To the peoples of the Eora nation the land was alive—a living, breathing entity that was constantly evolving. Every flood, every drought, every change was a chapter in a greater story that connected people to the earth and to each other.

Warrane exhibit offers just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Gadigal life and their enduring connection to the harbour. These stories aren’t relics of the past— they are living histories, reminding us of the deep roots beneath the modern city.

As you leave this exhibit, take with you the wisdom of the Gadigal people: to live with respect for the land, to adapt with resilience, and to cherish the connections that bind us to the world around us.

Take some time to explore the artefacts and their stories on display here. Witness the stages of transforming a shell into a fishhook, and the raw materials such as ochre for painting that were traded inland and along the coast for sometimes hundreds of kilometres.

While the world of the Eora has transformed, their connection to land and water remains unbroken. Their descendants continue to walk the streets of Sydney, and their stories continue to remind us of the deep roots beneath our feet.