Walk in the footsteps of the Worimi
Wandha is located in stunning saltwater Worimi Country which stretches from the Port Stephens to Forster. Worimi people, the Traditional Custodians, have cared for the land, lakes, sea and their communities for thousands of generations. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples today.
Look closely and you’ll find a cultural paradise rich in natural resources in the area. The three protected national parks, three large lakes and many beaches would have been central to and continue to have significance for Worimi identity, spirituality and lifestyle.
Explore the bush (barray)
Bulahdelah Mountain holds cultural significance as an Aboriginal place, adding a layer of cultural appreciation to your walk through this remarkable landscape. It is a site rich with the heritage and history of the Worimi people, showcasing their deep connection to the land.
Whoota Whoota Lookout in Wallingat National Park offers sweeping views across Wallis Lake and Worimi Country. You can drive up there or take a walk. You’ll see Wallis Island, a traditional ceremonial island used by Aboriginal men on Wallis Lake and Yahoo Island, where local women held their ceremonies.
Soaking in the lakes
Dive into the crystal clear waters of Neranie on Myall Lakes and imagine the stunning natural landscape over 200 years ago. The calm and clear waters of the lake provide a safe environment for children to splash around and enjoy the outdoors. With its picturesque surroundings, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out. If you take a picnic, pack it in an esky as there are goannas there that expect a good feed.
Hire a kayak or paddleboard from Adacou or a boat from Frothy Coffee Boatshed to explore the pristine waters of Smiths Lake and Myall Lakes. Tony from Adacou will meet you at either Smiths or Myall Lake where you can either start your own self-guided experience or take a guided tour of your lake of choice with Tony.
The Great Lakes region offers some of the best fishing spots in NSW. Myall Lake, Smiths Lake, and Wallis Lake are all excellent choices for anglers looking to catch a variety of species, including bream, flathead, and whiting. These lakes provide a peaceful and scenic setting for a great day of fishing. Fish from the shore or a jetty or hire a boat or kayak.
The Gathang language was spoken by three Indigenous groups from the NSW mid-north coast — the Birrbay, Warrimay (Worimi) and Guringay. The last fluent speaker sadly passed away in the 1960s but there has been recent efforts to revive the language. Here are some Gathang words you might be interested to know.
Wiyabu
Hello
Wandha
Somewhere
Buladelah
Meeting of the waters
Booti Booti
Place of native honey and bees
Wiyabu
Hello
Barray
Country, bush
Minya nyura wubaliyn
G’day how are you going?
Marrumbu
Thank you
Gaaku
Kookaburra
Gapu
Goodbye
Exploring the sea
Seal Rocks offers some of the best snorkelling along the NSW coastline. Gentle Grey Nurse sharks, turtles, blue gropers, wobbegongs and a large diversity of fish make this a snorkelling experience to remember. Its also likely you’ll see the resident pod of dolphins sometimes getting so close you can hear their squeaks and whistles under water.
Burgess Beach offers a unique opportunity to swim in and explore the fascinating rock pools. These shallow, natural pools provide a habitat for a diverse range of marine life, such as crabs, starfish, and small fish. Make sure you go at low or mid tide to make the most of the rock pools.
Elizabeth Beach is tucked in to Booti Booti National Park. Dozens of Aboriginal sites exist within the park, including artefact scatters, stone quarries, tool sites, and shell middens. These are important markers of Aboriginal history in the region, demonstrating how land, water, plants and animals contributed to and continue to have significance for Aboriginal identity, spirituality, and lifestyle.
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