Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Interpretation

The national park features diverse flora, fauna, natural landscapes and is rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) commissioned GML to interpret the National Heritage Listing values of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, through the development of an interpretation plan and a park-wide interpretive signage system, and to pilot the implementation of this system on its Gibberagong Track.

The Gibberagong walking track is a popular visitor experience in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park where users can interact with the mangroves along a mangrove boardwalk as well as encounter Aboriginal cultural sites such as grinding grooves and rock engravings.

GML worked closely with NPWS and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to create an interpretive framework based on the Aboriginal concept of ‘Connect to Country’. This framework is centred on visitors gaining greater knowledge of the park through engaging in sensory experiences that encourage them to form a connection with the park’s heritage and stories.

Along the track, signage showcases the park’s flora and fauna, natural landscapes and rich Aboriginal cultural heritage. Each sign has a ‘call to action’, be it to touch, hear, smell, and feel the environment around you. This multi-sensory experience encourages visitors to learn about and interact with Country.

The on-site interpretation also incorporates cultural art by Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr woman Rowena Welsh-Jarrett. These artworks provide a deeper insight into Aboriginal culture over time, depicting the landscape and how Aboriginal people interacted with the land, waterways, animals and seasons.

Accompanying the onsite interpretation is a digital experience created by Featherweight Projects consisting of nine films that guide visitors through the park’s natural and cultural heritage, fostering a greater appreciation for Aboriginal culture and Country.