Walking on Country

COUNTRY Walking on

Shoalhaven is a unique natural and cultural environment with rich Aboriginal history. Enjoy a deeper experience with a cultural tour of Country.

DISCLAIMER A selection of the Shoalhaven’s Aboriginal tourism operators are listed at page 61. We acknowledge the sharing of cultural knowledge is subject to community permissions and protocols. We have created this directory to assist operators and consumers but we do not assume or imply cultural authority.

Booderee National Park is co-managed by the local Wreck Bay Community and Parks Australia. Visit Booderee Botanic Gardens or engage in cultural activities like camping stories, weaving and bushtucker held during school holidays. Chat to the local Aboriginal Rangers in the Booderee Visitor Centre for tips on the best beaches and campgrounds. Engage with Traditonal Owners of Wreck Bay when visiting Booderee. Paul McLeod (Jrumpinjinbah) of Ngungwulah Aboriginal Corporation shares dance, stories and art and collaborates with Soul Advisor to deliver a variety of experiences such as place based healing, Aboriginal astronomy and ochre introductions. Get in touch with Bernie McLeod of Djungga Kultural Tours will guide you on bushwalk with bush food tasting. There are many on-country experiences led by experienced local guides. Join Walbanga woman Deidre Martin on guided walks, with damper, native tea, and optional weaving under the name of Bugiya Naway Buradja (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow). Gadhungal Murring (Salt Water People) offer cultural walks in both Huskisson and Kangaroo Valley, sharing knowledge on bush tucker and medicine. Their experiences often include traditional dance or cook-ups. Traditional Owner of the Budawangs, Noel Butler and Trish Butler offer a cultural day on their property sharing knowledge and yarning over lunch. Felix and Angela will take you on a journey of discovery in the form of Bushfood Cultural Knowledge Walks near Ulladulla. Noel’s in-depth traditional and horticultural knowledge makes Nura Gunyu (Swan Country) a unique experience. Djiriba Waagura (Two Crows) run cultural camps for men and interpretive walks along the river and sacred caves in Nowra, led by Matthew Simms, a Wandi Wandian man who belongs to the Dhurga and Dharawal Language groups. Dwayne and Amelia of Mirritya Mundya serve up delicious cuisine that blends traditional flavours with the low and slow BBQ concept. You can also join Dwayne on a Yuin Retreat with Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness for two-night glamping and wellness experiences. Soulful Concepts offers Trek Yuin Country experiences with Traditional Owners Dean and Jess. These adventures provide cultural insights with hands-on workshops and will take you to three of the most scenic and challenging hikes through Morton National Park. The tours include a donation to local charity and have the option of transfers and accommodation. Deepen your connection to the land by venturing out on a designated walking track. Stroll the One Track for All or book a guided tour along the Coomee Nulunga Track with a local Aboriginal guide. The National Parks Discovery Ranger program also partners with Aboriginal community members who can guide you through Bomaderry Creek Regional Park. Pack your swimmers for the 2.2km Murramarang Aboriginal Area walking track along the coastline near Bawley Point. Interpretive signage points out significant sites and explain more about how First Nations people once lived. Traditional arts have been passed down through the generations and we are lucky to have local artisans share their stories with us. Giriwa Garuwanga Art Gallery is an Aboriginal owned and operated art gallery at the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council (ULALC) office. Stroll past the hand-carved poles on Jerrinja Country by Noel Wellington at Callala Beach and Crookhaven Heads and take in the story and beautiful views.

Scan to learn more at shoalhaven.com/culture