Time to continue some posts.
On an early visit to Queensland I was shown Healing Rock, on the second headland south of Coolum Beach. It must have been an impressive Australian sacred site, with 360 degree views- ocean to the east, and amazing flat land with skyline of many volcanic columns and isolated mountain shapes to the west. Plus there was ancient rainforest. Here is my picture of "it".
Here is view from first headland south, looking north.
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What did you do at 11am on 11-11-2011?
I sat in my garden and reflected on Gaia Day, as many people would be meditating together at this time all over the world. This is my picture for it.
I buried a quartz crystal, an amethyst crystal and some rose quartz, for the duration. I planted some wildflower seeds and thought on the Rainbow Serpent and Gaia, Mother Earth,
and how we need to care for Her and the Future of Life.
Lows Lookout, 'Toboggan Hill' and
Belly Stone
The indigenous people of Coolum were attracted to this hill to visit the 'Belly Stone rock measuring approximately one and a half metres long. one metre wide and two metres in height. The Belly Stone once sat at the south aid of the existing car park, its fiat face sloping northwards to absorb the sun's heat. It is said that Coolum's indigenous people used the rock as a healing stone to treat a wide range of illnesses. Pains were said to disappear when an individual lay on the sun-warmed rock. After the colonial settlement of Coolum, the rock continued to be used as a healing stone for many years with a variety of people enjoying its benefits.
In the 1920s this hill became a popular destination for the residents and visitors of Coolum who came to enjoy the Thrilling Natural Toboggan'. Toboggan slides could be hired, created from wooden fruit boxes and packing cases, or made from the fronds of the Alexandra Palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae). The popular toboggan ride was located on the northern slopes of the then grassy hill rising from Pacific Terrace and Beach Road. Due to its popularity the location was commonly known as Toboggan Hill, and held this name for more than seventy years.
In 1958 the site of the Belly Stone and the toboggan slope had become so popular with visitors that the scenic lookout was officially named 'Lows Lookout'. This name was given in honour of two members of the Low Family, Mr DA (David) Low and Mr E (Ted) Low, David Low was the Chairman of the Maroochy Shire and the local State Member of Parliament, whilst Ted Low was the foreman of the Council road gang. Both David and Ted Low were grandsons of the first permanent settlers on the Sunshine Coast and held a strong sense civic pride and passion for the region. Ted built the road up to Lows Lookout and would often take his crew to the top of this hill for their lunch break when working in the area.
Unfortunately these relics of the past have disappeared from Lows Lookout due to Coolum's progress and development. The Belly Stone was destroyed by road works in 1960, with further progress and housing developments consuming the previous toboggan slopes, Today Lows Lookout is a valuable scenic destination that provides breathtaking coastal views for the community and visitors of Coolum
All photos May 2017, Coolum Beach. uploaded 3 August 2021.
References: An Island Surrounded by Land, Frances & John Windolf, 2004. A Concise History of the Coolum District, John & Frances Windolf, 1986
