Backpack Bear - Quiz 9 Answers

Why do people in rural and remote Australia appreciate the work of Reverend John Flynn? He initiated the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Which Australian dancer was named Australian of the Year in 1965? Sir Robert Helpmann
Who were the first Australians to win an Oscar? Damien Parer & Ken Hall for a documentary on the Kokoda Trail 1942
Even though the claim was not registered or mined, when was gold first discovered by a European in Australia? In 1823 James McBrien found traces of gold near Bathurst, NSW. However, early discoveries of gold in Australia were hushed up by the authorities for fear that all the convicts, soldiers and public servants would stop work to hunt for their fortune.
Who was Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith's business and flying partner? Charles Ulm
Can you identify these native birds?

brolga
budgerigar
emu
galah
jabiru
kookaburra
lyrebird
magpie

What is the name of the large star on the Australian flag? Federation Star
Which observatory near Canberra was destroyed by bushfires in 2003? Mt Stromlo
Which prime minister was sacked by the governor-general on November 11, 1975? Edward Gough Whitlam
What business is associated with with South Australia's Penfold family? Wine
If you had won the Walkley Award, which profession would you be in? Journalism
In which year did the $1.00 coin replace the $1.00 note? 1984

13. What is the name of the Aboriginal instrument that is shaped like a long pipe? Didgeridoo

14. Which artist born on March 9 1856 was known as the father of Australian landscape painting? Tom Roberts

15. In which science was John Tebbut famous? Astronomy

16. Which state does not have a common border with any other state? Tasmania

17. In which sport did Belinda Clark captain Australia? Cricket

18. Which husband and wife team made the first recorded flight in Australian history in a biplane glider in 1909? George and Florence Taylor

19. If you were given an Akubra, what would you do with it? Wear it because it's a hat

20. Who were the three animal mascots for the Sydney 2000 Olympics? Olly (kookaburra); Syd (platypus); Millie (echidna)

This week I’ve travelled to a town that has a rich maritime heritage, particularly associated with the whaling industry of yesteryear. Pretty much surrounded by national park on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the other, the bay that the town nestles on is one of the deepest natural harbours in the southern hemisphere. Although known to the local indigenous people for thousands of years, the bay wasn’t mapped until 1798 by George Bass and Mathew Flinders.

Although whalers seeking the Southern Right Whale (so named because it was the ‘right’ whale for their commercial purposes) were in the area in the late 18^th century, it wasn’t permanently settled until 1828, with whaling being the main attraction and the first shore whaling station on mainland Australia was established. Remains of this industry are still clearly visible along the “Whale Trail” today, and the legend of Old Tom, a killer whale who herded smaller whales into the bay, is one of the main attractions at the local museum. In fact, even today, whaling is a primary industry of the town, not hunting them but spotting them as the humpbacks pass through on their migratory routes and you can see them from the shore if you’re lucky.

The discovery of gold at Kiandra in the NSW high country led to the town becoming a port bringing many to the area in search of elusive and mythical riches. While that foundered when the rush ended in 1866, and whaling in the 1920s, commercial fisherman used the port extensively and now, with the extension of the wharf just completed, it is a haven for large cruise ships like the Queen Elizabeth. Here’s a photo I took on an earlier trip here.

It has always been my dream to live by the sea again where I can sit and watch the ships come in, so I might just stay here a while.

Where am I? Eden, NSW