DISCOVER THE LEGEND OF THE BIRDMAN OF THE COORONG - JUST A SHORT WALK FROM THE BLUE HOUSE

When staying at The Blue House, take a leisurely 5-minute walk to the main street in Meningie and visit the statue of The Birdman of the Coorong, South Australia's only genuine bushranger known for roaming the Coorong on an ostrich!

The Eccentric Life of John Francis Peggotty

Born in 1864 in County Limerick, Peggotty was a small man with childlike features, which he used to his advantage. After learning to ride ostriches in South Africa, he returned to England and became a notorious thief, known for slipping down chimneys to steal gold jewellery. Following a brief prison sentence, he moved to Australia, joined a gang in Adelaide, and eventually fled to the Coorong, where he became an infamous bushranger.

The Birdman of the Coorong

Peggotty was a unique sight, often seen stripped to the waist, adorned with stolen gold jewellery, and brandishing ornamental pistols while riding an ostrich. He was credited with over a dozen hold-ups and several murders before his dramatic end in 1899, chased and wounded by fisherman Henry Carmichael. Despite his wounds, Peggotty escaped into the Coorong's scrubland, never to be seen again. His body and his fortune, estimated at over a million dollars in gold and jewellery, were never found.

Immerse yourself in this captivating piece of local history by visiting Peggotty’s statue. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a great way to explore the quirky tales of the Coorong region. Experience the charm and mystery of The Birdman of the Coorong during your stay at The Blue House.

Birdman of the Coorong