Gimuy Cairns

Gimuy is a coastal city in Far North Queensland, Australia. The name comes from the Traditional Owners of the place, the Yidinji people.

In colonial history, the place was ‘discovered’ by the English in 1876 and named Cairns after Sir William Wellington Cairns, who was the Queensland Governor at the time. Today, it is the 5th biggest city in Queensland, and 14th in Australia.

Putting Gimuy on the Map

An increasing number of outlets are now using Indigenous names in place of colonial titles. Thus Cairns is increasingly being referred to as ‘Gimuy’.

Having traditional Aboriginal names restored and recognised is important. Indeed it helps to keep Indigenous names and information alive.

Gimuy meaning

Gimuy is the Yidinji name of the slippery blue fig (ficus albipila) that grew in large numbers in the area. Indeed the Yidinji people of the tropical rainforests of northern Queensland have a rich and vibrant cultural heritage.

Gimuy Walubara Yidinji

The Gimuy Walabura Yidinji people are the Traditional Owners of Cairns (from south of the Barron River) to Edmonton further south. Wala is the Yidinji name for side of the hill and bura meaning people belonging to.

Gimuy Country

Yidinji tribal lands cover a large area from the Barron River in the north to the Russell River in the south, east to the Murray Prior Range and west to Tolga. The Yidinji people have 8 clans who are custodians of the tribe’s estate.

Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elders Aboriginal Corporation

Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elders Aboriginal Corporation works to be a catalyst for positive change. Since its foundation in in 2000, the corporation has been driven by the same ideas: support, empowerment, and progress. Learn more about their mission, vision, and how the elders go about making the changes they want to see.

Useful/Interesting Cairns Links

• Cairns Facts
• Cairns Creeks
• Cairns History
• Cairns Humidity
• Cairns Parks

Other Relevant Material

• Central Cairns
• Cairns West
• Mount Whitfield
• North Cairns
• South Cairns

Cairns