Originally known as North Maroochy, named after the north arm of the Maroochy River (about 1890). Ninderry is derived from the Aboriginal Nyindur, Leech. The name also features in a local Aboriginal legend of Maroochy.

The name ‘Maroochy’ comes from a local Aboriginal legend that tells the story of how Ninderry, a rival from another clan, stole a beautiful young woman called Maroochy from Coolum, the man whom she was to marry.

Coolum rescued his bride by stealth, but Ninderry chased them. Catching up with them, Ninderry throws a boomerang and knocks off Coolum's head, which rolled into the sea and is known today as Mudjimba Island. The body is represented by Mount Coolum. For this treacherous attack, the wrathful gods turned Ninderry into stone.

Maroochy fled inland, where she wept so copiously that her tears flowed down the mountain to form the Maroochy River.

Source: Maroochy Libraries - History by locality

For additional information visit the tourist centre. For Ninderry accommodation click here: