Our region has been home to the Gumbaynggirr people since the Dreaming.
This land, with its beautiful rivers, forests, beaches, mountains, creeks, estuaries and floodplains was so bountiful in food and other resources that the Gumbaynggirr were traditionally known by other nations as the ‘sharing people’.
The Gumbaynggirr Nation have a profound connection to their country and there are numerous places on the Coffs Coast with which they maintain a deep spiritual connection. Sharing these experiences and activities will deepen your understanding of the rich culture of the Gumbaynggirr people.
The Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience – Niigi Niigi, Sealy Lookout
A must-do experience is the multi award-winning Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience located in the Orara East State Forest. This fascinating and immersive experience is sure to deliver meaningful insight into the traditions of the Gumbaynggirr Nation. Breathtaking views from Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout (Niigi Niigi) of the vast Gumbaynggirr landscape provide the perfect introduction to the experience. Guests enjoy cultural dance and a smoking ceremony before walking the Gumgali Track. The 400-metre walk is led by passionate, local Indigenous guides who see it is as their privilege and responsibility to share their stories, history and language with others.
By taking part in this experience, you are making a direct contribution to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture.
Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Located at Corindi Beach to the north of Coffs Harbour and surrounded by tranquil bushland, Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre provides an opportunity to browse the Gumbaynggirr People. Located in the heart of the harbour in Coffs, the island was once a ceremonial site and it still considered a sacred place. Visitors can book guided tours with one of the Aboriginal Discovery Rangers through NPWS and learn about traditional uses of plants, taste bush tucker and more. All while enjoying panoramic views of the Solitary Islands, Coffs Harbour City and the Great Dividing Range. Vibrant and captivating works from local and further afield Indigenous artists at the Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery, or partake in an on-site cultural program. The Yarrawarra Pipe Clay Café will complete your experience with bush tucker tastes part of the menu.
Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours
The pristine waterways of the Coffs Coast present another way to unveil more about the rich Indigenous heritage of the area. Paddle with the direct descendants of the world’s first stand up paddlers as you explore the beautiful waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park (at Moonee, Coffs Creek and Red Rock). Step into a gorgeous ocean environment for a fun, interactive and unique way to learn, listen to and learn a little of the first language of the area – Gumbaynggirr!