International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has unveiled a unique new digital First Nations experience in Darling Harbour, designed to transport visitors to Gadigal Country pre-European arrival. 

‘Gadigal Dreaming – The Sacred Country of the Gadigal People’ is a creative collaboration between ICC Sydney, First Nations digital storytelling enterprise Bilbie XR Labs, and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC), and is supported by the NSW Government through the CBDs Revitalisation Program.

The immersive First Nations audio visual experience is available for all visitors to the Darling Harbour precinct and features eight interactive, animated scenes that depict the traditional cultural practices of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, such as gathering, fishing and crafting. Through QR codes, viewers can also partake in an augmented reality experience through their own devices.

ASM Global group director, convention centres and ICC Sydney chief executive officer, Geoff Donaghy, said his team stood alongside its partners and First Nations community partners and hoped that this project demonstrated another way in which the venue team was committed to Reconciliation.

“As an iconic destination, which stands and operates on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation – the land of Tumbalong and the waterway of Gomora, on what is known today as Darling Harbour – ICC Sydney strives to truly reconcile with First Nations people through our business practices,” Donaghy said.

“We hope Gadigal Dreaming will increase visitors to this dynamic family-friendly precinct and encourage event attendees to stay longer in the area.”

From 1 September to 31 October, Gadigal Dreaming will be shown at sunset daily on the outdoor screens throughout Darling Harbour, Tumbalong, and then every hour on the hour until 11:00pm.