Why Visiting Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre Should Be on Your Radar

Why Visiting Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre Should Be on Your Radar

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 06/26/2019

Reading time: 3 mins

The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre is the very heart of Kakadu. The centre holds the history, culture, and heart of Kakadu National Park.

The Aboriginal Community of Kakadu

Before any European invaded the region, there were around 2,000 indigenous people living in Kakadu. The largest tribes being the Bininj and the Mungguy People. Both communities had a very strong connection to the land. The Bininj people live in the north of the park while the Mungguy community were within the south. However, despite the region, both communities didn’t just stay in one camping area. They moved around the park to hunt and gather throughout the year.

The European invasion of the region caused devastating effects to the Indigenous community. They were displaced and forcibly removed from their culture. Despite this horrific past, the current community are proud of their culture and history. The centre serves as a hub for all this information, allowing tourists to have easy access to land’s history.

Where is the Warradjan Cultural Centre?

The centre is only a short 1 kilometre from the Cooinda Lodge Kakadu and 1.5 kilometres from the Yellow Waters Boat Cruise. It is open from 9am until 5pm every day in the dry season, but closes at 3pm in the wet season.

What You Can See at the Warradjan Cultural Centre?

  • Videos and Images

    Alongside the selection of real-life artefacts, you can discover a range of contemporary exhibits, ranging from videos of traditional culture and images. These displays span thousands of years, and the visual element brings the history of Kakadu to life right before your eyes.

  • Joining of the Tribes

    The people of the Murumburr, Mirrar Gun-djeihmi, Badmardi, Bunitj, Girrimbitjba, Manilakarr, Wargol and other tribes have joined together to create a large display highlighting some of the most important parts of Aboriginal culture throughout the years.

  • Hunting Techniques

    Elsewhere in the centre, visitors can explore an exhibit that features various different kinds of hunting techniques. In another, the natural history of the park comes to life through first-person accounts and visuals. While another exhibition highlights the blood lines, marriage rights, and stories from distinguished elders.

  • On-Site Gallery

    Once you’ve delved deep into the fascinating history of Kakadu and its rich Aboriginal culture, you can wander around the on-site gallery that exhibits a range of breath-taking arts and crafts. The goods on show come from Kakadu itself as well as the surrounding Arnhem Land and Katherine regions. Here, you can pick up a souvenir by local artists or simply browse the works by Kakadu artists of yesteryear.

  • Learn About the History

    Today, numerous Aboriginal tribes continue to call Kakadu home, many of which have formed a large part of creating and nurturing the rich history that pervades the region. At the Warradjan Cultural Centre, visitors can dig deep into this history and discover personal stories, ancient dreamtime narratives, and fascinating visual artefacts. Afterwards, the on-site gallery and gift shop offer the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.

Related article: How Big is Kakadu National Park?

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.

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