Respecting the First Custodians: The Gold Coast’s Indigenous History
Long before the Gold Coast gained its reputation for beautiful beaches, theme parks, and bustling tourism, this land belonged to the Yugambeh people. They remain the Traditional Custodians of the region to this day. At GC Aqua Park and GC Wake Park, we’re proud to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Yugambeh people, especially the Kombumerri clan, whose ancestral country includes both coastal and inland areas where our parks are located.
Who are the Yugambeh People?
The Yugambeh people are the original custodians of much of South East Queensland. Their language and cultural region covers areas now known as Logan, the Scenic Rim, and the Gold Coast. Within this larger Yugambeh Nation, the Kombumerri people are the recognised caretakers of the Gold Coast coastline. Their country stretches from the Coomera River in the north, down to the Tweed River in the south, and inland to the hinterland. They’re often called the “Saltwater People” because of their deep connection to the ocean and the life it brings.
A Connection to Land and Sea
The Kombumerri people have lived here for tens of thousands of years. Their way of life followed the seasons, with traditional hunting and gathering, and a deep respect for the environment. Seafood like fish, shellfish, and eels were staples, along with wild fruits, nuts, and native plants. One of the most fascinating stories is how the Kombumerri worked with dolphins to herd fish towards the shore, showing both their ingenuity and their close relationship with local wildlife.
Sacred Sites and Cultural Significance
The Gold Coast is full of Aboriginal history, and the land itself remains spiritually and culturally important for the Kombumerri people. Jellurgal, known today as Burleigh Headland, is one of the most significant sites. This sacred mountain is central to Dreaming stories and is still a place for cultural learning and ceremony. The Jebbribillum Bora Ring in Burleigh is another key site. It’s a well-preserved ceremonial ground used for important gatherings and initiations, and it’s one of the few remaining bora rings in Australia still in its original location. These places connect the Kombumerri people to their ancestors, their laws, language, and spiritual traditions. They are living sites, still rich with cultural knowledge that’s passed down through the generations.
Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future
Today, the Kombumerri people are an active part of the Gold Coast’s cultural landscape. The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Burleigh offers guided walks, storytelling, and education programs to help keep this important heritage alive. At GC Aqua Park and GC Wake Park, we encourage everyone to learn more about the original custodians of the land. Understanding the deep roots and continuing culture of the Yugambeh people helps us all better appreciate and care for this special place.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where GC Aqua Park and GC Wake Park stand. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who visit our parks.
Further Learning:
By walking gently and with awareness, we help preserve a legacy far older than us and one that continues to shape the place we call home.