Umbarra Cultural Centre
From the sea to the mountains and waterways
The Yuin/Ngarigo peoples of the South Coast of NSW continue to care for Country through cultural practices that have been passed down through many generations.
Umbarra refers to the Totemic black duck of the Yuin. Umbarra Cultural Centre, 375 km south of Sydney near Bermagui, gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the Yuin. Among other activities, the centre runs guided 4WD tours (bookings essential) to local sacred sites at Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and Biamanga (Mumbulla Mountain).
Gulaga National Park, encompassing the 797-metre Gulaga Mountain, was officially handed back to the Yuin custodians in 2006, along with the nearby Biamanga National Park protecting Mumbulla Mountain, a sacred men's site. Both parks are administered by a majority Aboriginal board of management, with assistance from the State Government's parks service.
The Umbarra Cultural Centre is managed by residents of the nearby Wallaga Lake Koori Village, which was established in 1891 as the Wallaga Lake Reserve.
The centre houses a display of archival photographs dating from the early 1900s including the Lake Wallaga Gum Leaf Band from the 1930s and also extensive documentation on the local Yuin peoples’ fight for the protection of their sacred sites.
There are also souvenir and cultural object sales and a selection of paintings from local Aboriginal artists on sale. Light refreshments are also available for purchase.
Opening Hours
By appointment
