https://www.wettropics.gov.au/

The beauty and significance of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (the Area) extend beyond its remarkable biodiversity. It is a living biocultural landscape shaped by thousands of years of careful custodianship from Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.

As the Traditional Custodians of the Area, Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples have maintained a deep cultural connection to Country for thousands of generations. Their cultural identity, traditions and customs are inseparable from the Wet Tropics, and their continued stewardship plays a vital role in protecting the Area’s natural and cultural values.

  • Rainforest Aboriginal rangers in uniform hold a smoking ceremonial bowl with leaves during a Wanjuru Country field visit.
    © WTMA
    Traditional Owners conducting a smoking ceremony on Wanjuru Country
  • Rainforest Aboriginal Traditional Owners using body paint preparing for a performance
    © WTMA/Brad Newton
    Rainforest Aboriginal Traditional Owners on Jirrbal Country
  • Rainforest Aboriginal ranger points out rainforest features to children on a boardwalk in a rainforest.
    © Brad Newton/WTMA

    Living sustainably in the rainforest

    The Wet Tropics is the only place in Australia where Aboriginal people have continuously lived in a tropical rainforest environment. For millennia, the rainforest provided everything needed to sustain life—food, medicine, shelter, spirituality, identity and social connection. Complex trading networks also enabled the exchange of resources, knowledge and cultural practices between different tribal groups.

One of the world's oldest living and evolving cultures

Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples continue to maintain and share rich cultural traditions. Language, storytelling, songs, dances and cultural practices continue to strengthen identity, share knowledge and pass cultural values from one generation to the next.
  • Dancer with traditional white ochre body paint prepares for a cultural event on Jirrbal Country.
    © WTMA/Brad Newton
    Rainforest Aboriginal Traditional Owners on Jirrbal Country
  • Traditional dancer with ochre body paint performs holding a boomerang at the 20th Cassowary Awards.
    © WTMA
    Traditional dancer at the 20th Cassowary Awards on Djabugay Country

Rainforest Aboriginal Country

Map of Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, showing Rainforest Aboriginal Country groups.
© WTMA
Rainforest Aboriginal groups map

Connection to Country remains central to Rainforest Aboriginal culture. It reflects an ongoing responsibility to care for the land, waters, cultural heritage and sacred places, ensuring they are protected and maintained for future generations.

Today, more than 20 distinct Rainforest Aboriginal groups hold custodial responsibilities across the Area, and native title determined areas and other Rainforest Aboriginal land interests cover 81.6% of the Area.

The map shows the diversity and approximate location of Rainforest Aboriginal groups across the Wet Tropics. It is provided as a visual representation and guide only and does not depict precise areas or boundaries.

View the map (PDF, 525KB)



Learn more

  • Close up of two hands with mud and paint
    © WTMA/Brad Newton

    Indigenous land interests

    Learn about Indigenous land interests in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, including native title, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate and the ongoing role of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples in caring for Country.

  • Two Indigenous rangers in a forest managing a fire.
    © WTMA/Brad Newton

    Caring for Country

    Learn how Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples care for Country across the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area through traditional knowledge, Indigenous Protected Areas, ranger programs and Country-based planning.

  • Male Elder talking on a microphone in a conference.
    © WTMA

    Indigenous rights-based World Heritage management

    Explore the Wet Tropics Management Authority's Indigenous rights-based approach to World Heritage management, recognising the rights, knowledge and leadership of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples in caring for Country.

  • A male Indigenous leader with black and grey hair stands at a lectern delivering a presentation, hand raised.
    © WTMA

    Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples' Regional Forum

    Learn about the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples' Regional Forum, bringing together Traditional Custodians, government and partners to support the cooperative management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Last updated: 13 Oct 2026