Home/Curriculum resources/Exploring local Country: Places of importance/Case Study 7: Rivers, lakes and wetlands
Learning Areas:
Humanities and Social Sciences, English, Mathematics
Year levels:
Foundation, Level 1, Level 2
Case Study 7: Rivers, lakes and wetlands
This case study is a part of the Exploring local Country: Places of importance resource.
Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre). Location: Lands of the Arabana People (South Australia). Photographer: Hiltonj. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Used under licence: CC BY-SA 3.0.
Case Study 7: Rivers, lakes and wetlands
Rivers, lakes and wetlands are public places to learn about and enjoy Country. They may be important for culture, water, food, ceremony, travel, and, where appropriate, are used for education and community activities.
Visitors are encouraged to follow local guidance from Elders, Traditional Owners, Rangers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led tour groups, keep water places clean, stay on paths and viewing platforms, and take care around sensitive banks and nesting areas.
Table 1: Examples from across the country
Name & Location | Custodians | Details |
|---|---|---|
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, SA | Arabana People | Vast salt lake and surrounds with deep cultural importance. 0 |
Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba), Kakadu, NT | Bininj / Mungguy Peoples | Floodplains and billabongs rich with birdlife and seasonal changes; guided interpretation and clear water-safety protocols. 0 |
Barmah–Millewa Forest, VIC/NSW | Yorta Yorta People | River red-gum forest along the Murray; Ramsar-listed wetlands where visitors keep to signed tracks and respect cultural places. 0 |
Coorong and Lower Lakes, SA | Ngarrindjeri People | Long coastal-lake and lagoon system connected to stories and responsibilities; visitor codes support care for shorelines and water. 0 |
Paruku (Lake Gregory) area, Kimberley, WA | Walmajarri People | Large inland lake and wetlands with cultural significance and seasonal access; permits and local guidance may apply. 0 |
Willandra Lakes Region (Lake Mungo), NSW | Mutthi Mutthi, Paakantyi and Ngiyampaa Peoples | Ancient dry-lake system with world-heritage values; guided areas, fragile landforms and cultural protocols for visiting. 0 |
Daintree River, QLD | Kuku Yalanji People | Tropical river, mangrove edges and freshwater-saltwater meeting places. 0 |
Ord River floodplain and Parry Lagoons, WA | Miriwoong and Gajerrong Peoples | River and wetlands supporting diverse wildlife; access points and viewing platforms help protect banks and habitats. 0 |
Jerrabomberra Wetlands, ACT | Ngunnawal People | Urban wetlands with education programs; visitors use boardwalks and keep a respectful distance from bird nesting areas. 0 |
Bung Yarnda (Lake Tyers), VIC | Gunaikurnai People | Coastal lake system with cultural importance; public access points and local guidance help visitors care for shoreline and water. 0 |
Related case studies within this resources:
Case Study 1: Rock art
Aboriginal rock art, painted or engraved in sheltered rock places, marks living and ceremonial sites and, as some of the oldest art on Earth, needs ongoing care and respect.
Case Study 2: Stone arrangements
Aboriginal stone arrangements, carefully placed rocks for cultural, ceremonial or navigational purposes, are deeply significant; many meanings are not public, and most sites (often on private land) require protection and discretion.
Case Study 3: Middens
Middens are time capsules of everyday life; archaeologists study them to learn how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples lived and ate before and after colonisation.
Case Study 4: Scarred trees
Scarred trees are living records where bark was carefully taken to make canoes, shields, coolamons and other items; they reveal deep knowledge and need careful identification and protection.
Case Study 5: National parks and named landforms
National parks and named landforms are public places to learn about and enjoy Country, supporting culture, nature and community.
Case Study 6: Reefs and Sea Country
Reefs, islands and coastal places support rich life and long custodianship.
Case Study 8: Urban parks, gardens and native gardens
Urban parks and native gardens are everyday places to connect with Country in the city.
Case Study 9: Contemporary murals and public art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
Contemporary murals and public artworks share language, stories and community identity.
Case Study 10: Meeting places and community spaces
Meeting and community places support gathering, celebration and learning.
Case Study 11: Monuments and memorials
Monuments and memorials remember people, events and stories.
Case Study 12: Trails and cultural walks
Signed trails and cultural walks help people explore Country step by step.
Case Study 13: Museums, galleries and cultural centres
Museums, galleries and cultural centres share publicly available knowledge and exhibits.
Case Study 14: The Rainbow Serpent
Across Australia, many Aboriginal communities share Rainbow Serpent stories, known by different names and sometimes described as female or male, that connect to water places and other important landscapes.