"Warami mittigar" - Hello friend. We welcome you to Dharug Country
"Biimbiigang" - Greetings. We invite you to Gundungurra Country
Join us to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during NAIDOC Week on Saturday 13th July. This is an opportunity to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in some of the Dharug and Gundungurra celebrations in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney; and, also to enjoy a walk on Country led by one our passionate and knowledgeable local guides.
The day will commence at our Blue Mountains Adventure Company office in Katoomba at 9am.
We’ll warm-up with a short walk to Gargaree, a designated Aboriginal Place here in Katoomba. This significant local site has had a chequered history which we’ll learn about as we walk the interpretive walk and discover the historical significance of the site and the continuing efforts being undertaken to restore Country and Culture.
We will then walk to the nearby Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to participate in a local NAIDOC Week celebration organised in partnership with the Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre and Blue Mountains City Council. A Smoking Ceremony and Welcome, dance performances and a chance to view the ‘Ngurra Bayala’ (Country Speaks) and ‘Fire Within’ exhibits will be opportunities not to miss.
For the second half of our day together, we'll explore some of the nearby walking trails with a focus on the newly revamped Grand Cliff Top Track and the spectacular views across the Jamison Valley. During this walk we'll enjoy stories retold by our senior guide Dan Lewis, who as a former Sydney Morning Herald journalist and born-and-bred local, has a wealth of local knowledge and a genuine commitment to the local Dharug and Gundungurra cultures.
Come and join us as we celebrate the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.