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, Bayungu, 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 |

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.

Tours & Events
-
Yarning Circles
Read more: Yarning CirclesAn Aboriginal Yarning Circle is a traditional form of communication and sharing among Indigenous Australians. It takes place in a circular setting, representing equality and unity. Participants gather to share stories, knowledge, and experiences, fostering a sense of community and connection. The practice emphasises active listening, empathy, and understanding, allowing individuals to learn from one…
-
Entry fee to Collection and Exhibitions
Read more: Entry fee to Collection and ExhibitionsMonday – 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.