The meaning of the word "Kingoonya"is uncertain in both it's literal translation and also it's origin. Unmistakably aboriginal yet the word fails to appear in any of the vocabularies of the local "Kukata" tribe although oddly enough, two different versions have appeared down through the years.
The old Commonwealth Railways - now Austrlain National Railways - in their excellent literature regarding the East West Railway, have defined the word as being from the Kukata language and carrying the meaning of Nardoo Seed - (Marsilea drummondii.) Whilst there is no doubt that this important source of food supplies would have been quite plentiful in the extensive swamp systems in the immediate vicinity of the Kingoonya Hill during the long years of aboriginal occupancy, and although the possibility of this claim is quite valid, there does seem to be a certain reluctance in some quarters as to the acceptance of this theory and a further search seems justified.
The State Library of South Australia, among other authorities, has suggested and interesting alternative to this theory and considering the boundaries of the traditional hunting grounds of the North West Tribes, there also appears some authenticity in their claim - so, here we have one simple word with two different meanings and no competent judge to say "Aye" or "Nay".
However, the latter version seems to have gained acceptance and for that reason,not only do I include it in my account but, unashamedly, adopt the text for the title of my publication ---
" Kingoonya -- A mode - or Way of Life"
"Kingoonya."
"According to Archibald Beviss - pioneer manager for Main Sells and Co. Ltd's "Wilgena Station" of the 1800's - it is a native word having to do with a certain nomadic way of living.South of Kingoonya- down Kokatha way - the blacks lived in wurleys with tops on and lay on the ground. At Kingoonyaand north and west for over a hundred miles they dispensed with wurleys, slept on the ground and in the cold weather, covered their bodies with hot sand. They wore no clothes and were more savage than their southerly neighbours."
Thus Kingoonya represented in short -- " - a simpler mode or
"Way of Life."
( page 2, "Kingoonya A Way of Life", Robert J Munro ISBN 0-646-34920-1)
Robert's book is available at Kingoonya Waterhole Hotel.
2) Where is Kingoonya?
Kingoonya is situated on the old Stuart Highway, South Australia. Approx 43 kilometers west from Glendambo. The road is in generally good condition and open to all vehicles. However it always pays to check with the DTEI - Department of Energy, Transport and Infrastructure for updates on road conditions in case of localised flooding.
