Aboriginal History
The traditional in habitants of Burleigh were the Kombumerii people and the called the land Jellurgal. Burleigh was important to them because the spirit of jaberer was thought to have created it.
The Burleigh Headland was called Jellurgal by the Kombumerri people, who were a family group belonging to the Yugambeh language. The Kombumerri territory was from the Coomera River in the north to the Tweed river in the south and west to the Gold Coast hinterland. Jellurgal was the main feature in the lifestyle of the Kombumerri people and a sacred place that was believed to be protected by powerful spirits.
The evidence that tells us that the Aboriginal frequented this are is the carvings from trees as they took the wood to build canoes. The park contains significant shell middens and this is evidence of a rich traditional use by Aboriginal people who lived in Tallebudgera Creek to gather shellfish and net fish, dugong and prawns. Jebbribillum Bora Ring is located nearby and was used for initiation and celebration.
The important cultural beliefs practised by the kombumerri people were not wasting the resources they had, holding tornaments, cerimonies for the 'Stolen Children' (Stolen Generation) and they also held Corroborees which means dances and rituals.
The Burleigh Headland was called Jellurgal by the Kombumerri people, who were a family group belonging to the Yugambeh language. The Kombumerri territory was from the Coomera River in the north to the Tweed river in the south and west to the Gold Coast hinterland. Jellurgal was the main feature in the lifestyle of the Kombumerri people and a sacred place that was believed to be protected by powerful spirits.
The evidence that tells us that the Aboriginal frequented this are is the carvings from trees as they took the wood to build canoes. The park contains significant shell middens and this is evidence of a rich traditional use by Aboriginal people who lived in Tallebudgera Creek to gather shellfish and net fish, dugong and prawns. Jebbribillum Bora Ring is located nearby and was used for initiation and celebration.
The important cultural beliefs practised by the kombumerri people were not wasting the resources they had, holding tornaments, cerimonies for the 'Stolen Children' (Stolen Generation) and they also held Corroborees which means dances and rituals.
White people settlement
The first European Land holder in Burleigh was Alfred William Compigne. In 1888, the first store and post office were established in the Headland and shortly after followed the first hotel and became a well known stop for travellers.
Slowly the Headland began expanding in shops and because of its natural beauty people wanted to live in Burleigh near the beach. Then the park was built, Paths, sight seeing spots and picnic areas created which impacted greatly on the number of tourists come to Burleigh Heads
Burleigh has grown from its small Beginnings to a very popular Tourist centre and continues to grow.
Slowly the Headland began expanding in shops and because of its natural beauty people wanted to live in Burleigh near the beach. Then the park was built, Paths, sight seeing spots and picnic areas created which impacted greatly on the number of tourists come to Burleigh Heads
Burleigh has grown from its small Beginnings to a very popular Tourist centre and continues to grow.