The Central Coast of New South Wales boasts a rich Aboriginal culture, with over 7,000 registered Aboriginal sites in the region. The Darkinjung people, the traditional custodians of the land who have resided in the area for millennia, contribute to the area's cultural richness. Notable Aboriginal sites and attractions on the Central Coast include Popran National Park, housing evidence of 11,000 years of Aboriginal heritage, the Tuggerah Lakes catchment with well-documented Indigenous heritage, Wollemi National Park known for its Aboriginal sites, and the Gibalee Centre, an organization dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal community within the Central Coast Campus of Newcastle University.
The waterways of the Central Coast have always held significance in Indigenous culture, providing shelter, meeting places, burial grounds, and hunting sites for local communities. Today, these waterways continue to serve as a vital space for recreation, education, and a source of food. Exploring these sites offers a deeper insight into the region's rich Aboriginal history and the enduring resilience of its people.