Murraylands Early Beginnings
For thousands of years, many Aboriginal peoples have relied on the Murray River's abundance.
In South Australia, the Ngarrindjeri and Nganguraku people have their traditional homelands along the Murray and the Coorong, and maintain an intimate and detailed knowledge of the land, the wildlife, seasons and climate. This vast body of knowledge continues to be passed from generation to generation.
In the Ngarrindjeri Dreaming, Ngurunderi travelled down a stream in a bark canoe, in search of his two wives who had run away from him. A giant cod-fish (Pondi) swam
ahead of Ngurunderi, widening the stream with sweeps of its tail. Ngurunderi chased the fish, trying to spear it from his canoe. The sweeps and loops of the chase created
the features of the Murray River.
These remarkable people hunted and traded along the river, in canoes cut and crafted from the red river gums that line the river's edge. Rock art and scarred canoe trees still remain along the length of the Murray River, fascinating reminders of a culture in perfect harmony with the land and its creatures.
Ngaut Ngaut Tours
Members of the Nganguraku people share their stories and culture at Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal site, near Nildottie. Visit the birthplace of the Black Duck Dreaming, join guided tours through the Ngaut Ngaut historical sites and climb the boardwalk as it meanders up the majestic cliffs of a seabed laid down generations ago.
Follow the path where bare feet trod in ancient times and marvel as the story of rock art and culture older than antiquity unfolds before you. This experience will challenge your perceptions of Aboriginal culture and leave you in awe of the resourcefulness of Australia's Aboriginal people.
Download Map
See the fascinating Aboriginal Language Group map of the Murraylands [PDF 979kb].
