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Bana Gindarja (Cassowary Creek)
Bana Gindarja creek is a serene natural stream in Far North Queensland. It has a number of access points where you can reconnect with the natural world.
Located in Edmonton south of Cairns, this waterway lies in the traditional country of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people. In the Yidinji language, the name translates as Bana (Creek) and Gindarja (Cassowary).
Bana Gindarja History
The creek originates in the foothills behind Edmonton. Thereafter, it makes its way down into the Edmonton area and for a stretch it marks the boundary between Edmonton and Bentley Bark.
Blackfellow Creek Cairns
Following the European invasion, the creek was named “Blackfellows Creek” by colonial authorities.
“Blackfellows Creek” near Cairns first appeared on the map in about 1883 but local elders from the area said it’s been known by the Yidinji name of Bana Gindarja, which means Cassowary, for thousands of years.
Bana Gindarja Map
Following advocacy by local Councillor, Rob Pyne and consultation with Traditional Owners, the Gimuy Walubura Yidinji people, the state government agreed to rename Blackfellow Creek as Bana Gindarga Creek.
While there was some resistance to the name change, young people in particular embraced the renaming as a rejection of racism and celebration of Indigenous culture. The below map was released by the government at the time of the name change, showing the passage of the creek from the mountains to Trinity Inlet.
Bana Gindarja Fishing
As the creek flows past the highway towards Trinity Inlet it becomes more saline. Recreational users of the creek should be careful, as salt water crocodiles are known to frequent the area. Locals and visitors alike are reminded to be croc safe in croc-country.
Surrounding areas in Trinity Inlet are popular with fishers. During summer months Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and Fingermark are caught.
A Cairns Creek
There are crocodiles in this creek, especially (but not limited to) where the creek approaches Trinity Inlet.
The name Blackfellow Creek was changed to Bana Gindarja in 2023 following representations by Cairns Regional Council on behalf of the Traditional Owners.
Today the sign in Edmonton proudly displays the name of the creek to passing traffic as a fitting as a fitting celebration of the ancient culture of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Bana Gindarja Camping
There are no camping spots along the banks on Ban Gindarja. Indeed much of the creek is through residential suburbs.
Illegal camping in Cairns, like in many regions, is subject to local laws and regulations. The Cairns Regional Council enforces these rules to protect natural areas, manage public spaces, and ensure public safety.
Cairns is home to World Heritage sites and sensitive ecosystems, making illegal camping in areas like national parks or beaches problematic due to the risk of environmental damage.
In some cases, camping enforcement can overlap with social services if people are found camping due to homelessness, where local authorities might engage with social workers to provide support rather than issue fines.
Relevant Material
- Gimuy
- Chinaman Creek
- Lily Creek
- Moody Creek
- Mulgrave River
- Saltwater Creek
- Skeleton Creek
- Trinity Inlet
- Bana Gindarja