In the early 1850s there was agitation to separate the settlement from New South Wales. The area was granted self-government against strong opposition on 13 May 1859 and became the colony of Queensland on 10 December 1859.

Postal History
First POs opened at Brisbane in 1834, and White in 1842 (closed soon after). Handstruck markings similar to New South Wales types were issued and stamps of that colony introduced at Queensland POs as they opened until 1860. By that time there were 15 POs in the colony. Each was allocated a numeral canceller in the New South Wales series, which they retained. Brisbane was still using the 95 numeral in 1895. As new POs were opened, numerals were allocated and these remained in use until 1915, when they were withdrawn by federal directive.

The Queensland dependency of Thursday Island, north of Cape York, was the first point of call for vessels leaving British New Guinea (q.v.) and for several of the Japanese and other shipping lines operating between South-east Asia and Australasia. Its numerals (51 [1871], 136, 148 and 336) can be found on the stamps of many countries, probably as a transit marking or 'posted on board'.

Stamps of Queensland were used in British New Guinea in 1884-91. Queensland provided the main trading link with South-east Asia and in 1882 signed a postal treaty with Hong Kong. Stamps of both countries can be found with each other's postmarks when letters were posted on board ship.

The colony joined the UPU in 1891, and continued to issue its own stamps until the first Australian stamps were released in 1913.