Gundabooka joint management program

The Ngemba and Paakandji Aboriginal People are the traditional custodians of Gundabooka National Park and Gundabooka State Conservation Area near Bourke in outback NSW.

Mount Gunderbooka dominates the landscape and is of great significance to the Ngemba and Paakandji people. There are Aboriginal sites found in the park and conservation area including many ancient Aboriginal rock paintings.

The Ngemba and Paakandji People and NPWS work together under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure Gundabooka lands are conserved and connections to Country are maintained.

Working together

In 2015, the Ngemba and Paakandji People and NPWS entered into an MoU and formed the Gundabooka Joint Management Advisory Committee.

The MoU formally acknowledges the commitment to cooperatively manage the natural and Aboriginal cultural heritage of Gundabooka National Park, State Conservation Area and surrounding area (known as Gundabooka lands).

The plan of management outlines how these areas making up 63,900ha of land will be managed and conserved in the future.

Aboriginal culture

The local Aboriginal community have strong cultural links to the Gundabooka area. Sites in the park are significant to creation stories of Aboriginal people in the region and include art shelters, camps, stone quarries and scarred trees.

You can learn more about Aboriginal culture in these areas by visiting important sites.

Yapa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal art site walking track is an awe-inspiring ‘off the beaten track’ experience that takes you through bushland, boulders and Aboriginal rock art. At Yapa (Mulgowan) art site lookout, you’ll see incredible Aboriginal rock art painted beneath a large rock overhang. The fascinating artwork depicts humans and animals, as well as hand stencils and hunting tools.

Plan your visit to Gundabooka National Park.