Start your 2025 with one of these Aboriginal cultural walks, learn about our natural environment and hear stories from the world’s oldest continuous culture in the heart of Jervis Bay and around the South Coast. Put on your walking shoes, bring a hat and plenty of water, and an inquisitive mind ready to soak up the cultural and environmental significance of our region.
Gadhungal Marring, Baabaa-Gulli Murru (Grandfather’s Walk) at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Huskisson
WHEN: Every weekend till 2 Feb, $40/20 for a two-hour experience
Join Raymond Timbery and Gadhungal Marring on the Babagulli Murru (Grandfather’s Track) Tour, a “walk and talk on Country” at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum in Huskisson. Named in honour of the family’s late grandfather, Laddie Timbery, who was a renowned storyteller here, the tour guides from the Dharrawal and Wandra Wandian people carry on his legacy. They share a unique perspective and connection to the lands of Jervis Bay.
On this tour, your guides will point out the transition from bush to bay while sharing cultural insights about bush foods and native plants along with stories of local history and traditions.
At the end of 2024, the organisation spend many weeks in this area clearing weeds and restoring native vegetation with the help of students from Nowra East Public School at the participants in the Gudjaga-Laali Junior Ranger Program, which is giving young people an opportunity to learn from Country and care for it.
These tours commence on Saturday 11 January at 10am, and will run twice a day on weekends until 2 February.
Gadhungal Marring at Paperbark Camp, storytelling and culture sharing
WHEN: Every Wednesday evening until the end of January, $75 for 75 minutes including drink and snack
Join passionate story tellers and local knowledge holders from Gadhungal Marring who are working to build relationships between First Nations and non-indigenous people, and passing on Cultural ways to the younger generation.
From 5pm Wednesdays at the campfire circle by the Gunyah Restaurant at Paperbark Camp, Gadhungal Marring will share an Indigenous Cultural Experience with guests including storytelling and Smoking Ceremony, followed by light refreshments.
Places are limited, book online through the restaurant booking link ‘BOOK TO EAT’ on the website.
Burriburri Cultural Education Walk at Booderee National Park with Djiriba Waagura, $40/$80/$120 for a four-hour experience
WHEN: Saturday 11 Jan from 10am
Matt Sims will lead you along the coastal fringes and forests of Booderee, following in the footsteps of the ancestors and hearing their stories of Country. This four-hour experience includes a Smoking Ceremony, sampling bush foods, and marvelling at the breathtaking views.
Walking Bundanon with Drew Longbottom
WHEN: Saturday 11 January 2025, 9:00am – 10:15am departing from Bundanon Homestead, $25/$21/$10 includes entry to the Homestead & Arthur Boyd’s Studio
Drew Longbottom is a local Gumea Dharawal and Dhurga Language Custodian, Knowledge Holder and Cultural Educator who will lead you on a unique cultural walk through the bush alongside the Shoalhaven river and landscape beyond the Bundanon homestead. Drew will share his traditional knowledge and stories with you as you walk on Country. The walking track has some steep and rough sections, so good sturdy shoes are a must. There are stunning vistas, intriguing plant life, bird calls and the soundscape of the bush to invigorate all of your senses along this walk. Contemplate your experience with a coffee at the homestead and a browse through the collections of art and artefacts, or simply sit on the lawn for a while watching the river pass by.
Connect with Prehistoric Times on the Fossil Walk at Ulladulla
WHEN: selected dates through January, check online, $10/$5
Once you see fossils in the rock, you can’t stop seeing them. The remains of prehistoric life are abundant on the rock platform beyond Ulladulla Harbour, and the wonderful guides from the Gondwana Coast Fossil Walk group will teach you how to spot them.
Enjoy a guided walk on the Ulladulla Harbour Rock Platform, learn about the geological history of the area and see 270 million year old fossils.
Dates and times for January are tide-dependent to ensure maximum space and safety out on the rock platforms.
