Layer

NameIndigneous place names of Australian Cities
Description

This map was created in August 2023. It is designed to be a living document that can be updated with cultural knowledge and expanded over time as new information arises. In naming cities, it can be difficult to identify one Indigenous name as Indigenous people of that area are likely to have many different names for different landmarks within the city precinct. Where possible, TLCMap has provided links to other interactive maps and sources which identify these Indigenous place names. 

Spelling: 

Alternative spellings of languages, clans and people are provided in brackets. For example, Boorloo (Boorlo, Burrell). This is not an exhaustive list of spellings. Differences in spellings exist for a number of reasons. Indigenous languages are oral. Initially, they were recorded by linguists and anthropologists who were largely responsible for writing down the spoken words they heard. Hence interpretations vary from author to author. Also, multiple dialects of some Indigenous languages will affect the spelling of place names. 

Pronunciations: 

Pronunciation for place names is based on the ABC's Pronunciation Guide. Capital letters are used to signify what part of the word the stress falls on. For example, in English, the stress of the word “reading” is at the beginning of the word, so we say READ-ing rather than read-ING. 

Type
Content Warning

TLCMap recognises that modern cartographic conventions are not directly or easily transferrable into Indigenous systems of naming and land use. Modern maps are set out in such a way as to imply that places have fixed names over time whereas, in Indigenous cultures, any one place may be called several different names depending on the context in which it is being used. In addition, this map identifies only one name for a city whereas it is highly likely there will be many Indigenous names for places and landmarks that comprise that city. 

Please be aware that this publication is not definitive and that discrepancies may exist for certain place names due to the inaccurate and inconsistent manner in which the information was originally documented. The contestation of ownership between some Aboriginal groups is due to the aftermath of destructive colonial practices and TLCMap has endeavoured to list all claimants to Country. However, while all reasonable care has been taken in compiling this map, using Indigenous-sourced references from 2023, TLCMap disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions.  

You are welcome to contact us if you have any further information which has not been recorded by TLCMap.

ContributorJacqui Wright
Entries9
Allow ANPS?Yes
Added to System2023-08-15 16:44:25
Updated in System2023-08-28 14:13:17
Subject indigenous, dual naming, declonising, place names
CreatorDr Jacqueline Wright
PublisherTLCMap
Contactbill.pascoe@unimelb.edu.au
Citation

For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and place names:

https://gambay.com.au/languages 

https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia

For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames on this map: 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5937694719606031 

For more on the following cities:

Meanjin (Brisbane): 

https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/discover/first-nations-cultures/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-languages 

Warrang (Sydney): 

https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/atsi-collection/sydney/place-names-chart/ 

Canberra: 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-04/ngunnawal-leaders-say-governments-ngambri-apology-an-affront/102299678 

Naarm (Melbourne): 

https://aboriginal-map.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ 

Nipaluna (Hobart): 

http://tacinc.com.au/pk/GIS/index.html#8/-41.953/146.342 

Tarndanya (Adelaide): 

https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/community/reconciliation/kaurna-place-naming/ 

Boorloo (Perth): 

https://gnarlaboodjamap.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/#/home 

https://www.derbalnara.org.au/index.htm 

Garramilla (Darwin): 

https://larrakia.com/about/the-larrakia-people/ 

Mparntwe (Alice Springs): 

https://alicesprings.nt.gov.au/about-alice-springs/more/a-brief-history#:~:text=Mparntwe%20(pronounced%20m'barn%2D,%2Darenye%2C%20Ntyarlke%20and%20Utnerrengatye 

DOI
Source URLhttps://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/do-you-know-what-aboriginal-land-youre-on-today/ytff85vi1
Linkback
Date From
Date To
Latitude From
Longitude From
Latitude To
Longitude To
LanguageINDIG
LicenseCC BY
Usage Rights
Date Created (externally)2023-08-15

Brisbane

Placename
Meanjin
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-27.46986135
Longitude
153.0271096
State
QLD
Feature Term
city

Description

"Meanjin" is a Turrbal word for the area where Brisbane's central city was established. According to the Queensland State Library, Turrbal Country covers Brisbane’s Northside, Pine River, Bribie Island, and parts of Greater Brisbane and Redcliffe whereas Yuggera Country covers Ipswich, Lockyer, Boonah, Brisbane Valley, Brisbane Western Suburbs, parts of Greater Brisbane, Esk, Fassifern Valley and Gatton. The Queensland government acknowledge both Yuggera people and the Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin. For more detailed information on Meanjin (Brisbane). For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

pronounciation
mee-AN-jin
groups
Turrbal, Yuggera and Yugambeh

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc3899
Linkback
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/do-you-know-what-aboriginal-land-youre-on-today/ytff85vi1
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:11:36

Sydney Harbour

Placename
Warrang (Warrane)
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-33.8649117
Longitude
151.1928271
State
NSW
Feature Term
city

Description

"Warrang" has been documented as the Gadigal word for Sydney Harbour (Cove). Sydney metropolitan area is comprised of about 29 clan groups. Most of these clans refer to themselves collectively as the Eora Nation. The Gadigal are a clan of the Eora Nation. "Eora" means ‘here’ or ‘from this place’. Local Aboriginal people used the word to describe to colonisers where they come from. For more on Warrang (Sydney). For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

pronounciation
whu-RUNG
groups
Gadigal, Dharug, Dharawal and more
nation
Eora

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc389a
Linkback
https://www.sydneybarani.com.au/sites/aboriginal-people-and-place/
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:13:17

