In July 1925 there was a gathering, called a Corroboree, of 400 Boy Scouts from five states of Australia on the banks of the Coomera River at the Franklin property, now Kokoda Barracks.
This was not just a gathering. The Scouts, in Patrols of six, were dropped at various stations along the South Coast Railway, ie Pimpama, Coomera or Nerang. Others took the Train to Beaudesert and then onto the Beaudesert Tramway to stops like Lamington, which was near the present day Hillview at Christmas Creek.
From these starting points, carrying all their food and camping equipment, over six days they would walk to the Corroboree site. Only once they had arrived at those starting points of the walks were they given a rudimentary map and a sealed envelope with directions on how to get to the final meeting point near Canungra.
These are walk directions for Patrol 3 (Qld) and 31b (NSW) starting at Lamington Station, Hillview:
Day 1: NE-cross ridge, cross Widgee Ck, cross Jinbroken Range to junction of two branches Albert R. Camp.
Open route (instructions) for day 2: NNE- cross Stockyard Creek, cross Mt Alexander ridge to E of Mt Alexander, cross Duck Creek and ridge, camp Cainbable Creek with Patrols 16 and 18.
Receive and open route for Day 3: 4 mile N crossing Cainbable Creek where convenient, then hike NE over Canungra Range. Camp on Canungra Ck NW of Mt David with Patrols 3, 31b, 16 and 18.
Receive and open route for day 4: Cross Darlington Range by track up ridge leading to saddle N of Mt David—track runs from near back of small house on R bank of creek. Be careful to get this track—difficult country on back side of it. The Coomera River from here is about 2mile E from Canungra Ck. Go to Coomera River and cross it by Tramway Bridge. Inspect Bora Ring and then follow tramway to Flying Fox School reserve. Camp.
Day 5: Follow Coomera River N and camp near sharp bend on Res 523 about half mile past Beechmont turnoff.
Day 6: Follow the river to Corroboree ground.
So how did you go? Would you have made a Boy Scout in 1925 or even 2023?
If you have information about the Corroboree, the Canungra & District Historical Association would be pleased to add your story or photo to this tale.
Canungra & District Historical Association meets twice a month on a Wednesday at the Centenary Building, Canungra Showgrounds.
We are always looking for new members.
Contact us on 0408 435 655, email: canungrahistoryinc@gmail.com or like our Facebook page.
