Mutton Bird Island Outdoor Education Space (Giidany Miirlarl)

Walk along the Coffs Harbour breakwall and explore the award-winning Mutton Bird Island Outdoor Education Space, which features locally crafted and designed murals and panelling as well as information explaining the cultural significance of the area, providing an insight to the traditional beliefs of the local Gumbaynggirr people.

Known by its Gumbayngirr name Giidany Miirlarl, the interpretive timber structure at the base of Muttonbird Island, designed by Fisher Design + Architecture & Mackenzie Pronk Architects in association, provides a dynamic public place that encourages an understanding of the cultural and environmental history of the site and provides a location for social interaction, storytelling, learning and rest.

Stories about the island are told in the informal amphitheatre area, and have been interpreted in a linear information panel on the rising timber ramp. A 3m high timber screen provides a canvas for a large incised artwork commissioned from local artist Shane Phillips. A second artwork, by artist Janelle Marshall, is set into the centre of the floor of the amphitheatre.

Commissioned by Arts Mid North Coast, National Parks and Wildlife, and Coffs Harbour City Council, the robust and elegant structure provides a public space that encourages an understanding of the cultural and environmental history of the site, and provides a place for social interaction, storytelling, learning and rest.

Image credits: Wood Solutions and Fisher Design + Architecture