Penguin History – Whale Beachings research by Craig Dunham
According to newspaper accounts from the past, the coastline of what is now the Central Coast municipality was the site of numerous whale beachings in the early years of settlement.
“There seems to have been a peculiar attraction for sick whales to visit that part of the North-West Coast between the Blythe and Leven Rivers, for since the early days of settlement in that district the presence of dead whales has been a common topic in Penguin and Ulverstone. Among one Penguin resident’s memories of Penguin and Ulverstone are the bones of dead whales that were to be seen about, not only on the beaches, but on verandas, and in front gardens for use as seats, flower stands, etc immense jaw bones were also to be seen used as arches over front gates, these giving some idea, of the size of the marine monsters that provided such curios. Some very large specimens were wont to adorn the old Ulverstone Hotel in the early days, and some equally large ones were to be seen at Penguin at “Coroneagh” homestead.” (Examiner 4 February 1929, page 5)
An excellent example of this was the beaching of a large whale at Sulphur Creek in 1929. “The main topic of conversation on this part of the coast just now is a monster whale in perfect order, which has been washed ashore on a spot about halfway between Sulphur Creek and Howth railway stations. Crowds of people are coming from everywhere to see it, and, at present, there is not the least discomfort arising from the visit, the amphibian having been recently killed in some way. It measures over 80 feet long but can only be seen at close quarters when the tide is well out. The spot is close to the main coast road and hundreds of carloads of people from near and far have journeyed to and from the scene.” (Examiner 2 February 1929, page 6
“Regarding the comparative frequency of such visitations to this portion of the Coast, it is apparently a natural occurrence and has obtained for a long time. A glance of the map of the coast will prove that, since whales chiefly inhabit the ocean west of the island, they must come from that direction, and the contour of the coast from the north-western corner eastward, and the tide-currents there by generated, together with prevailing winds, must result in any dead or dying whales drifting along until they strike Penguin or the mouth of the Leven River.”(Examiner 4 February 1929, page 5)
“An Early Visitor – The former remains, and, perhaps, some of the latter, were mementoes of the visit to the Leven harbour of what is still regarded as the biggest whale of all the series known in the history of this part of the coast. This monster appeared off the Leven Heads one fine morning, and the cry of “there she blows” was heard as the sea water was spouted into the air by the whale, which continued its course and came right in, as residents of Penguin, who saw the monster there, still declare its length was well over 100 feet. The bones previously mentioned as being seen, bore out that statement. Since then, there have been other whales stranded between the Leven Heads and the Blythe River measuring from 42 feet to 54 feet, adjudged to be a mere calf. About six years ago, near Goat Island, one of 54 feet dropped into Penguin Bay in a highly decomposed condition and created something like a revolution among residents anxious to have the terrible nuisance abated ……After trying ineffectively to dodge the inevitable, some tons of lime were used and brushwood in galore completed the cleansing process.
Now it would seem that history is about to repeat itself, for a monster whale, 82 feet long, and well-proportioned as to bulk and fatness, has stranded near Sulphur Creek, some three miles west of Penguin. At present it is the Mecca of many and is well worth a visit by young or old. Some measurements taken on Friday may give some idea of the size of the monster as it lies on the rocks at about half-tide level, close to the main road and railway line. Its length is over 27 yards, and its girth at its fins, some 36ft. It is of a greenish black colour on the back, with a pinky salmon belly, the latter being corrugated with 3in. strips of muscle. Its huge mouth, closed, measures 16ft. on the lower jaw, and 15ft, on the upper one. The tail is 14ft. 6in, across, and the blades nearly 4ft. across. There were signs of attacks by enemies, probably killers, and the fact that one of the forward fins is broken close to the body, and the tail badly lacerated, would imply that it was driven ashore on the reef, and damaged itself in frantic efforts to get back to deep water. The local people would be delighted to see the last of it within the next week or so. The council must raise the point that as this is purely a matter for the Marine Board, the locality of the trouble being within the province of the Burnie Marine Board, and the primary cause of the trouble essentially a seafarer only, the onus of abating the nuisance clearly lies with the board, and not on the council, which has no jurisdiction over the foreshore at all. It is estimated there are 10 tons of obnoxious material to be removed. (Examiner 4 February 1929, page 5)
Preparations for the removal of the body of the whale from Sulphur Creek beach are being made by a gang of men from Ulverstone, with whom Mr. Edward Hobbs, M.H.A has arranged to do the job this week at a cost of about £75. The idea is to endeavour by means of floats, consisting chiefly of bitumen containers and timber, to tow. the carcass off the rocks into deeper water, and thence by a motorboat or steamer to convey it well out to sea. The first attempt to move the mass (some 50 tons) on Wednesday’s tide, was a failure, the gear not being securely fastened, but better results are expected next time. A careful search failed to reveal any of the precious ambergris sought for, but the last few hot days have increased the general odour from the carcass.” (Examiner 8 February 1929, page 6)
