Wulgurukaba
Traditional custodians of the Townsville region and Palm Islands, the Wulgurukaba — meaning "canoe people" — have maintained their connection to the coast and islands of north Queensland for tens of thousands of years.
The Wulgurukaba people The Wulgurukaba people are the Traditional Owners of a large area of coastal north Queensland, including Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), the Palm Islands (Bwgcolman), and the mainland coast around what is now Townsville. Their name means "canoe people," reflecting their deep connection to the sea and their skilled use of watercraft to travel between the islands and mainland. Wulgurukaba country encompasses tropical coastline, mangrove estuaries, offshore islands, and the foothills of the coastal ranges. The warm tropical waters provided abundant fish, dugong, turtle, and shellfish, while the mainland offered a rich variety of plant foods, game, and fresh water. Castle Hill (Garrabarra), the granite monolith overlooking Townsville, is a significant cultural landmark. The relationship between the mainland and island environments shaped Wulgurukaba culture and seasonal movement patterns. Today, the Wulgurukaba people share custodianship of the greater Townsville region with the Bindal people. Together they maintain cultural heritage through community organisations, Welcome to Country ceremonies, and cultural education programs. The Wulgurukaba Aboriginal Corporation advocates for the recognition and protection of cultural sites across their traditional lands and waters.
Places to go
Made with love in Meanjin
Always will be is a privately run, Aboriginal owned and led project that aims to improve the connection people feel to country and the understanding people have about Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, history and people.