Explore sculptures capturing Narungga stories at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

The Narungga people have lived on Yorke Peninsula for many thousands of years, developing a deep knowledge of the land and sea - its physical features, plants and animals, and vital water resources.

The Narungga nation is made up of four groups: Kurnara in the north of the peninsula, Windera in the east, Wari in the west, and Dhilba in the south (the Yorke Peninsula is known as Guuranda which gives this national park its name - Dhilba Guuranda). Today, Narungga people continue to maintain strong cultural connections to Land and Sea Country.

Created by Narungga artists Jay Milera and Kevin Newchurch, these five striking sculptures offer a meaningful way to learn more about the Traditional Owners of the area. Each piece draws inspiration from the park’s unique landscape and rich cultural history.

Join us on a virtual journey through the park and discover the stories behind each unique sculpture.

1. Gayinbara, Butterfish Mob Artwork

Location: Marni Wardli Welcome Centre
Narungga artist: Kevin Newchurch 

The Gayinbara (butterfish) sculpture celebrates Narungga people as Saltwater People, locally referred to as the “Butterfish Mob”, for their deep cultural connection to fishing. Of all the abundant sea life along Guuranda, butterfish are the most prized, with knowledge of when and where to catch them passed down through generations. Traditionally, yardli (men) would spear butterfish in shallow waters during spring, guided by seasonal signs such as the flowering of Billy Buttons, and the first catch was always given away for good luck. The artwork reflects this enduring cultural practice, with patterns symbolising Narungga family groups, ancestral fishing grounds, and the transfer of knowledge through generations, as well as the living culture celebrated today through the annual Gynburra Festival.

2. Widhadha the Shark Artwork

Location: Gulawulgawi Ngunda Nhagu-Cape Spencer Lookout
Narungga artist: Jay Milera

The Widhadha (shark) sculpture represents the totem of southern Narungga people, Dhilba.The sculpture symbolises protection, and strength as well as the strong spiritual connection of the Narungga people to the sea. As guardians of saltwater Country, sharks feature deeply in Narungga stories and cultural responsibilities, particularly in relation to traditional fishing practices. The story shared at this site explains why sharks lift their heads from the water, tracing back to the ancestor Madjidju, who created the shark and asked it to turn and look at him. This enduring gesture reminds Narungga people to respect and care for Widhadha as a powerful and living totem tied to their ancestors and Country.

3. Wardli, Narungga Shelter Artwork

Location: Inneston
Narungga artist: Kevin Newchurch

This artwork depicts a Wardli, a traditional Narungga shelter, reminding visitors that Narungga people lived at Inneston long before the historic mining settlement. Wardli were carefully constructed from local branches, leaves and bark, designed to suit family size, seasonal conditions and the surrounding environment. Fires were built near wardli for warmth and cooking, while specific plants such as coastal daisy bush and tea tree were used to help repel insects.

4. Burlga Nhandhu, the Giant Kangaroo Artwork

Location: Barawarli/West Cape
Narungga artist: Kevin Newchurch

This artwork tells the Narungga creation story of Burlga Nhandhu, the Giant Kangaroo, who restored balance after greed and fighting broke harmony in a once-lush valley. As animals and birds fought over freshwater lagoons, Burlga Nhandhu used the power of an ancestral thigh bone to break through the land, allowing the sea to flood the valley (now the Spencer Gulf) and end the conflict. The two kangaroo figures show strength, law and peace, with markings representing loyalty, punishment through flooding, and the peace that followed. This story aligns with scientific understanding of rising sea levels thousands of years ago and teaches enduring lessons about respect, balance and living in harmony.

5. Birra Mara-Widji, Paper Nautilus Shell Artwork

Location: Barndalawi/Pondalowie Bay* (please note this area is a women’s site)
Narungga artist: Jay Milera

The area of Barndalawi is a sacred Narungga women’s site, where women’s ceremonies have taken place for generations and continue today. The surrounding sand dunes are understood as sacred scripture, holding cultural knowledge passed from mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter in an oral culture. Every two years after the full moon, a mass stranding of the Birra Mara-Widji (Paper Nautilus shell), is said to happen here. The paper nautilus shell was a prized find, used in cultural practices, jewellery, and storytelling. The Birra Mara-Widji, Paper Nautilus Shell and sculpture represents femininity, life cycles, the transfer of knowledge, and the sacred balance between land and sea. The placement of this sculpture in this special place ensures that these cultural stories can be respected by all.

Park of the Month

Throughout January, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is Park of the Month. National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia is celebrating with plenty of events and activities, so get involved! Check the website for all event details.

Plus this January, you could win a Multiple Entry Parks Pass just by exploring these striking sculptures! Find out more here. 

Want to learn more about the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park? 

Read our Ranger Tips: Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park blog here.

Read our guide on How to spend a day in SA’s Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park here.