Facilities / Yirran muru playspace
The Aboriginal Interpretive Playspace - Yirran muru (many pathways) is now open!
From the escarpment to the sea, Yirran muru is designed to take you on a cultural journey following the historic seasonal movements of local Aboriginal people.
The playspace is designed educate people of all ages about the cultural and historical significance of landmarks in our area. You will notice these key natural features represented throughout the entire space!
This play space is designed to challenge children physically and mentally and some elements of the space may not be suitable for small children. Children must be supervised and able to access and use this equipment independently.
This unique project in nestled in the native gardens behind Shellharbour Civic Centre. From the escarpment to the sea, the Aboriginal interpretive playspace will take you on a cultural journey following the footsteps of local Aboriginal people.
Discover our area in a new light as you learn about the cultural significance of the historic landscapes that define it.
There are multiple elements to interact with and encourage imaginative exploration. Visit Burri Burri, a four metre hand carved interactive timber whale, to hear the story of Gang man Gang; climb Merrigong (the Illawarra escarpment) and explore the amazing treehouse; canoe across Jubborsay (Lake Illawarra) and source local bush tucker!
The educational playspace will also have areas where the spoken words of the local Dharawal language can be heard and signage to learn more about cultural ties.
Each of the play features are designed to enhance children’s understanding of the seasonal movements of Aboriginal people in the local area and connection through creation stories
Council engaged with over 300 local indigenous school students along with local Elders as part of Reconciliation Celebrations and in-school workshops. This engagement encouraged conversations with the various stakeholders to gain an understanding of ideas for the play space, we discovered that young people prefer to learn by exploring and self-discovery, while the Elders expressed their desire to provide opportunities to learn about local Aboriginal stories how people moved around Shellharbour.
Parking is available in the undercover carpark of the Civic Centre. Follow the signs from the carpark.
Carpark opening hours
Monday to Thursday - 8am - 7.30pm
Friday 8am - 4.30pm
Saturday 8.15am - 2.30pm
Sunday 8am - 2.30pm
Toilets are located on the ground floor of the Civic Centre
Toilet opening hours
Monday to Thursday - 8.30am - 8pm
Friday - 8.30am - 5pm
Saturday - 9am - 3pm
Sunday - 8am - 3pm
Shellharbour City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country and recognises their continued connection to the land.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the contribution they make to the life of this City.