Start at Minjungbal Museum & Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. Set in beautiful bushland in Tweed Heads, the Centre is operated by the area’s Aboriginal community with interactive exhibits and guided tours available, taking in the flora, fauna and culture of the Minjungbal people, including a sacred Bora Ring ceremonial site.
Deepen your knowledge of culture at the Tweed Regional Museum‘s Land|Life|Culture, a permanent, interactive exhibition that shares the unique stories that shape life in The Tweed. Bringing to life The Tweed’s landscapes and people, Land|Life|Culture features a rich collection of cultural stories told by local Aboriginal community members.
Photographer: Dave Kan
Join an Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes to travel along the beautiful Tweed River, learning about local history and culture and enjoying a 2-course bush foods inspired lunch. Guests also receive free admission to the Minjungbal Museum & Cultural Centre.
For small to large private groups, the Dreamtime Art Trail is a full day tour with Kiff & Culture and Jason King, a Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr artist. Beginning with a welcome to Country at Fingal Headland, the experience includes a walking cultural storytelling tour, a delicious lunch at Paper Daisy and a visit to the Tweed Regional Gallery, followed by a guided interactive painting session led by Jason.
On show now until 1 September at the Tweed Regional Gallery is Saltwater Currents: First Nations Seascapes and Contemporary Artefacts. Showcasing the works of Yiman, Ghungalu, Gurreng Gurreng artist and long-time Northern Rivers resident Anthony J. Walker, the exhibition brings Walker’s firsthand experiences of ‘caring for Country’ to life, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationship with land, sea and waterways.
Along the 24km Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail, whether walking, jogging or cycling, take time to stop and read the interpretive signs along the way, which include information and stories about the region’s Aboriginal cultural heritage and various place-name meanings in local Bundjalung dialect.
Another spot for outdoors fun is Livvi’s Place at Goorimahbah Place of Stories, an inclusive playground set riverside in Tweed Heads. Designed to welcome children of all abilities, ages and cultures, it also celebrates the cultural heritage of the local Bundjalung people, with Indigenous artwork and storytelling around the six seasons of the Aboriginal calendar.
Be sure to stop by Tumbulgum to learn more about Faith Bandler. Born in the small riverside town, Faith campaigned tirelessly for Indigenous rights, her persistence leading to the inclusion of Aboriginal Australians in the census from 1967, giving long-awaited recognition and the right to vote. Faith won many awards including a Human Rights Medal, a peace award by Nelson Mandela and an Order of Australia and her contributions are acknowledged with a special tribute plaque overlooking the Tweed River.
Get a delicious taste of culture at Savour The Tweed, a new food and drink event, on from 30 October to 3 November, that will feature First Nations storytellers, chefs and artists, from native food inspired dinners and food foraging to a yarning circle and literary event. Sign up for program and ticketing details here.
We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lores, customs and traditions.
