Acknowledgement of Country
“Tourism Noosa acknowledges the ongoing connection to country of the traditional custodians of this beautiful region, the Kabi Kabi people. Visitors to Noosa can enhance their experience by learning of the region’s connection to the people and stories of the Kabi Kabi. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.”
In the words of the local Kabi Kabi people, our traditional custodians, Wunya Ngulum! Welcome everyone, to Kabi Kabi Country!
The indigenous people of Australia have a rich culture stretching back at least 50,000 years, making it the oldest living culture on Earth.
Noosa is home to the Kabi Kabi people, whose land stretches roughly 100km south and 150km north of Noosa. It is important we pay our respect to the traditional owners of this land – past, present and future – and their rich history.
Here, you will find information to help you learn more about the culture, language, practices, and sacred sites of the traditional custodians of Noosa.
To recognise and celebrate the Kabi Kabi people’s connection to Noosa, a welcome to country virtual audio-visual experience takes place at 7pm each evening, outside the Visitor Information Centre in Hastings Street. Kabi Kabi traditional custodians Lyndon Davis, Jacquie Sandy, Jaiva Davis and Yeelara Chilly from Gubbi Gubbi Dance, share their local knowledge and stories.
The name of Noosa’s largest lake, Cootharaba is the Aboriginal word for the place where the wood used in making notched of studded clubs is found.
Cooran is the Aboriginal word for tall trees, and a tranquil Noosa country town is now named after it. Once a year for two days, the Tall Trees Art Festival takes place in the village.
In Kabi Kabi language, Tinbeerwah means place of grass trees or high hill climbing up. Mt Tinbeerwah, located just 15 minutes from Noosa Heads, is in the Tewantin National Park and you can easily get to the top, for stunning views of the coast.
An important landmark for indigenous people is the deciduous white fig tree that you’ll find while strolling through Tewantin’s Memorial Park. The enormous tree is over 30 metres tall and between 200 and 400 years old. It was once an indigenous burial tree.
Located in the town of Pomona, the Noosa Museum showcases authentic Kabi Kabi artefacts and memorabilia and houses the Island of Reconciliation.
A unique and authentic marine experience, Saltwater Eco Tours inspire a deeper connection to Indigenous culture and the ocean, on board a historical timber sailing vessel, exploring the traditional waters of the Kabi Kabi people.
The name of Noosa’s hinterland town of Cooroy, originally spelt Coorooey, is derived from the language of the Kabi Kabi people, meaning ‘possum’.
The name of a small village in Noosa’s hinterland, Kin Kin comes from the Kabi Kabi word kauin kauin, meaning red soil. It also refers to a species of small black ant prevalent in the area.
Looking for more Noosa inspiration? Discover a whole world of destinations to enjoy the best beaches, rivers and hinterland experiences.
