Have you ever wondered about the origins of the Coomera River? It’s a sight for sore eyes, sparkling and meandering through the landscape. The Coomera River is one of the most important waterways in Southeast Queensland. This beauty flows north through the Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim Region local government areas.
The story of the Coomera River begins in the Lamington National Park, nestled within the McPherson Range, in the Great Dividing Range. The river flows down over dramatic, cascading waterfalls, making its way through a valley and across the countryside. It’s said that Captain Patrick Logan was the first non-Indigenous person to discover the river in 1827.
The river’s name, Coomera, comes from the Bundjalung language, specifically the Ngaraangbal dialect. This means “wattle tree”, whose bark was used by Indigenous Australians to stun fish! You hear that? The river’s name echoes their ingenuity. Today, it’s a popular spot for all sorts of water activities. People come here for kayaking and swimming. It’s also a vital source of freshwater and supports many native plant and animal species.
As you look down the Coomera River towards the Broadwater, imagine all that has happened here. The river whispers tales of early settlers who sought rich timber and fertile land. They made their way to the Coomera to farm, to build homes, and to carve a life out of the land. They crossed it by horse and by ferry and in the end, even by a bridge. Today, it’s a sight to behold, flowing into the Broadwater near Coomera Island and Paradise Point.
As we stand here by the Coomera River, surrounded by all this nature, the story of this river reminds us of the beautiful connection between humans and their environment. This river has been a witness to history, it’s a part of the community, and it’s a vital source of life. May this spot bring you joy and may its waters forever flow.