Names shape the way we understand a place. They carry memory, identity and meaning — and at Noarlunga, they’ve been chosen with care.
We recently shared an update on the masterplan that included a new street name; Norlongga Boulevard. This prompted a few people to question whether we’d made a typo in the name. Don’t we mean ‘Noarlunga’? Well, actually no, ‘Noarlunga’ is an English derivation of the traditional Kaurna word ‘Norlongga’, meaning ‘the place of the fishing net’.
This sparked a conversation we’ve been wanting to have for some time: the names across the project aren’t accidental or stylistic variations. They’re intentional, considered and deeply connected to Country.
From the beginning, our approach to naming has been guided by the local landscape, cultural history and stories of place. Working closely with First Nations consultants and in consultation with the City of Onkaparinga, we’ve developed naming that reflects and respects the rich Kaurna heritage of the area. Each street and release name has meaning, translation and purpose behind it, contributing to a broader narrative rather than existing in isolation.
Across the Noarlunga project, Kaurna language has been thoughtfully woven into street and release names, each carrying a specific connection to the surrounding landscape and environment.
| Name | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Norlongga | The place of the fishing net | |
| Yarlu | Ocean | |
| Tarni | Wave | |
| Kauwi | Water | |
| Wauwa | Coast | |
| Kuya | Fish | |
| Yurni | Cove | |
| Kakirra | Mussel | |
| Wiini | Snapper | |
| Tarnata | Rockpool | |
| Warri | Seabreeze | |
| Tarralyi | Driftwood | |
| Yarta | Shore | |
| Wirra | Seascape | |
| Marrawiti | Octopus | |
| Karrapari | Upstream | |
| Pari | River | |
| Kalta | Bluetongue |
These names are designed to sit naturally within the project and its surroundings. They acknowledge the people, language and stories that existed here long before the development began, while helping shape a new community with a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
Importantly, this thinking extends beyond street signs. It’s reflected throughout the project’s design, storytelling and brand identity. This comes right down to subtle details like the shape of the ‘g’ within our logo, which mirrors the bend in the nearby Onkaparinga River, which itself is derived from the Kaurna word ‘Ngankiparinga’, meaning ‘woman’s river place’.
Creating a new community is about more than planning streets and building homes. It's about respecting the stories, language and living history that have shaped this landscape for more than 65,000 years, and ensuring they continue to be recognised long into the future.