New app helps visitors dig deeper into stunning NSW national park

When human remains were uncovered by an archaeologist in the Willandra Lakes area of south-west New South Wales, they changed history.

Dubbed Mungo Lady (found in 1968) and Mungo Man (found in 1974) became hugely important when they were found to be more than 40,000 years old, telling significant stories through their condition and location.

The full moon rises while the sun sets simultaneously at the ancient sandstone Walls of China at Mungo National Park.Credit: iStock

They led to the establishment of Mungo National Park and the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area. Apart from the fossil-rich region’s cultural significance, it is also stunningly beautiful and is a popular destination for road trippers of all kinds.

A new app has been developed to give visitors a more immersive experience.

Mungo Stories: Walk Together is the work of the three First Nations tribal groups from the Mungo National Park and Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area – the Barkandji/Paakantyi, Mutthi Mutthi and Ngiyampaa Peoples – in partnership with NSW Parks and Wildlife Service, students at Mildura Primary School (which is just across the border in Victoria), and SharingStories Foundation.

SharingStories Foundation is a not-for-profit that works with First Nations custodians around Australia, collaborating on Country, to record languages, stories and cultural knowledge using various art forms and digital media, and then using the material produced for education.

The free mobile app gives the user access to stories via markers throughout the national park, sharing the knowledge of important points. The app uses GPS technology to lead visitors to further markers.

The chief executive of SharingStories Foundation, Sharon Williams, says the app represents a fresh way for visitors to listen to stories on Country.

“From there, the app actually links up with the Mungo National Parks Aboriginal Rangers’ Discovery Tours, so visitors can book guided tours that deepen understanding and knowledge of the sites.

“I was lucky enough to be up there a couple of months ago and it is astounding. The colours are just so sensational. But it’s great that people cannot just go there and admire the beautiful landscapes. They can now discover the living cultural stories of the land they are actually looking at and walking on directly from Custodians.”