Set on the border of New South Wales and Victoria and the hub of a vibrant and beautiful region, Albury Wodonga boasts majestic landscapes, rich historical sites, gourmet food and wine production, world class sporting facilities and, of course, a truly dynamic arts and cultural scene. The region is a rich blend of all that is important in life.
The twin cities are joined by the Lincoln Causeway over the Murray River, that is the regional life blood of three states. The region's Indigenous history and history of colonial settlement, including bushrangers and the goldrush, reflects the way in which Australia's identity has been shaped.
The population of Albury is 43,000, Wodonga 29,000 and the region as a whole, around 100,000.
INDIGENOUS HISTORY
Albury Wodonga has a strong Indigenous history and is rich in historic sites of Indigenous significance. This region is part of the Wiradjuri country which is made up of over 50 different clan groups. Albury was originally known as Bungambrewatah, a Wiradjuri word for 'the crossing place'. Wodonga derives its name from 'Woodonga', after an indigenous plant found in nearby lagoons.
For thousands of years, Indigenous people from the seven local tribes met at the beginning of summer at Mungabareena (Place of Plenty Talk). This was an important gathering where inter-tribal law was discussed and ceremonial practices were performed and celebrated. Following these meetings, Indigenous men and boys of initiation age travelled up into the surrounding mountains in search of the Bogong Moth. This tradition is commemorated each November in the Ngan-Girra Festival.
