A PLACE OF CULTURE, COUNTRY & CONNECTION
As you journey along the iconic Gibb River Road, tracing the banks of the Pentecost River, you’ll discover the heart of Balanggarra Country. A breathtaking expanse of 2.9 million hectares in the northern Kimberley. This is Country where barramundi thrive, brolgas dance gracefully, and majestic boab trees bloom under the vast Kimberley skies.
For the Balanggarra people, the Traditional Custodians, this isn’t just Country, it’s Gra. Their connection to the sea, rivers, islands, and everything within this sacred place is woven into their lore and culture, guiding their deep connection and commitment to caring for Country.
Nestled in the southern corner of Balanggarra Country lies Home Valley, spanning nearly 250,000 hectares. Here, visitors and community come together, a meeting place for travellers to share stories, for Caring for Country initiatives to take shape, and for all to experience the timeless spirit of this extraordinary place.
Welcome to Balanggarra Country
Balanggarra Home Valley is proudly run by the Balanggarra people, the Traditional Custodians of the Country. Our purpose is to share our culture, stories, and way of life while caring for Country and ensuring its protection for future generations.
Meet the Team
At the heart of Balanggarra Home Valley is an Aboriginal-led management team dedicated to sharing the spirit of Balanggarra Country with the world. Leading the extraordinary destination is Trisha and Zabby Birch, two proud Balanggarra women.
Their leadership reflects their deep connection to Country and commitment to ensuring visitors experience Balanggarra culture and Country in the right way. They embody strength, resilience and vision of Balanggarra people, inspiring their team to welcome visitors with authenticity, warmth, and respect for this ancient land.
Together the team at Balanggarra Home Valley are passionate about creating opportunities for their community, protecting the natural environment, and sharing the stories of their Country with those who journey along the Gibb River Road.
Our Vision
At Balanggarra Home Valley, our vision is rooted in caring for Country, preserving culture, and ensuring a strong future for our people. Everything we do is guided by Balanggarra Traditional Custodians, their knowledge, and their right to decide what happens on Country (land, water, sky, air).
Balanggarra Traditional Custodians guide our work and responsibilities. The nine most important responsibilities are:
- Balanggarra Lore and Culture
- Our Gra (Country)
- Cultural sites (rock art, burial sites, heritage places)
- Right-way fire (traditional burning practices)
- Native animals
- Bush tucker and medicine plants
- Freshwater places and freshwater fish
- Saltwater fish
- Migratory saltwater animals (turtles, dugongs, whales, dolphins)
These are the foundations of who we are, what we protect, and what we share with those who visit.
Our Legacy
Balanggarra Home Valley holds a rich history, shaped by both its past as a working pastoral station and its deep cultural significance to Balanggarra Traditional Custodians. This land has always been more than just a place. It is a living connection to Country, carrying the stories, knowledge, and traditions of those who have cared for it for generations.
For generations, Balanggarra people have lived, travelled, and cared for this Country. More recently, Home Valley was known as a working pastoral station before transitioning into a place where culture, tourism, and environmental stewardship come together. While the station days are now in the past, its legacy remains a part of the story we share.