Location: Monaro tableland north to Queanbeyan; Bombala River from near Delegate to Nimmitabel; west to divide of the Australian Alps. The Wiradjuri considered the Ngarigo and Walgalu as one people using the name Guramal which has the basic meaning of ['gurai] or 'hostile people.' Canberra, the capital city of the federal capital territory is very close to the boundary line between this and the Ngunawal tribe. In winter these tableland people sometimes came down to the surrounding territories for shelter, hence their reputation for aggressiveness.
Co-ordinates: 148°50'E x 36°25'S
Area: 6,000 sq. m. (15,600 sq. km.)
References: Lhotsky, 1835 (2 papers), 1839; Fison and Howitt, 1880; Howitt, 1884, 1888, 1904; Queanbeyan Police Magistrate in Curr, 1887; Bulmer in Curr, 1887; Du Vé in Curr, 1887; Fraser in Threlkeld, 1892; Helms, 1896; Jardine, 1901; Mathews, 1898 (Gr. 6468), 1908 (Gr. 6570); Gale, 1927; Tindale, 1940, and MS; Broinowski, 1950; Parkes, 1952; MS, MASSOLA, 1968; K. Hancock, 1970 pers. comm.
Alternative Names: Ngarigo (name of language), Ngarego, Ngarago, Garego, Currak-da-bidgee, Ngaryo (typographical error), Ngarico (probable typographical error), Ngarigu, Ngarrugu, Ngarroogoo, Murring (means men), Bemeringal (of coastal tribes means 'mountain men'), Guramal, Nguramal, Gurmal (of Wiradjuri), Bradjerak (of southern coastal tribes, ['bara] = man, ['djerak] = savage or angry), Brajerak, Brajerang, 'Bombala tribe,' 'Menero tribe,' 'Cooma tribe.'