The Drumley Walk
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The first of its kind in Australia, The Drumley Walk is a three day walking pilgrimage honouring one of Queensland's most influential Aborigines, Billy Drumley. It traverses 75km through the Yugambeh language region, following the path Drumley took as he travelled from his home in Beaudesert to visit his sister Jenny Graham, who lived with her extensive clan beside the Nerang River during the early 1900s.
The walk aims to bring together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to learn about their shared heritage. It is a great opportunity for the local community to come together across cultural boundaries. In previous years particiants have included local school children, Aboriginal elders, government representatives, historians and journalists walking side by side to retrace the steps of Billy Drumley.
Guided by Drumley's great grand nephews - Rory O'Connor (Aboriginal author) and Hague Best (Cultural Heritage Officer) - walkers learn how Drumley walked through the bush a hundred years ago. They discover local history and see the region from an Aboriginal perspective; experiencing stories of bora grounds, songs, and legends.
"As a father and son adventure it is unbeatable," said Best, who has participated in the walk with his 13 year-old son Axel. "It’s a great way for children to be introduced to local history and culture in a meaningful and fun way."
