Bulimba Creek Camp

Stage Number: MBSH.03.04.08

Group: Southern

Local Study Area: Murarrie-Cannon Hill

Epoch: Early 19th Century

Street Address: Just east of Gateway Bridge overpass between Paringa and Riverview Roads – former Borthwick Meatworks site, Murrarie

Latitude & Longitude: -27.44583333,153.10738889

Time Link: 1823

Map Link: 1891

Image Time Point: 1891

Information

Large and important Camp and Bora Ground occupying an important crossing and fishing area at the mouth of Bulimba Creek (which once emptied here) during the 1830s-1860s and apparently from pre-settlement. The Campsite had many important resources including wetland waterfowl, honey, ochre, and useful stone. This is where warrior leader Yilbung was shot dead in 1846, and where Mulrobin – a major southside leader – died in 1852. The Camp was burnt down in a raid by the Native Police in 1861 – huts and impliments destroyed – but seems to have continued for decades after, as there was a violent fight between ‘Ben’ and ‘Punch’ here in 1873, and in 1882, King Billy of Bulimba died here.

Citations

Ray Kerkhove, 2015, Aboriginal Campsites of Greater Brisbane (Salisbury: Boolarong), 164.

Image Citations

Map References

QSA. QSA Series 1748 Moreton District, County of Stanley Maps – A1 Series. 1 mile to the inch. Queensland Census Districts. 1 mile to the inch. Government Engraving Office, Brisbane. 620650