Episode 042 - Kalkajaka (Black Mountain)

Kalkajaka, also known as Black Mountain, is an eerie and distinctive mountain located near Cooktown, Queensland, made up of massive black granite boulders stacked upon each other, forming a labyrinth of passageways and caves. Known to the Kuku Yalanji people as a sacred and dangerous place, Kalkajaka has long been associated with myths and legends of spirits, mysterious disappearances, and paranormal phenomena. The mountain’s dark surface absorbs intense heat during the day, adding to its ominous appearance and challenging any who dare to explore its inner network. Numerous accounts tell of people and animals who ventured into Black Mountain's crevices, never to return.

Join Holly & Matthew as they journey into the myths and mysteries of Kalkajaka, exploring the legends, geological wonders, and eerie encounters that make Black Mountain one of Australia’s most haunting natural sites.

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Sources cited:

• Queensland Department of Environment and Science. 2017. Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) National Park. March 22. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/black-mountain/.
• Mounter, Brendan, and Adam Stephen. 2018. "'It'll haunt you forever': Traditional owners warn climbers of perils entering FNQ's 'Bermuda Triangle'." ABC Far North, October 21. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-21/mysterious-black-mountain/10067072.
• 'Wayfarer'. 1934. "Unsolved Tragedies of Cooktown's Mystery Mountain." The SUnday Mail, January 28: 14. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/977196053.
• The Brisbane Courier. 1928. "Gunshot in head." September 5: 7. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/21350967.
• 1MAK. 2014. The Mystery of Black Mountain - Cooktown. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.downthunder.com.au/forum/camping-outdoor/trip-tips/The-Mystery-of-Black-Mountain---Cooktown.

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