Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage & Cultural Centre
Gwoonwardu Mia is a multipurpose Cultural Centre hosted on Yinggarda Country in Carnarvon that celebrates and recognises the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne Region, Yinggarda, Baiyungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji with a vision to create: “a common meeting place for the people of the Gascoyne Region where lives are enriched, Aboriginal culture is recognized and practiced, quality employment and business enterprises operate and where youth are actively engaged in creating their own future”
Gwoonwardu Mia showcases regional artists in the Gallery Shop, a Training Café, Conference Rooms for hire, an Ethno – botanical garden and the nationally award winning permenant exhibition – Burlganjya Wanggaya – Old People Talking – Listen, Learn, Respect.
Burlganyja Wanggaya: Old People Talking is an interactive permanent exhibition that tells the stories of the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne region in their own words, designed around “story telling” the exhibition includes a replica of a 32,000 year old shell necklace, images and films, oral histories, artifacts, the amazing giant Burrowing Bee film, an interactive light table and a sky dome experience to tell the story of Janguna, the emu, who inhabits the night sky and provides guidance to today’s people on when they can take the different foods off the land.
Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Weekends: Closed
Closed
Public holidays including: Australia Day, Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day
Entry fees
General entry to Gwoonwardu Mia is FREE.
Entry fee to Exhibitions:
| Adult | $10 |
| Seniors & Concession | $8 |
| Children | $5 |
| Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) | $25 |
| Live in postcode 6701 | Free |
Tours & Events
Yarning Circles
Read more: Yarning CirclesA Yarning Circle is a traditional and respectful way for Aboriginal people to communicate, share, and learn from one another. Set in a circle to represent equality, unity, and connection, it’s a space where everyone has a voice and every voice is valued. At Gwoonwardu Mia, we invite you to experience this powerful cultural practice.…
Around the Firepit – Gascoyne Food Festival Edition
Read more: Around the Firepit – Gascoyne Food Festival EditionJoin us for Carnarvon Around the Firepit, an intimate and inspiring evening at Gwoonwardu Mia. Settle around the fire beneath a canopy of stars as you enjoy a uniquely crafted bush tucker gourmet menu, presented by talented students from the Training Centre. With expert guidance from acclaimed chefs, this event will showcase exceptional local and…
Around the Firepit with Zach Green
Read more: Around the Firepit with Zach GreenFriday 2 May | 5.30pm | $67.95 per person Join us at Gwoonwardu Mia for an unforgettable night of food, culture, and connection Around the Firepit with acclaimed Aboriginal chef Zach Green, known as The Storyteller Chef. Zach brings culture to life through cuisine, using native ingredients to honour the ancestors of our land and…
National Reconciliation Week
Read more: National Reconciliation WeekNational Reconciliation Week 2025: Bridging Now to Next, 27 May – 3 June.
Jankurna Stargazing Nights
Read more: Jankurna Stargazing Nights6pm to 8pm Join us for an enchanting evening of stargazing with Wooramulla Cultural Eco Journeys. Explore the night sky and learn about the stars and constellations from a cultural perspective. This unique experience offers an opportunity to connect with the ancient stories and traditions of the Aboriginal people under the stunning Carnarvon sky.
Gwoonwardu Arboretum Gudu
Read more: Gwoonwardu Arboretum GuduExperience the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Carnarvon in this captivating two-hour tour that combines the best of both worlds. Venture to the Carnarvon abortorium for a walk showcasing the native flora of Gwoonwardu. Then explore the Gwoonwardu Mia Cultural Centre, where you’ll delve into the history, traditions, and artistry of the local…
NAIDOC Week
Read more: NAIDOC WeekThis NAIDOC Week, we celebrate The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy – a powerful theme that honours the resilience of our Elders, the vision of our leaders, and the legacy we pass on to our youth.
WA Day Festival
Read more: WA Day FestivalJoin us at Gwoonwardu Mia for WA Day Festival – a day filled with community joy, vibrant activities, and cultural celebration! Join us on Monday, 2 June 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm, as we come together to commemorate Western Australia Day in a spirit of unity and festivity.
Entry fee: Burlganjya Wanggaya
Read more: Entry fee: Burlganjya WanggayaMonday – Friday This multi-award winning permanent interactive exhibition unites and reflects the culture and stories of the five Aboriginal language groups of the region; Yinggarda, Bayungu, Malgana, Thadgari and Thalanyji.
Café
Enjoy a taste of local Bush Tucker with Gascoyne Produce in the Training Café daily at Gwoonwardu Mia.
Gallery Shop
Discover the Gallery Shop showcasing regional artists. You’ll find paintings, baskets, books as well as range of Australian Aboriginal designed products.
Artist in Residence
Experience our artist in residence as local talents are showcased through painting, carving and weaving.
Ethno-botanical Garden
Experience the beauty and diversity of Western Australia’s flora at Gwoonwardu Mia’s Ethno-botanical Garden. Learn about traditional medicinal and cultural uses of native plants from the region’s Aboriginal communities.
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