Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps

On the banks of the Barwon River in north-west New South Wales, the Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps (Ngunnhu) form one of the oldest human-made structures on Earth. These intricate, stone-walled labyrinth traps were engineered by the local Ngemba people thousands of years ago to channel fish during seasonal flows. They remain a profound cultural landmark and a UNESCO tentative World Heritage site, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Indigenous ingenuity and sustainable resource management.

Highlights & What to See

• Ngunnhu Fish Traps: Walk the riverbank to view the complex system of V-shaped stone walls and ponds that still trap fish today. Interpretive signs explain how each section worked in harmony with the river’s flow.
• Brewarrina Visitor Information Centre: Start here for context – the centre houses artefacts, photographs, and stories from local Elders, plus details on guided tours led by Ngemba custodians.
• Barwon River Walk: A short walking track follows the river, offering vantage points over the traps and the chance to spot birdlife like pelicans and black swans.
• Brewarrina Aboriginal Museum: Located in town, this small museum displays traditional tools, baskets, and artworks that deepen your understanding of the region’s living culture.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least half a day to explore the traps and visitor centre. If you join a guided tour (highly recommended), plan for 1–2 hours on site. Brewarrina town itself is small; a full day gives you time for the museum, a riverside picnic, and a relaxed pace. The traps are best visited in the cooler months (April–October) when the river level is low enough to see the stonework clearly.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bourke: 100 km west – historic river port with the Darling River Run, the Back O’Bourke gallery, and river cruises.
• Walgett: 160 km south – gateway to the Culgoa National Park and the opal fields of Lightning Ridge.
• Lightning Ridge: 200 km south – famous for black opals, artesian hot springs, and quirky outback character.
• Gundabooka National Park: 80 km south-west – red cliffs, Aboriginal rock art, and bush camping along the Darling River.
• Macquarie Marshes: 250 km east – Ramsar-listed wetland teeming with waterbirds, accessible via the Macquarie River.

Please check official sources for current details.