30 Loch St, Derby, 6728
Discover the intriguing story of the legendary Bunuba man known as Jandamarra or Pigeon, on the self-guided Pigeon Heritage Trail.
The trail starts in the North West town of Derby and visits a number of sites that held significance in Jandamarra's life, including Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge.
Jandamarra, born in the 1870’s, was so renowned for his tracking and bush skills that he gained mythological status. Following a period working as a police tracker, Jandamarra took up arms with a number of Bunuba men and led a rebellion against the settlers. For 3 years until his death in 1897 Jandamarra’s guerrilla style tactics were successful in slowing the expansion of the pastoral industry. His story is a tragic and compelling one of a man caught between two cultures, and has captured the imagination of writers, filmmakers and musicians.
The Pigeon Heritage Trail Guide is available from Derby Visitor Centre. This guide has information on the Derby, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek areas as well as information on the relationship between Jandamarra/Pigeon and the Police. The trail is made of up two drives, each with opportunities for walking. The first passes through the town of Derby and the other explores the area between Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, two hours’ drive from Derby. A full day is needed to explore both drives on this trail.
