Aboriginal people with traditional links to the area say that Jervis Bay is the birthplace of the thirteen tribes of the south coast.

Since the time of creation the Jervis Bay and Wreck Bay area has been a focal point for the Aborigines on the South Coast. The region is noted for its spiritual and ceremonial significance. The Wreck Aboriginal Community within Boodree National Park holds the evidence of the traditional owners’ ancestry and with the wind and all life reflected in the past, it is the home and spirit of the Wreck Bay people. Koori people are born of the land and have lived of the land forever.

Early historical records describe meetings between explores and Kooris in the area. In 1830s the impact of settlement led to a significant reduction in Koori population as groups were marginalised and their lands expropriated. Aboriginal reserves were established during the late 1800s and, with time, the sizes of the reservation were reduced or revoked as the demand for coastal lands grew.

Wreck Bay people favour the area because of strong traditional and cultural ties, its closeness to both the bush and sea for collection of food and other resources, and its distance from non-Aboriginal settlements.

It is important to the Wreck Bay Community that their children maintain the knowledge of their ancestors. Youngsters learn about uses of native vegetation for food and medicine, as well as how to collect seafood from rock platforms. This knowledge will be passed down from one generation to another.

From the early 1920’s till 1950’s the Aboriginal Welfare Board stationed a Manager in what was then known as the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Reserve. His status was virtually that of a police officer, controlling visitor entering and leaving the reserve, issuing rations to residents and administrating the day to day affairs of the community.

The Wreck Bay School was built in 1928. The school was under the control of the “Mission Manager” and his wife until a full time teacher was appointed in the early 1950’s. The school closed in 1964 the children then attended integrated classes at Jervis Bay School.