Gunnedah Shire is the traditional land of the Gunn-e-darr people of the Kamilaroi tribe. The traditional language is known as Gomeroi (or commonly Gamilaraay).

The name Gunnedah originates from the Gunn-e-darr people and is thought to mean the “Place of White Stones”.

Cumbo Gunnerah (also known as the Red Kangaroo or Red Chief) was a clever chief and mighty warrior. Legend has it that Cumbo Gunnerah defeated a large opposing Aboriginal tribe with only a handful of warriors by leading them into the Wallaby Trap, a natural trap created by the land form and vegetation, and used by the Kamilaroi tribe to hunt wallabies.

Find out more about culturally significant sites in Gunnedah Shire here.