Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is home to the Nunagal and Goenbal clans who, together with the Ngugi of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), are the Quandamooka people.
The Quandamooka people are the Traditional Owners of these islands and their waters. They have a rich traditional and living culture and a strong, ongoing connection to Country.
The Quandamooka people’s continued occupation of Minjerribah dates to more than 20,000 years ago.
An archaeological site at Wallen Wallen, south of Gumpi (Dunwich), is one of the few sites on the east coast of Australia with evidence of Pleistocene Age occupation.
Living culture
The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) is the cultural heritage body for the Quandamooka Estate. QYAC protects the tangible and intangible aspects of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and harnesses opportunities for growth and progress.
Many significant cultural sites on Minjerribah and Mulgumpin were awarded protection under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. Among these are bora rings, middens, lakes and springs.
The Quandamooka people’s living culture was recognised through Australian Federal Court decisions under the Native Title Act 1993. These rulings give custodial rights to Traditional Owners of land and water in Quandamooka Country.
Related links
Minjerribah’s nature, culture and history
Artwork: Brisbane River pattern from A Guidance Through Time by Quandamooka artists Casey Coolwell and Kyra Mancktelow
Traditional Owners
When you visit Quandamooka Country, consider that you’re visiting the spiritual home of the Quandamooka people. Please respect the area’s Traditional Owners and their land, and leave only footprints.