When campervanning Australia, there are myriad opportunities to explore the rich indigenous culture.  For those travelling through NSW, one new attraction looks set to offer travellers a unique perspective on this culture.

The brainchild of Wollongong Aboriginal Elders almost nine years ago, Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre is a celebration of the Illawarra’s rich Indigenous cultural heritage and aims to give visitors an authentic taste of both urban and traditional Aboriginal culture.

“Come Walk in Our Footprints” is the theme of the attraction boasting four state of the art theatres which takes visitors on an interactive cultural journey.  Each theatre will focus on a different aspect of local Aboriginal life including, ‘Welcome to Country’, ‘The Land’, ‘Family’ and ‘Togetherness’.  A specially designed area for children will focus on the local Dooligah legend, which local Aboriginal people have reported seeing many times.

 “This type of attraction is important to many non-Aboriginal people, telling our stories from our point of view to the general public, allowing them to experience the importance and sense of belonging of our people to the Illawarra area. It also helps the visitor to understand the depth and passion for culture, family and land that all Aboriginal people experience”, the manager of Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre, Mr Noel said.

The Southern Gateway Centre has a brand new restaurant that is open everyday and offers the most magnificent views along the coast. From here visitors can see as far south as Kiama and north to Bald Hill. One of the many features of this area is the scenic drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge which is part of the spectacle Grand Pacific Drive. Other tourist attractions include the Illawarra Fly ‘Tree Top Walk’ (near Robertson); Illawarra Aviation Museum at Albion Park; Royalty House at Woonona and Science Centre at Fairy Meadow all within a quick drive from Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre.

“This attraction is the first of its kind in Australia where we, Aboriginal people of the Illawarra, talk about our culture, families, history and our respect for the land and each other.  Jumbulla also tells the local story of the struggle for justice and recognition that both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people undertook”, Mr Noel added.

Groups are welcome at Jumbulla Aboriginal Discovery Centre, which has a retail section that offers some of Australia’s most unique Indigenous products from a wide variety of Indigenous communities.

Find out more at www.jumbulla.com.au