Forbidden love
Phillip Island in the south of Victoria is famous today for hosting some of the world’s largest motor sporting events and the many chicory kilns abandoned long ago by early European settlers. The history of this region goes back to way before the idea of a race had even been thought of or European’s sailed into its waters. The regions indigenous history is tied to the Bunurong people of neighbouring Churchill Island who call this land “Moonahmia” after the special trees that grow here.
Legend has it that among the Bunurong people lived a boy and a girl who had fallen in love. They spent every minute tightly embraced in each others arms. They were so in love that they neglected their daily duties. The Bunurong elders told the boy and the girl that they must not forget their places amongst the people and must help with the work. This warning could not break the lovers bond. Eventually the Bunurong were so tired of the Boy and the Girl disappearing to be alone that they were banished from their people. The lovers left together to where they could be alone in their tight embrace where they froze in place leaving the twist of their entwined bodies to became the wrapping trunk and branches of the Moonah tree. Eventually their love had spread across the island and covered it with their children who still grow there today.
Nothing on Phillip Island can beat this story for us, but just to let you know there is also some very important Koala and Penguin conservation work being done here. A visit to their respective Conservation Centers is also a must! Especially experiencing the world renowned “Penguin Parade”.
