40,000 plus years in a day: The stories of North Stradbroke Island

For Elisha, Yura Tours provides not only the opportunity to share the beauty of her home, but also a chance to strengthen her own connection to Minjerribah, its Country, people, and spirit.

The passion in Elisha’s voice is clear as she explains the significance of Brown Lake / Bummeria, the first stop on a full-day cultural immersion with Yura Tours.

‘The bark of the tea tree falls off and sits at the bottom of the lake, and all of the beautiful properties come out of this bark and turn it into a healing lake.’

‘When you go swimming here your hair and your skin is cleansed because of the tea tree oils.’

The lake, quiet and calm on this sunny morning, is known as the women’s lake, and is where Elisha spent many happy childhood moments, swimming and learning about her culture.

As the day progresses, she introduces us to the characters and events that have shaped the island. A natural storyteller, Elisha’s energy is infectious as she relates stories that are funny, impactful, sometimes tragic, and always inspiring.

Elisha knows the best bush tucker spots. Image: Mark Eden

At Myora Spring / Capemba, Elisha explains the significance of this freshwater source as a traditional gathering place.

‘We would come here to eat seafood. Because of flies, we never ate seafood in camp, so here are thousands of years of seafood scraps. Many stories were told in this place — many gatherings — and, if you dig, you’ll find seafood dated 3,000 years. We’ve also just discovered a 40,000-year-old site. So, we’ve been able to prove our connection to Country for 40,000 years.’

The island is rich in flora and fauna.

At Point Lookout Gorge / Mulumba we scan the horizon in search of the humpback whales often seen offshore from June to September as they return south with new calves in tow. As we do, Elisha relates the story of how Mirrapool, the Wind Caller, created the South Passage, where the calm waters of Moreton Bay meet the rough waves of the ocean.

Excitement turns to reflection on our return trip to Brisbane / Meanjin. It has been an action-packed day of learning about the strength and knowledge of the First Nations peoples of Minjerribah through stories that link back through generations.

‘Nothing was written. Knowledge was passed through storytelling,’ Elisha says. ‘I’m sitting here now, telling stories of what my ancestors saw 25,000 years ago.’

Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah is a prime location for whale watching. Image: Mark Eden