Elim Beach Campground stands on the legacy of the traditional owners of all of Cape York, who fought hard for their country in the violent settlement of this area that occurred from the 1860s and saw the decimation of much of our people. We are the survivors of that fight, and it is with that survival spirit that our grandfather, Edward (Eddie) Deemal—a man whose life was shaped by resilience, hard work, and a deep, unshakable connection to this Country - started this campground with nothing but his determination to live and share the story of his country with others.  

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Born here at Elim Beach in 1926, Grandpa Eddie’s early years were marked by mission life, displacement, and survival through some of Australia’s harshest policies. When he was four, along with his parents and younger brother David, they were moved to McIvor River on Binthii Warra Country. There his father worked on the boat The Pearl Queen transferring cargo and supplies between the station owners at McIvor River, Hope Valley mission at Cape Bedford and Cooktown. At six, Eddie was taken to the Hope Valley mission for schooling.  

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During World War II the Australian government feared that the Hope Valley Missionaries and local Aboriginal people were in collusion with the Japanese. Armed men forced the whole community to the Cooktown Wharf where they were shipped off to Woorabinda, leaving all their belongings behind. Arriving in winter to a cold they had never experienced and crammed into housing with no furniture, water or electricity. Many never Hopevale bama did not survive the trip, and many families are laid to rest in Woorabinda never to return. This is just part of the sad history for Hopevale and Queensland community.  

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Grandpa and his family survived and, he lived in Woorabinda until at age 16 when he decided to move on and see what life held for him. All Aboriginal at the time, were subjects to 'The Act' (The Aborigines Protection Act) which governed every aspect of life for Aboriginal people, yet Grandpa carved out a life defined by determination and purpose. From houseboy to stockman, cotton picker to council worker to business owner, he took on every role with grit, never afraid of hard work or a new challenge. 

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Later in life, after raising a family and working across Queensland - he returned to Elim Beach, where his heart had always been. In retirement, he began building this campground with the help of family, not just as a place to stay, but as a way to return to and protect the place he was born. 

Visitors here may still hear stories of his legendary hunting prowess, sporting achievements, or his famous one-liners. But most of all, they’ll feel the quiet strength of a place shaped by someone who truly belonged to the land—and wanted to share it.