Explore and celebrate the rich cultures of Australia’s Salt Water People through this permanent exhibition at the Australian Museum.
Ongoing activity
Level 4/1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Free
Step into Garrigarrang and immerse yourself in the vibrant stories and traditions of the Salt Water People, whose cultures have thrived along Australia's coastline for thousands of years. This exhibition features voices from NSW Indigenous communities, sharing their histories and spiritual connections to sea country.
Discover over 300 rare and unique Indigenous objects, including ceremonial costumes, dance masks, and ghost net sculptures, each telling a story of cultural resilience and environmental stewardship. It’s a captivating experience that brings to life creation stories, whale ceremonies, and ancestral laws.
Perfect for families, this exhibition offers a meaningful way to connect children with Australia's oldest continuing cultures in an engaging and respectful setting.
Garrigarrang is a permanent exhibition open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 at the Australian Museum. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural outing for families looking to enrich their knowledge of Indigenous heritage.
Highlights include:
- Canoe-making traditions and the passing of ecological knowledge from Elders to youth.
- Sculptural installations made from discarded ghost nets, transforming environmental hazards into art.
- Stories of first contact and ongoing cultural preservation efforts.
This exhibition is suitable for school-aged children and adults alike, offering educational insights and inspiring conversations about sustainability and cultural identity.
Located on the Upper Ground level of the Australian Museum at 1 William Street, Sydney NSW 2010, Garrigarrang is easy to access via public transport or car. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with free general entry.
Visitors can enjoy additional amenities such as Bistro Gadi on level 4, offering food with a view, perfect for a family outing. The museum is committed to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Please note that the exhibition contains names, images, and voices of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, presented with respect and cultural sensitivity.
The Australian Museum acknowledges the Gadigal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the museum stands.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibition thoughtfully and to respect the cultural significance of the objects and stories shared.
No booking is required for Garrigarrang as it is a permanent exhibition with free general admission. Visitors can simply arrive during museum opening hours to explore at their own pace.
For more information on special events, workshops, or school holiday programs related to the exhibition, check the Australian Museum’s website or subscribe to their eNewsletter.
