Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images and names of deceased persons in photographs or printed material.

What's to see at our Museum

GUMBAYNGGIRR CULTURE
See history of the Gumbayniggirr Nation in photographs and tools used to live and thrive for thousands of years.

SEAFARERS
Many vessels have run aground trying to negotiate the treacherous Nambucca River, come and see our photos.

SAWYERS
Discover the characters and larrikins of the pioneering timber industry, their struggle and hard work which shaped us today.

SETTLERS
Battling the environment, overcoming adversity and shaping our small town, find out how our first settlers help make us.

Nambucca Headland Museum

aboriginal-artifacts

The Nambucca Headland Museum displays a comprehensive collections of items documenting the history of the Nambucca Valley and its people. Photographs, documents and artifacts relating to Gumbaynggirr culture, early timber settlers, the seafaring industry and early Australian settlement. Come and discover the fascinating history of ‘The Royal Tar’ expedition to Paraguay, displays showcasing Gumbaynggirr people, old photos and family history and remnants of days gone by.

Nambucca-main-beach

Birthplace of Nippers

Just one of our many fascinating local stories – Nambucca Heads was the birthplace of Surf Lifesaving Saving Australia’s Nippers movement.
In 1961, the local SLSC founded the initiative following a terrible year where many youngsters were taken out to sea.
First Nambucca then the world! Now over 63,000 kids participate in the program with over 100 nippers signing up locally.

What People Are Saying

Paul

Just a little museum but a lot of history and the people that are running it are very knowledgeable and friendly.

Alison & Kerry

We travelled to see our family who lived in Nambucca and were amazed at all the treasures this little museum holds. Well done volunteers!

Anthony

Do yourself a favour and visit this great museum, full of local stories and knowledge.

John

What a great place to visit to see all Nambucca’s local history. I spent hours there, just fascinating.

Rachel

A friendly museum with wonderful artifacts and displays.

John Stuart Campbell

Find your
Local Connection

Are you related to a Nambucca Head’s pioneer?

Do you want to find out your past connections with our town?

We have a group of dedicated volunteers who can track and trace your heritage through our local resources. Research their lives, find out the truth of your lineage. You never know what you might find out about your family history!

Talk to our researchers or send us an email so we can start connecting the dots. We charge a small fee for undertaking an extensive look into your family background. which includes any photographs and information we have found.