The flat land along the beach was originally called “The Plains” and it was covered by a coastal heath that contained numerous Grass Trees (Xanthorrea). The most common is Xanthorrhoea latifolia ssp. latifolia or The Coastal Grass Trees.  These have bright green leaves rather than grey green and very tall flower spikes (often over 2m and some over 3m).

 

The Awabakal people used the resin from these as a glue and also produced a sweet drink from the nectar in the flower spike.

 

The flower stem was used for a spear, with a hardwood tip added.

 

It could also be used to start a fire. To do this a pointed hardwood stick was rotated rapidly into the soft base of the stem and the friction caused it to begin to smoulder.

 

In other areas, Europeans collected the resin for use as a varnish and to manufacture explosives.