The Sunshine Coast Back Story
December 28th, 2009 by Zane Archer, under Vacations. No Comments
The Glass House Mountains are a curious group of volcanic crags rising up from the coastal plain about 20km north of Caboolture. Aboriginal legend talks of these rocky peaks as belonging to a family of Mountain Spirits. The Story is called The Weeping Mountain and his Wayward Son.
It is said that the Mountain Spirits were reigned over by Tibrogargan, who is said to be the father of all tribes. His wife, Beerwah and he had children, of which Coonowrin was the oldest. He also had twin sibling, Tunbubudla and Coochin, as well as Ngngun, Tibberoowuccum, Miketeebumulgrai and Elimbah.
The tale is said that Tibrogargan was looking to the coast and saw that the sea level was rising. He was afraid because Beerwah was near the water. He was also worried about his children, but couldn’t save all of them. In this case, he called to Coonowrin, the eldest to help him mother. While Tibrogargan collected the rest of his children, he glanced back to see if Coonowrin had brought his mother to safety. Shockingly, Coonowrin had run away and left his mother. Tibrogargan was so angry that he picked up his club and hit Coonowrin, dislocating his neck.
When the flood went down, the family could go back home. When his siblings saw his crooked neck, Coonowrins felt ashamed from their teasing. He went to his father to ask for his forgiveness. His father wept large tears of despair, asking why he didn’t help his own mother. The son responded that she was bigger than them all and should have been able to take care of herself. What he did not know what that she was very pregnant. The siblings all began to weep, forming many streams reaching to the sea.
According to the law of the tribe, Tibrogargan could not forgive his son who had disgraced him so he turned his back on Coonowrin forever. To this day Tibrogargan faces out to sea while his son hangs his crooked neck in same and cries. As for Beerwah, well she is still pregnant.
When looking for a decent Caloundra Accommodation, visit sunshinecoastinformation.com.au for the best prices. We can help you locate the best combinations for all families when it comes to Caloundra Hotels.