Canberra

Placename
Canberra
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-35.28021558
Longitude
149.1308795
State
ACT
Feature Term
city

Description

Two language groups in Canberra claim custodianship of the lands and waterways around Canberra prompting the ACT government to adopt an interim Indigenous protocol in 2023. According to this ABC article (May 2023), the government acknowledge the "Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT while also recognising any other people or families with connection to the ACT and region." The Ngarigo people also have ties to Canberra's far-south suburbs. For more on Canberra. For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

groups
Ngunnawal, Ngambri and Ngarigo

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc389b
Linkback
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/do-you-know-what-aboriginal-land-youre-on-today/ytff85vi1
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:11:21

Melbourne

Placename
Naarm
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-37.81032654
Longitude
144.95679
State
VIC
Feature Term
city

Description

Five Aboriginal clans comprise the Kulin nation. "Naarm" means 'place' in Woiwurrung (Woi-wurrung), the language of the Kulin nation. Melbourne's CBD is located on the sovereign lands of the Wurundjeri (Woi-wurrung) and Bunurong Boon Wurrung Peoples of the Eastern Kulin nation. For more on Naarm (Melbourne). For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

pronounciation
NAH-m
groups
Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung (Bunurong Boon Wurrung), Wathaurrung, Daungwurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung
nation
Kulin

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc389c
Linkback
https://auspost.com.au/community-hub/traditional-place-names/naarm-introducing-traditional-place-name-of-melbourne
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:13:05

Hobart

Placename
Nipaluna
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-42.88236352
Longitude
147.3257407
State
TAS
Feature Term
city

Description

"Nipaluna" names the place where the city of Hobart sits. For more on Nipaluna (Hobart). For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

pronounciation
NEE-puh-LOO-nuh (i.e. "loo" as in "look", not "loop")
groups
Palawa People

Adelaide

Placename
Tarndanya (Tarntanyangga)
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-34.92153843
Longitude
138.6069836
State
SA
Feature Term
city

Description

Connected to the Red Kangaroo Dreaming, "Tarndanya" refers to the location south of the Karrawirra Parri (Torrens River) covering what is now the site of Adelaide city. The Kaurna word directly translates as 'male red kangaroo rock', referring to an original rock formation on the site (sadly, now destroyed). For more on Tarndanya (Adelaide). For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

pronounciation
TAHN-dun-ya
groups
Kaurna

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc389e
Linkback
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/do-you-know-what-aboriginal-land-youre-on-today/ytff85vi1
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:11:03

Perth

Placename
Boorloo (Boorlo, Burrell)
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-31.94296505
Longitude
115.8680955
State
WA
Feature Term
city

Description

Historian Neville Green (1933) in his book, 'Broken spears : Aborigines and Europeans in the southwest of Australi'a, documents "Boorloo" as a place name in the Moroo territory, one of four territories of the Whadjak Peoples. It extends north of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), across the Perth CBD and the north-west suburbs. The Whadjuk nation is a part of the Noongar peoples collective, a network of 13 or so similar linguistic groups covering south-west Western Australia. For more detailed information on Boorloo (Perth) and surrounding districts. For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

pronounciation
BOO-loo (i.e. "oo" as in the u in "put")
groups
Whadjuk (Noongar Peoples)
nation
Whadjuk

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc389f
Linkback
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/do-you-know-what-aboriginal-land-youre-on-today/ytff85vi1
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:10:48

Darwin

Placename
Garramilla
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-12.46729198
Longitude
130.8454136
State
NT
Feature Term
city

Description

"Garramilla" translates as 'white rock' in the Larrakia language. It refers to the unique white stone cliff faces found around Darwin's beaches and harbour. Larrakia Country runs from the Cox peninsula in the west, to Gunn Point in the north, and the Adelaide River in the east, down to the Manton Dam area southwards. For more on Garramilla (Darwin). For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map.

Extended Data

pronounciation
gah-rah-MIL-ah
groups
Larrakia
nation
Larrakia

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc38a0
Linkback
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/do-you-know-what-aboriginal-land-youre-on-today/ytff85vi1
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:12:45

Alice Springs

Placename
Mparntwe
Type
Other

Details

Latitude
-23.69786833
Longitude
133.8803307
State
NT
Feature Term
city

Description

"Mparntwe" is Arrernte for 'Watering Place'. It refers to the waterhole in the Todd River located at the Old Telegraph Station on the northside of town. However, Mparntwe is now used to refer to the majority of the Alice Springs township. For more on Mparntwe (Alice Springs). For more nationally-focused information on Indigenous languages and placenames refer to the First Languages Australia or the AIATSIS maps. For more on pronunciation of some of the Indigenous placenames mentioned on this map

Extended Data

pronounciation
uhm-PAHN-twuh
groups
Eastern Arrernte, Central Western Arrernte

Sources

TLCMap ID
tc38a1
Linkback
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/do-you-know-what-aboriginal-land-youre-on-today/ytff85vi1
Created At
2023-08-15 16:47:25
Updated At
2023-08-28 14:11:52
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