Historical information

Churchill Island has a significant photograph collection dating from the nineteenth century.

Moonah trees can be seen growing in various spots around Churchill Island. They are a type of Melaleuca and can live for up to 300 to 400 years. Moonah trees were of special significance to the Bunurong people, the local aboriginal tribe, who called Churchill Island Moonar'mia. The Bunurong people also have a special legend which relates to the Moonah Tree. The legend is that there was a boy and girl who had fallen in love and wished to spend each moment in each other’s embrace, this resulted in them neglecting their family duties. The lovers still continued to disappear to be alone, so the tribal elders banished them from their village. The moonah tree trunks are the reminder of the lovers in their tightly entwined embrace twisting around each other. A statue representing this legend can be seen at the entrance to the Churchill Island Visitor Centre.

Physical description

Black and white photograph of group of moonah trees by the shoreline.

Inscriptions & markings

Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. On reverse in pencil 'FROM ALBUM 10, page 59'