In these pages, I often mention funny place names and signposts that leave us wondering how on earth the name came about. One of those familiar with southern motorists is Turn Back Jimmy Creek near Jerilderie in New South Wales.
Some months ago I was grateful to receive an email from Robert in Perth who solved one mystery for me. Robert’s grandfather was a pioneering farmer in Coleambally and to quote Robert “Jimmy was told to go into town to get supplies but when he got to the creek he changed his mind (about going into town). He returned empty-handed and told them that the creek was flooded, so he could not cross to get the supplies”….
Thanks, Robert for solving that one. Now can anyone tell me about Mary Smokes Creek in Queensland? Was she Mrs. Smokes or a lass who loved to nick out for a sneaky puff down by the creek when it was time to do the dishes?
itchingforhitching 
I make up stories (only in my head though,as I’m driving 😂) about some of these funny names. Two favourites are Ticklebelly Gully near Blackall Qld and Ton o’ Fun Road, somewhere in NSW. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Damn! I haven’t spotted either of those. Our ancestors certainly had a sense of humour.
LikeLike
Great story. I hope someone can help with your puzzle today. And while your readers are about it, can anyone solve the naming mystery of ‘Lost Shoe Creek’ on a deeply forested road on Vancouver Island BC?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now there has to be a story to that one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favourites is in York, England. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a beauty, what an address to have!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate. I used to live near York.
Now I live in Dorset, near the Piddle Valley, which pleases me immensely!
LikeLike
No doubt it’s a wee valley.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love mad place names. It is so interesting to find out how they come about. Turn Back Jimmy Creek sounds like a comedy series!
LikeLike
Jimmy doesn’t sound all that industrious either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There were some evocative ones on the Pungalina property where we worked in the NT: Mystery Shovel Waterhole, Hot Dog Creek, Ringo’s Song Waterhole…
LikeLike
Evocative is right.
LikeLike