Two iconic tourist spots in northern NSW will be officially known by their Indigenous names following calls from the community to recognize their important cultural heritage.
Walgan, meaning ‘shoulder’ in the Bundjalung language, will be the double name for Cape Byron, the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.
The area is a popular tourist spot in Byron Bay and is important to the Arakwal and other Bundjalung people as a place for important gatherings and ceremonial practices.
Nguthungulli, said to be the Father of the World, will be the double name for Julian Rocks, one of Australia’s best diving sites, located 2.5km from Cape Byron.
The easternmost point of the Australian mainland, Cape Byron (pictured), is renamed Walgan, meaning ‘shoulder’ in the Bundjalung language
It is an important and sacred Aboriginal site associated with several dream stories of the Arakwal and other Bundjalung people.
The NSW Geographical Names Board approved a submission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to officially double name the areas.
The board and Byron Shire Council will also formally name a reserve in the suburb of Bangalow as Piccabeen Park.
‘Piccabeen’ is a Bundjalung word used to describe the Bangalow palm and the baskets made from its leaves.
The move comes after Queensland’s Fraser Island was renamed K’gari in 2023 and Magnetic Island became Yunbenum last month.
In 2020, the King Leopold Ranges in Western Australia became the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges, while moves are being made to rename Lake Macquarie in NSW, with Galgabba one of the options being considered.
Minister for Customer Services Jihad Dib said the NSW Government is committed to preserving and promoting Indigenous language and culture through place naming.
“All Australians share a relationship with the land and the names we give to places convey their meaning, sense of history and identity,” he said.
“Dual naming recognizes the importance of Aboriginal culture and represents a meaningful step towards the process of unity in NSW.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the Arakwal and other Bundjalung people have had continuous ties to these places through stories, kinship and language since the first sunrise.
“It is only right to honor that history and that connection through names that bring the story and language to life for all Australians to enjoy,” he said.
Dive site Julian Rocks is renamed Nguthungulli, which means the Father of the World
