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Indigenous Culture
Dharawal Country
The area we know today as Wollongong originated from the Aboriginal word ‘Woolyungah’ meaning ‘Five Islands’. The local Traditional people of Dharawal Country, were the first people to occupy these lands, waterways, and coastlines. The traditional Aboriginal people of the area still maintain a deep cultural connection to the surrounding landscapes and ocean. Their history, heritage and stories will continue to be an integral part of our community.
It is estimated that the traditional clan groups had some 1,000 square miles of country in the area north of the Shoalhaven River and reaching to Wollongong; their territory took in the Illawarra District, including Lake Illawarra, Berkeley, and Hooks Creek.
Significant Dharawal landmarks and locations in Wollongong, that you might care to visit or find out more about include:
- Mount Kembla
- Mount Keira
- Hill 60
- Sandon Point
- Coomaditchie Lagoon
Cultural Experiences
Engage with Dharawal country stories, learn more about the culture of our First People and take home authentic Aboriginal crafts whilst taking in the spectacular view. The Experience is open 7 days per week, inside the Visitor Information Centre at the Southern Gateway Centre – Bulli Tops.
One of the largest regional art museums in Australia. Their aim is to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts for the people of the Illawarra and visitors. There is an important and extensive collection of Aboriginal art on display. Opening times Tues- Fri 10am – 5pm and Sat and Sun – 12noon – 4pm (closed Public Holidays). Entry is Free.
The Coomaditchie Artists’ Co-operative comprises 4 generations of Aboriginal artists, who love to express their culture, local coastal upbringing, dreaming stories, significant sites and themes – through art. Located adjacent to the Coomaditchy Lagoon in Port Kembla, they welcome visitors to engage with them & to view or purchase their authentic art.
Gumaraa provides Immersive Aboriginal tours, workshops, and performances. Designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the area and the traditions of Dharawal culture. These include experiences on-Country at Killalea State, Blackbutt Forest Reserve, Bundeena Royal National Park, and Carrs Park.
The IAC runs a variety of cultural services dedicated to meeting the social, cultural, and economic needs of the local Aboriginal community. They also run events and are the custodians of a number of local indigenous artifacts. Check out if they have an event during your stay which may include performances, storytelling, festivals, and exhibitions.
The Towri Bush Tucker Garden contains predominantly local Illawarra native plants that would have been used by Aboriginal people for food, medicine, and shelter. It was named by the Traditional Custodians of the land and means ‘learning place bounded by flowers and trees’.
Wollongong Botanic Garden is open from 7am daily, with many special events staged throughout the year. Entry is free.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
Destination Wollongong shares the love of the land in which it operates, with this nation’s First People. It is our sincere hope that together we can work to communicate the beauty of the land and the ocean in our region and encourage all people to value and respect our roles in caring for and promoting to others, why they should come and see what we have to offer.
The Reconciliation Action Plan is an important step in acknowledging the heritage of Wollongong, which dates back tens of thousands of years. It provides a valuable framework for Destination Wollongong to work respectfully with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on developing the visitor economy in our region.
The DW Reconciliation Action Plan takes this community engagement to another level. As a proud Aboriginal man – I thank Destination Wollongong’s Board and Management for laying out their commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in promoting Dharawal country and inviting visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and the many activities that are staged here.
– Uncle Richard Davis
