Bushman's Hill & Wiradjuri Ampitheatre
Visit the site of one of Parkes' first gold mines, which operated over 100 years ago. Bushman's Hill is an enjoyable place to take a walk, with walking tracks to the top of the hill passing by some interesting historical relics.
Access the Hill via the Newell Highway near the Visitor Information Centre, or from Wentworth Street.
The site is also home to the Wiradjuri Ampitheatre and Garradyang Garden. Learn about the local indigenous culture of the Wiradjuri people at the amphitheatre facility at the southern side of Bushman Hill (access from Wentworth Street). Marvel at the indigenous artwork created by local Wiradjuri artists, take in the ambience and spirituality of the site.
Explore the newly established Wiradjuri Garden named 'Garradyang'. The garden showcases plantings commonly used by the Wiradjuri people in their day to day life.The Garradyang Cultural Garden was designed by local landscape designer, Elizabeth Briton, the garden showcases plants commonly used by the Wiradjuri people in their day to day life for food, medicine, tool making and other purposes. The design and choice of plants was overseen by a working group compromising local Wiradjuri residents and council staff passionate about raising awareness for Wiradjuri history and culture.
About our Indigenous Culture
The traditional land owners of the Parkes Region are the Wiradjuri people who have lived in these lands for more than 40,000 years.
The Wiradjuri tribe was the largest in the state, ranging from Albury in the South to Coonabarabran in the North covering approximately one fifth of NSW. The Wiradjuri lands were signposted with carved trees which marked burial grounds.
The Wiradjuri language is taught in Parkes Shire schools with the local Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group playing an active part in providing cultural education to indigenous and non-indigenous students.
Wiradjuri culture is celebrated in Parkes Shire at the Bushman's Hill cultural precinct which includes an amphitheatre and several indigenous artworks created by local Wiradjuri artists.
