Eumundi is first recognisable as a name in a report written by a convict, James Bracewell, who escaped from Moreton Bay Penal Settlement in 1827 and fled north through the Noosa area. In the report of his activities following his escape and subsequent surrender six years later, Bracewell refers to a 'Huon Mundy', whom he describes as a warrior of a local Aboriginal group. The name reappears often in other contexts. Although there are many different spellings, it does seem likely that someone bearing a similar name did, in fact, exist in the area.

Whether the naming of Eumundi was derived from this source, however, is still under debate, since an Aboriginal term 'ngumundi' meaning 'black snake' has also been widely adopted as the origin of 'Eumundi'.

Again, the authenticity of this derivation is under question as it is possible that this word has been adopted from a South Australian dialect.

Whatever the truth, the township of Eumundi came into being in 1891 with the construction of the railway line between Cooroy and Yandina.

Prior to the development of the town itself, a European settlement had been established on Arundell's selection (Portion 122) which was situated across the present Bruce Highway along the Kenilworth Road. This settlement served the railway camp (Main Camp) that housed the workers constructing the line. The first provisional school was also established here.

Photographic Interpretation Book

The first in a series of Photographic Interpretative Activities is available now in black and white, reproducible A4 format.

The first topic of interpretation is "education" in the local district. These historic photographs are of local schools and students.

For more information or a copy of these publications, please contact the Museum Staff

Tel: 07 5442 8762