Lakeland
The farming centre of Lakeland Downs (recently, and more commonly, Lakeland) is in the Cook Shire on Western Yalanji country, around the junction of the Peninsula Developmental Road and the Mulligan Highway.
The locality is named for William (Billy) Lakeland and is often promoted as the gateway to the Cape York Peninsula . It includes much of Butchers Hill Station, taken up by James Earl in March 1877, the adjacent Springvale Station, and the former West Normanby goldfield.
Significant groundwater supplies feed numerous springs and provide irrigation water for growing maize, sorghum, peanuts, bananas, pawpaws, watermelons, coffee, and intensive cattle grazing. Recent developments have introduced a variety of exotic produce, including teak, sandalwood, and African mahogany.
Links:
Butchers Hill Station
James Earl
Springvale Station
West Normanby goldfield
William (Billy) Lakeland
