A Town Called Witta January, 2004
Imagine my surprise when, looking at a map of Eastern Australia, I saw that there was a small town called Witta.
It was almost two years ago now, and we were spending the week on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, north of Brisbane. Aside from several coastal drives, we planned to do an inland daytrip. As Witta town was nearby, the decision to go find it was straight-forward. The "W" in Witta, the town, is pronounced as in witty, not with a V. Still, it was Witta, and I was thrilled to see my name in print -- on the Lutheran church (which is over 110 years old), on the cemetery gates, and on buildings and street signs! When your name is Witta, seeing your name written in public is rather unusual, so it's very special!
Witta is a town of 2000 or so, about 60 K west of the Pacific Ocean -- as the crow flies -- up in the Blackball (mountain) Range. It's not yet a major tourist destination, unless you happen to be a Witta! Witta sits near the top of the mountain; it's pretty country, though not spectacular The town was originally settled by Germans and named Teutoberg, but in 1916, due to anti-German sentiment associated with the Great War, the town was renamed Witta. This name apparently was derived from an Aboriginal word (either wutdah, meaning red cedar, or wetya, meaning dingo.) Hence the non-German pronunciation.
Witta is a tranquil country town, spread out, peaceful. In Nov. 2004, I received an email from Maree DeGraw who owns Spaviews, a Boutique Hotel Luxury Spa Accommodation (at http://www.spaviews.com.au ). Maree points out that there are 4- and 5-star resorts in Witta now. Their place is on the Panoramic side, opposite the Bar and Grill Restaurant and their gallery and cafe. We apparently overlooked their resort when we were there back in 2002. As Witta town is a quiet, relaxing place, it might well suit those looking for a secluded vacation or a place to wind down. Given that there are other resorts in Witta advertised on the Internet, tourist business in Witta apperas to be picking up. Who knows? YOU might even want to go there!
there is now a , next to their B&B.
Since most of you will never see the town called Witta, here's a taste.