Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Discover Six More Immersive Aboriginal Sites Across NSW

Sand Dune Adventures, Port Stephens
With a rich heritage dating back tens of thousands of years, Aboriginal culture is intricately woven into the lands and waters of NSW. These significant sites offer a deep connection to ancient traditions, storytelling, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore these six remarkable places to experience the world’s oldest living culture firsthand.

1.  Conservation Lands, Port Stephens

Covering more than 4,000 hectares, the Worimi Conservation Lands protect the stunning Stockton Sand Dunes, some of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. These shifting dunes hold great cultural significance for the Worimi people. For an exhilarating yet educational adventure, join a quad bike tour with Sand Dune Adventures, where Aboriginal guides share their knowledge of the land’s history, traditional bush tucker, and the deep connection between the Worimi people and this unique landscape.

2. Bundian Way Story Trail, Eden

Bundian Way Story Trail, Eden
Credit: Eden Local Aboriginal Lands Council
For generations, the Bundian Way provided a safe route between the Snowy Mountains and the Sapphire Coast for the Yuin, Ngarigo, Jaitmathang, and Bidawal peoples. Spanning 365 kilometers, the pathway connected communities for trade, ceremonies, and seasonal migrations. Today, visitors can walk a short 1.8-kilometer section of the trail near Eden, where interpretive storyboards recount ancient traditions against a backdrop of stunning coastal vistas.

3. Sandhill Artefacts, Narrandera

The delicate craft of boomerang-making has been passed down through generations of Wiradjuri people. At Sandhill Artefacts in Narrandera, master craftsman Michael Lyons continues this tradition, shaping boomerangs, didgeridoos, and coolamons from raw wood. Visitors can watch the creative process unfold in his workshop or join a cultural tour to explore the Murrumbidgee River region, learning about sacred sites, bush medicine, and traditional foods along the way.

4. Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, Albury

Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, Albury Wodonga
Running alongside the Murray River, the 15-kilometer Wagirra Trail offers a stunning setting for walking and cycling. A highlight of the trail is the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, which spans five kilometers and features 15 striking sculptures created by contemporary Aboriginal artists. These artworks tell ancient Wiradjuri stories, offering visitors a chance to engage with the region’s cultural heritage. For a deeper experience, consider joining a guided tour with Giilangyaldhaanygalang, a Wiradjuri women-owned organization that shares stories of the land, language, and history.

5. Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place, Brisbane Water National Park

Hidden within Brisbane Water National Park, the Bulgandry Art Site showcases some of NSW’s best-preserved Aboriginal rock engravings. Believed to be at least 200 years old, and possibly much older, the intricate carvings depict wallabies, fish, dolphins, and a figure in a large headdress, thought to be an ancestral hero. Nearby, grooves in the rock reveal where Aboriginal people once sharpened tools and weapons, adding another layer of history to this fascinating site.

6. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Natcha Cultural Tours, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Credit: Natcha Cultural Tours
Just north of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is home to several important Aboriginal heritage sites. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk leads visitors through lush forests to Red Hands Cave, where ochre handprints mark the walls—a powerful reminder of the generations who lived on this land. For a more immersive experience, Natcha Cultural Tours offers guided journeys that explore customs, language, song, bush foods, and traditional knowledge, providing an unparalleled insight into Aboriginal culture.
Step Into Ancient History

NSW is home to countless Aboriginal sites that tell the stories of the land’s first peoples. Whether exploring ancient engravings, walking Dreaming tracks, or learning from Aboriginal guides, these sites offer a meaningful way to connect with Australia’s deep cultural roots. Each visit brings a deeper appreciation for the traditions, resilience, and enduring spirit of Aboriginal communities across the state.

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