Gulaga National Park joint management program

The Yuin (Djuwin) People are the traditional custodians of Gulaga National Park. Located near Narooma on the south coast of NSW, the 4673ha reserve continues to be valued as a sacred, spiritual site for cultural practices and on which cultural identities are based.

Gulaga Mountain is the most important landmark in Gulaga National Park and is a sacred place, especially for Aboriginal women. Together with Mumbulla Mountain, Nadjanuka, and Barunguba, it forms a significant part of the cultural landscape. Known as a site for ‘Bunan’ (meaning initiation ceremonies), the Yuin People consider it to be their spiritual mother, birthplace, and spiritual identity.

Joint management agreement

In May 2006, Gulaga National Park was handed back to the Yuin People. It was then leased to the NSW Government through a joint management agreement under Part 4A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

The Gulaga Board of Management is responsible for the overall management and control of the park. The majority of the Board are Aboriginal members. The Yuin people’s strong sense of responsibility to their people, lands, waters and Gulaga Mountain guides their activities and goals.

Joint management goals

• Establish a strong Aboriginal presence on and in connection with Gulaga Mountain through the employment and training of Aboriginal people, and community development.
• Value the Mountain and the Yuin community so their culture can be learned, shared, and taught to future generations and the rest of the world.
• Effectively manage and look after the Mountain and protect what makes it special.
• Work with their partners, stakeholders and community to grow Gulaga National Park and establish a vibrant and prosperous economic base.

A plan of management was developed in 2014 in for Gulaga National Park with Biamanga National Park, an area that is also located on the traditional Country of the Yuin People.

Key Achievements

• Providing direct employment opportunities for 7 Yuin staff members.
• Developing training pathways through the Aboriginal Trainee Ranger Program.
• Protecting important koala habitat.
• Supporting ongoing cultural fire and land management practices.
• Creating the Gulaga Summit Walk and Bungarri Yana Loop Walk (formerly known as the Bellbrook Loop Track).
• Hosting Back to Country events to celebrate Aboriginal culture, connection to Country and the hand back of Gulaga and Biamanga national parks to the traditional custodians.
• Protecting threatened ecological communities of warty zieria shrub.
• Reviewing and updating the Gulaga National Park Lease Agreement.
• Undertaking ecological and cultural surveys. Learn more about Gulaga National Park.

Learn more about Gulaga National Park.