Tunku and Ngaadi

Marvel as the Australian National Maritime Museum roof is illuminated for Vivid 2025, accompanied by a soundscape performance by the Djinama Yilaga choir – heard at the museum and on Pyrmont Bridge. 

Tunku and Ngaadi is a Dreaming story from the south coast of NSW told and illustrated by Walbunja and Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison and sung by Djinama Yilaga Choir. This story is about shaping the valleys, plants, animals and waterways. 

Gifted powers of creation, Ngaadi thrives, while Tunku is overwhelmed, refusing to finish his work. He is banished to the moon by the Creator, Mirriyal. Ngaadi is heartbroken, her tears become rivers and oceans, her shattered heart forms the waratah flower. Though forever separated from Ngaadi, Tunku’s moonlight guides Earth’s rhythms of life.

Tunku and Ngaadi will be shown daily from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June from 6pm until 11pm. We encourage viewing from nearby vantage points – Pyrmont Bridge or King Street Wharf. 

This work features the art of Cheryl Davidson and was developed by Studio Gilay.