burnett River. The city is on a rich coastal plain, supporting one of the nation's most productive agricultural regions. Popular nicknames for Bundaberg include "Bundy", "Rum City", and "The 'Berg". The economy of Bundaberg is based primarily on agriculture, forestry, fishing, and tourism. Bundaberg also has a major distillery and brewery industry that exports to international markets. The city is served by the Port of Bundaberg and the Bundaberg Airport. Bundaberg has a rich history and culture, along with its humid subtropical climate it is known for its weeping fig trees, dry stone walls, and historic plantations, including the Fairymead Plantation and the Sunnyside Sugar Plantation. Bundaberg is a popular tourism destination, the city's hinterland includes the historic towns of Childers and Gin Gin, Lake Monduran, Cania Gorge National Park, and the Promisedland mountain bike trails.  The flight has about 320 miles and 4 landings. Every single engine or light twin GA aircraft cruising at about 180 knots is suitable. I will be in the C414, please fly what you like.

Flight plans are here.

There are 4 freeware addons available.

YWIS: https://flightsim.to/file/60395/williamson-ywis-shoalwater-military-training-area

YBRK: https://flightsim.to/file/26236/rockhampton-ybrk

YGLA: https://flightsim.to/file/19422/ygla-gladstone

YBUD: https://flightsim.to/file/16950/bundaberg-ybud

Mackay, Rockhampton, and Gladstone are available as Payware from/via ORBX.

We try real weather. Please set your simulator for a 9:00 am departure.

Multiplayer Particulars
Date and time: Sunday, September 15, 2024. 1800 UTC
Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: United States East server.
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