Popular 4X4 destination, Ben Boyd National Park, has been renamed in another step towards reconciliation. The Aboriginal community in this area had been insisting Ben Boyd National Park be renamed. Due to Boyd’s history of blackbirding. It now goes by Beowa National Park.
Why is Boyd’s name being removed
In 2021, the NSW government decided to remove the name Ben Boyd from the national park. The decision is due to Boyd’s practice of blackbirding. This involved kidnapping and using people from Vanuatu and New Caledonia to work as slaves on his pastoral stations. He brought a total of 192 men and women to New South Wales to work. Which was controversial even at the time.
New name celebrates spiritual connection
The new name, Beowa National Park, translates to “orca” or “killer whale” in the Thaua language. After consultations with more than 60 representatives from Aboriginal and South Sea Islander communities, the name was chosen. It aims to celebrate the connection between the coastline and the spiritual lives of First Nations people. By renaming the national park, a greater sense of culture can be connected to the area.
Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairman, BJ Cruse, said “Traditionally, killer whales were our ancestors. When our ancestors died their spirits went into the whales, they are like family.”
Renaming Ben Boyd National Park comes amid a plan to transfer land titles of all national parks to Aboriginal owners, under consideration by the state government.
National park known for 4WD’s
Known for its rugged coastlines, vivid rock formations and unspoilt beaches, Beowa National Park is a popular destination for travellers and adventurers. To get along, you’d be okay in a 2WD as nearly all the gravel and dirt roads in the Park are suitable for 2WD vehicles. However, there are some 4WD-only tracks in the northern section of Beowa National Park that you don’t want to miss. Naturally, a 4WD will manage the unsealed roads better.
NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Service) have begun the process of installing park signage carrying the new name Beowa National Park.
