Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple of Australia — Attraction in Sellicks Hill

The Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple of Australia, with its grand statue of Guan Yin, the Buddha Goddess of Mercy, stands on the coastline of South Australia, a land known to the Kaurna people as Tarntanya (Adelaide Plains). For thousands of generations, the Kaurna people have been custodians of these lands and waters, holding deep spiritual connections to the sky, sea, and country. From a Kaurna perspective, the temple and its towering figure of Guan Yin evoke reflections on spirituality, place, and cultural continuity.

The Kaurna people believe in the interconnectedness of all things—Ngaitalyaityangka (respect for country) and Yartangka Turrunthi (spiritual presence in the land). Just as the teachings of Guan Yin embody compassion and care, Kaurna spiritual traditions honour the land as a living entity that nurtures and sustains. The temple’s location by the ocean aligns with Kaurna stories of the Yarlupirti (great waters) that shape life and movement, reminding us that water is a giver of knowledge, a path of connection, and a carrier of spirits.

While Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple is a Buddhist place of worship from Chinese tradition, its presence on Kaurna land invites contemplation on how different cultures find ways to coexist respectfully. Just as Kaurna people practice Wodli Turrunthi (welcoming spirit), the temple offers a place of refuge, reflection, and harmony. Yet, any sacred site on Kaurna country should acknowledge the original custodians. Recognizing Kaurna sovereignty and embedding Indigenous perspectives in such spaces would strengthen respect and reconciliation.

The statue of Guan Yin, with her watchful gaze over the sea, carries a message of mercy and compassion—values that resonate with Kaurna principles of caring for Yarta (Country) and all beings. However, the development of large structures must also consider the land’s sacredness and the impact on Tjirbruke's (creator ancestor’s) pathways. In Kaurna tradition, there are places where spirits move freely, and these must be honoured. The temple’s presence offers an opportunity for dialogue about how built environments can align with the spirit of the land rather than overpower it.

For true cultural respect, spaces like Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple should embrace the voices of First Nations people. Incorporating Kaurna language, stories, and ceremonial practices could create a bridge between cultures, where mutual respect and learning flourish. Imagine if the temple grounds included a Kaurna Tjirbruki story site or a place for Nunga (First Nations) ceremonies alongside the Buddhist prayers—this would deepen its meaning as a space of spiritual unity.

From a Kaurna perspective, the Nan Hai Pu Tuo Temple and the statue of Guan Yin remind us of the importance of honouring land, spirituality, and coexisting traditions. If approached with genuine respect for Country and the First Peoples, such spaces can be more than symbols of faith—they can become places of reconciliation, healing, and shared wisdom. In the spirit of Ngaitalyaityangka, we invite all who visit to not only reflect on mercy and compassion but also to acknowledge and respect the living culture and sovereignty of the Kaurna people, who have cared for this land since the...

My wife is a regular, while I attend the temple on an irregular basis. Great strides in the improvement have been made and when finished it will be a wonderful addition to our area. As with anything that is different there are always people who walk around with only one eye open and it is their loss that they will never gain the peace and harmony from the atmosphere this place can offer. I personally enjoy the peace and serenity I feel when I am immersed in the environment here. The gardens and the walks are enough to help calm the mind and whilst I am not of this faith, I sense the benefits from meditation. A common practice used in hospitals and other areas for our everyday well being. Even with the current building, plans and achievements that are happening at a pace commensurate with quality and harmony, it is very easy to still feel the simple basics of meditation. Donations do make it a step closer, but these people do not force or ask you for it, they merely hope you can see the benefits, realise the potential and when finished it will be a site to be proud of. I love being able to contribute to the team who provide the meal on Sundays also. So many people now arrive just for this, the sense of giving back without want, sets a gentle rest in an otherwise...

I visited the place back in January. The potential is there. On the northern part of Adelaide there is the Zhulin Buddhists Association temple . On the southern end here we are having this Nan hai pu tuo temple. Both are Buddhist temple. The feel of this place feels a wee bit too commercial though with many large stone statues 'strategically' placed. The temple building looks closed when we visited, so we didn't take a look inside the actual temple. The place is obviously still in construction and there are still many stones still not setup. Will visit again in a few months down to see the progress of the place. It's definitely something to spend your 15 30 mins when you are driving past the temple. You can definitely notice the back of the Guan yin status on the right hand side of the Main south road as you drive south past...