‘Can you see the fingers?’ Ancient signs in the headland.
A sea eagle (mibunn) wheels overhead as Passfield details how Jabreen created the mountain we stand upon. The land here was once flat and covered with bees’ nests,he says. After feasting greedily on the honey,Jabreen swam out to the horizon to wash off the sticky debris and,returning tired,fell into a deep sleep.
Mother Nature punished his gluttony,and Jabreen woke to discover the ground opening up beneath him,great boulders dragging him down. Jabreen subsequently turned into rock,his fingers visible where he tried to claw his way out.
Most sun-seeking Australian holidaymakers could name at least one theme park on the Gold Coast. And all could identify the high rise-hemmed curves of Surfers Paradise,but few know the region’s oldest creation stories and their significance to the Yugambeh People.
First Nations guide Jason Passfield walking with the group through the rainforest.
At Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre,Traditional Owners are quietly sharing their culture and stories and connecting visitors to Country,in a destination not renowned for Indigenous tourism.
“First impressions,or even perceived knowledge of the Gold Coast,is generally that it is a new city,bright and busy,” says Kieran Chilcott,of not-for-profit parent organisation Kalwun Development Corporation.