Smyth, 1990:

Marine and Intertidal sites

"The locations listed below are all "story places", rather than modified archaeological sites.  That is, they are places which feature in local dreamtime stories which describe history, origins of rock formations, animals etc. and explanations for natural phenomena such as wind or lightning.

Some sites impose particular behavioural constraints on people in the area, while others may primarily serve as reminders, or evidence that particular events in dreamtime stories did actually happen.

The information about the sites is presented as described by informants. Expressions such as "people should keep away from that place" are the words of the community elders, not merely my recommendations.  Events in the stories are reported as factual happenings since that is the status accorded to them by local people.

In addition to these story sites, there are many named places (bays, points, reefs) to which no special dreamtime significance is ascribed. 

Hopevale sites

Site number: HV1 Name: Pethebridge Islets (language name not known)

Description: Fringing reef around islets approximately five nautical miles north-east of Starcke River mouth.
Significance: Formerly this was the main collecting location for baler shells for trading with inland tribes..

Site number: HV2 Name: Gamayru (water snake)

Description: Two freshwater springs emerging from rocks in the intertidal zone near the mough of Blackwater Creek, approximately four nautical miles west of Cape Flattery.
Significance: The springs are connected to an important story centered at nearby Wuyii, involving the origin of water, and all sea and land animals.  The water is believed to spring from two Dugul sisters (turtles) (see Gordon and Haviland, 1980).

Site number: HV3 Name: (not known)

Description: Large horizontal rock supported by two upright rocks in intertidal zone in bay approximately two nautical miles south of Cape Flattery.
Significance: Old burial site

Site number: HV4  Name: Burrirkha (Beor Reef)

Description: Small inshore reef approximately 2 nautical miles south-east of the McIvor River mouth.
Significance: People fishing or going near that place can be pulled under water by Burrirkha, the octopus.

Yarrabah sites

Site number: YB2 Name: Tom Rock (language name not known)

Description: Large, round rock exposed at low tide about 30 metres east-south-east of False Cape.
Significance: The rock is the head of the hunter chasing the whatle.  The hunter is still waiting for the whale to return to the water.  This rock moves around.

Site number: YB4 Name: Banggiilan (Pelican Rocks)

Description: Group of three rocks emerging from the water approximately 0.5 nautical mile south of Deception Point.
Significance: Place where canoes of an invading tribe from Russell River were sunk." 

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Citation and/or URL

Smyth, D. (1990). Consultancy report - Aboriginal maritime culture in the Cairns section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.  

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Spatial Coverage

Cairns regions of the Great Barrier Reef

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Temporal Coverage

1990

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Update Frequency

Not applicable 

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Other Information

None