Tunku and Ngaadi – Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney | 23 May – 14 June, 2025

Location: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Dates: 23 May – 14 June, 2025
Cost: Free

Watch as valleys, plants, animals and waterways take shape before your eyes, transforming the rooftop of the Australian National Maritime Museum into a story of creation, love and loss.

A timeless Dreaming story from the South Coast of NSW, Tunku and Ngaadi tells of the eternal connection between the Moon and the Earth. Passed down through generations, this powerful tale is illustrated by Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison and brought to life through the voices of the Djinama Yilaga Choir.

Entrusted by the Creator, Mirriyaal, with shaping the world, Ngaadi thrives—sculpting valleys, carving rivers and breathing life into the land. Meanwhile, Tunku forms towering trees but, overwhelmed by the task, refuses to finish his work. As punishment, Mirriyaal casts him into the sky, transforming him into the moon.

Heartbroken, Ngaadi’s tears flow, creating the oceans and her shattered heart blossoms into the Waratah flower. Though forever separated, Tunku’s moonlight continues to guide the rhythms of life on Earth.

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