Glasshouse mountains, SUNSHINE COAST AUSTRALIA

 

The Glasshouse Mountains rise uniquely out of the landscape sometimes covered in mist, bathed in rich light, or hammered by storms. I never tire of watching the seasons revolve around them.

GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS LEGENDS and SIGNIFICANCE

Glasshouse Mountains view from the iconic One Tree Hill, Maleny Mar 2020

ONE TREE HILL

This iconic native sour cherry tree has been photographed by professional photographers for more than 20 years.

Florence Woods, the owner of the property charged money to photograph one tree hill and glasshouse mountains on her property the profits of which have all been donated to local community organizations. Over the years so many groups have been assisted by the donations including Erowl Nursing home, Maleny Hospital, Naval Cadets, Neighbour Center and many others.

GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS SIGNIFICANCE

Sunset over Glasshouse Mountains Sue Moxon photos

The Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi people are the traditional owners of the Sunshine Coast region and the Glass House Mountains are of spiritual significance to them.  These mountains lie close to their traditional pathways and the peaks are individually important. There are sites within the Glasshouse Mountains that reveal their ancient occupation of this area including signs of past camping places, burial places, rock art and axe grinding grooves.

The Glass House Mountains were formed approximately 25-27 million years ago. They are volcanic plugs and  got their current name when Captain James Cook first sighted from sea in 1770.

ABORIGINAL LEGEND OF THE GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS

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In Aboriginal legend, the Glasshouse Mountains represent the family members: The Father - Tibrogargan. Mother - Beerwah. Children -Coonowrin, Beerburrum, the twins - Tunbubudla, the other twins- Coochin, Ngungun,  Tibberoowuccum, Saddleback, Round and Wildhorse 

One day, Tibrogargan noticed the waters rising and realising flood was approaching gathered his children and headed for the mountains.  He told Coonowrin to help his mother Beerwah, who was pregnant but Coonowrin ran off alone.  Angered, Tibrogargan chased down Coonowrin and struck at his neck.  

After the flood, the family returned to the plains but Coonowrin could no longer straighten his neck. The other children teased Coonowrin about his crooked neck as Tibrogargan wept with shame at his son’s cowardice. His tears formed a stream that flowed into the sea. Then the other children also wept tears that formed small streams that remain in the area today.

Later Tibrogargan asked Coonowrin why he hadn’t helped his mother. Coonowrin said that Beerwah was large and able to care for herself.  He didn’t know that she was pregnant, which was why she was so large.  Tibrogargan turned his back on his Coonowrin and never looked at him again