BootsnAll Travel Network



The Legend of Brokenhead Beach

Brokenhead Headland, the place where we’re Wwoofing, has an ancient and significant role in the aboriginal history of the area. Much like every other coastal area in eastern Australia, they have an aboriginal slaughter story. It’s horrific, but not uncommon. A large quantity of flower was stolen from the trading post. The aboriginals were blamed for the theft and slaughtered by gunfire. That is actually much more humane than some other areas where the white men poisoned the aboriginals by lacing their gifts of food with strychnine.

The legend dates back to aboriginal times and has to very distinct and interesting ending.

A woman, Gorgogan was born and lived in Woodenbong to the north of Brokenhead Beach. She magically flew south to the beach and became a spirit. During the day, she would appear as the black rocks on the shore along with many other women spirits. At night she would

Ending One: Appear as a light at sea and lure certain men to their deaths.

Ending Two: Appear as a light at sea.

The differences of the two tales are fascinating to me. Which men were lured? Who was responsible, the men or the spirit. The questions can go on indefinitely. I love it.

According to a local aboriginal authority, the second version is most likely the original. Aboriginal takes generally have ambiguous and peaceful endings.

– Carrie



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-1 responses to “The Legend of Brokenhead Beach”

  1. mom says:

    Was is flour or flower stolen from the trading post? Interesting story!

  2. […] Anything else? Carrie also had the opportunity to do something I really enjoy: learn a local legend, in this case, an aboriginal one, which dates back to aboriginal times and has two possible endings: “A large quantity of flour was stolen from the trading post. The aboriginals were blamed for the theft and slaughtered by gunfire. That is actually much more humane than some other areas where the white men poisoned the aboriginals by lacing their gifts of food with strychnine… “A woman, Gorgogan, was born and lived in the area. She magically flew south to the beach and became a spirit. During the day, she would appear as the black rocks on the shore along with many other women spirits. At night she would – Ending One: Appear as a light at sea and lure certain men to their deaths. Ending Two: Appear as a light at sea.” […]

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