Nambucca Heads, NSW Australia

Long before the Europeans arrived, the small coastal town of Nambucca Heads was the proud homeland of the Gumbaynggirr people. At least a thousand strong, the Gumbaynggirr spoke a common language, passed down through generations, and celebrated initiations that marked the transition from youth to adulthood. Their stories echoed across the valleys and hills.

Yet, loyalty ran deeper than mere tradition. Each clan was fiercely loyal to its own “jagun” (homeland). The Bagabaga lived near the Nambucca River, the Baanbay thrived atop the high plateaus of the Great Dividing Ranges, while the Wiigulga people flourished further north on the Clarence River. Each clan guarded its sacred paths and passed on their dreaming stories only to those who belonged or were kin to each place. The women, strong and resilient, married outside their own clans but within the Gumbaynggirr tribe. Through these unions, the land itself became a living tapestry, binding the clans together through stories and traditions. 

The Nambucca Heads Surf Club is one of the oldest in Australia, but it is much more famously known for establishing the Nippers program, a junior lifesaving program for ages 5-13. Australia is surrounded by rugged coastlines, strong rips and surf, and this program helps kids learn how to read surf conditions, how to escape rips, and beach safety while participating in a variety of fun activities that build the necessary skill sets. The program, launched in 1961, was a roaring success that spread out to all the surf clubs around the country, and more than 60,000 children participate every summer. The Coogee Surf Club (near Sydney) has the biggest turnout, with more than 1000 children hitting the sand and surfing every Sunday morning.

There are three viewing platforms around the headland, all with spectacular views of the ocean and a number of waterfront walks. The Lions Riverfront Walk was particularly interesting, as it led to the “Graffiti Gallery”, where the breakwater wall made up of a series of large boulders has been painted with artworks by local artists. This third-of-a-mile (500m) stretch of art features poems, professional and amateur paintings, and great pieces of graffiti. It makes walking the path a visual delight. 

Another incredible piece of art is the mosaic wall that wraps around a corner street stretching 196ft (60m). Mosaic artist Guy Crosley scoured the local area for unique pieces of pottery, tiles, china and any other interesting pieces that could be used on the project. He engaged volunteers to help with the project, which took four years to complete. The sculpture features marine animals, mythical creatures, waves and a great octopus gobbling everything up in its path.