Adelaide's Indigenous history is deeply connected to the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains. The Kaurna possess a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated throughout the city, visible in art, language, and heritage sites. The Kaurna language is embedded in the fabric of South Australia’s capital, with Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga—meaning “red kangaroo dreaming”—serving as the main square. The river that flows through the city is known as Karrawirra Parri, or “redgum forest.” These names reflect the Kaurna people’s enduring connection to the land and their environment.
(SA.GOV.AU)

Historically, the Kaurna people practiced seasonal movements that enabled sustainable management of natural resources. They lived in family groups called yerta, with each group responsible for its own land and resources. Prior to European settlement, smallpox epidemics significantly reduced the Kaurna population, yet their culture and language continue to thrive in Adelaide today.
(Experience Adelaide)

Adelaide also highlights Kaurna heritage through the Kaurna Walking Trail, which connects key sites along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari, North Terrace, and Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. The South Australian Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts, curated in partnership with Aboriginal communities to preserve and share their stories.
(City of Adelaide)

The story of the Kaurna people is one of resilience and deep connection to country, a connection that remains central to Adelaide’s identity and cultural heritage.