Walbunja facts for kids
The Walbunja people, also known as Walbanga or Walbunga, are an Aboriginal Australian group. They come from the beautiful land of New South Wales, Australia. The Walbunja are an important part of the larger Yuin nation, which includes many different Aboriginal groups in that area.
Understanding the Walbunja Language
The Walbunja people speak a language called Walbunja. This language is very similar to, and might even be a dialect of, the Dhurga language. Languages are a key part of Aboriginal culture, helping to share stories, traditions, and knowledge across generations.
Walbunja Country: Their Traditional Lands
The traditional lands of the Walbunja people are quite large. They cover about 2,500 square miles (6,500 km2) along the coast. This area stretches from Cape Dromedary in the south up towards Ulladulla in the north. Inland, their country reaches as far as the Shoalhaven River.
Many towns you might know are on Walbunja land. These include Braidwood, Araluen, and Moruya. The Walbunja people lived alongside other Aboriginal groups. To their north were the Wandandian peoples. To their south lived the Djiringanj and Thaua peoples.
Other Names for the Walbunja
The Walbunja people have been known by several different names and spellings over time. The most common alternative spellings are Walbanga and Walbunga.
Historian Norman Tindale recorded other names for the Walbunja, including:
- Thurga or Thoorga (tirga is the Walbunja word for "no")
- Bugellimanji (This refers to a specific group or family within the Walbunja people)
- Bargalia
- Moruya tribe (named after the town of Moruya, which is on their land)
