COMMUNITY NEWS - Australia’s early adventurers

Through the evocative power of early photography a new exhibition, On the Heights, invites you to step into the world of Australia’s pioneering mountaineers.  

The historical exhibition celebrates the adventurers who transformed climbing into a cultural movement and takes visitors on a visual journey through an extraordinary period in Sunshine Coast history. 

Drawing from archival photographs, newspaper accounts, and personal collections from the early 1900s to 1930s, the free exhibition is curated by climber and historian Michael Meadows. 

On the Heights is presented by Landsborough Museum and Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct and is open until March 29. 

Among the stories featured are the Clarke Sisters (c.1912), who cycled from New Farm to Bankfoot House for a weekend of climbing, and Bert Armitage Salmon, whose remarkable collection of photographs documents the rise of a social movement in Queensland.  

These images, alongside accounts of the Dimes Sisters and others, reveal a time when women found their place on the heights, escaping the limits of conventional society. 

Sunshine Coast Council’s Heritage Portfolio Councillor David Law said the exhibition was a meaningful tribute to the region’s history and landscape. 

“We acknowledge that past practices, such as recreational climbing, did not always respect the values of Jinibara and Kabi Kabi Peoples, for whom the Glass House Mountains hold deep spiritual and cultural meaning,” Cr Law said.  

“While the exhibition focuses on photographic evidence and personal stories from the early 20th century, we remain committed to truth-telling and reconciliation, ensuring visitors understand both the historical context and the ongoing cultural significance of these landscapes.  

“On the Heights combines well-known stories with new research and rare items that bring these historical stories vividly to life. Thanks to our Heritage Levy, we can share these stories in ways that engage all ages and interests. 

“Today, some of the peaks, climbed by the early adventurers and featured in the exhibition, are protected as culturally significant sites and are closed for recreational climbing, reflecting our shared responsibility to honour and preserve these sacred places.”  

Official park signage and webpages usually indicate when mountains hold spiritual and sacred significance for First Nations Peoples, who would prefer people did not climb the summits.  

Visitors are encouraged to check park information before climbing any mountain and respecting First Nations Peoples’ beliefs and wishes by choosing not to climb and considering alternative routes. 

Important safety disclaimer: Climbing is inherently dangerous and should only be undertaken with proper preparation, equipment, and experience.  

Many of the peaks featured in this exhibition are now protected as culturally significant sites and are closed to recreational climbing.  

Visitors are strongly advised to follow Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service guidelines and respect all closures and cultural protocols when exploring the region. 

The exhibition is at Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Road, Glass House Mountains and Landsborough Museum 4 Maleny Street, Landsborough. Entry is free, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–3pm. For more information, including talks, events and workshops, visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.