For more than two decades, Cadi Jam Ora 'First Encounters' has introduced millions of visitors to the rich history of the site. Now, a renewed Gadigal story journey at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's First Nations precinct offers a deeper opportunity to engage with the plants, stories and living culture of Gadigal Country.
The new Cadi Jam Ora experience shares stories of the Gadigal people, marana yurabirong, the first people of this place.
It invites visitors to experience the joy, colour and history of this ancient place, where land meets sea, spanning 21 interpretive panels, more than 75 metres of storytelling.
Developed through a deeply collaborative co-design process led by Traditional Descendants, Elders and First Nations knowledge holders and the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, the project was guided by Gadigal / Bidjigal / Dharug / Yuin Elder and Traditional Descendant Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor, andYuin / Bidjigal / Dharawal / Wailwan Elder and Traditional Descendant Uncle Dean Kelly.
Grounded in more than 65,000 years of relationships, reciprocity and responsibility, the story journey invites visitors to slow down, listen and develop a deeper understanding of the connections between people, plants and place.
"By healing and caring for Country, we heal and care for ourselves and our families," said Aunty Rhonda.
The renewed story journey was shaped through truth-listening and truth-telling and celebrates the ongoing joy, beauty, resilience and wisdom of the world's oldest living culture.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the stories embedded throughout the landscape, from towering Angophoras to the flower spikes of the Gulgadya (Grass Tree), while learning about the enduring relationships between land, sea, sky and community.
The revitalised story journey was proudly funded by the NSW Governmentʼs reVITALise program.
Visitors can further enrich their experience through Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's First Nations-led experiences, including Bush Tucker Tours and Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tours, which explore the deep cultural connections between people, plants and Country.
You can also visit Walks Near Me to experience Cadi Jam Ora as part of a new walking itinerary across the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
The Cadi Jam Oraʼs renewed Gadigal story journey is now open to visitors at Wuganmagulya, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
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