Connect with Aboriginal country (boodja) and culture in a new way on your next trip through Australia’s South West. Home to several language groups, including the Pinjarup, Wiilman, Wadandi, Pibelman, Kaneang, Menang, and Koreng communities, there are unique indigenous experiences waiting in every corner of the region.
Immerse yourself in a cultural walking or bush-tucker tour with local custodians in Bunbury Geographe or the Great Southern. Listen to the harmonious sounds of a live didgeridoo performance from the depths of an ancient limestone cave. Or discover contemporary Aboriginal artworks bursting with colours and stories. There’s magic in being home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures – and so many beautiful things to see when you take in Country through the first-nations peoples’ eyes.
Wonder at Unique Aboriginal Art
Home to the region’s largest dedicated Indigenous fine art gallery, Yallingup Aboriginal Art is a welcome addition to Margaret River. The gallery, opened officially in 2024, aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture, providing a platform for Indigenous artists to share their stories and talents with visitors from across Australia and the world. The artworks are constantly changing, with pieces featuring local Noongar artists, and those from Northern WA, the Western desert, Northern Territory, and North Queensland. Wander through a window to Dreamtime as you take in the stunning colours and designs of the art, clapping sticks, didgeridoos, and books on display. Maybe you’ll even find a piece to take home!
Listen to Traditional Aboriginal Didgeridoo Sounds
Ever wanted to hear how good the acoustics are in a cave? There’s no better way than on a tour with local Wadandi Custodian Josh Whiteland. Embark on a Koomal Dreaming tour to uncover the secrets of bush medicine, learn about the local Noongar people, and listen to Josh weave the ancient Dreaming legends throughout hit storytelling and didgeridoo playing. Think it can’t be more magical – why not join the twilight tour for epic sunset views or indulge your senses with the food tour that culminates in a gourmet BBQ lunch around the campfire (seasonal dependent).
Learn the story of Aboriginal Country Life
Stories are fundamental to Aboriginal culture, and The Kodja Place is an interactive experience where you can explore the overlapping tales of the region. Walk through the Australian Rose Maze to learn about the stories of three women – Yoondi, Elizabeth, and Maria – who represent the challenges faced by settlers and traditional custodians of country. Woven into the rich tapestry of flowers you’ll find words, mosaics, journals, and letters that celebrate the diversity and strength of Australian women.
Hear the yarns behind Aboriginal Street Art
A natural storyteller, there’s nothing like hearing Troy Bennell talk about the cultural and historical life of Bunbury on a Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tour. Learn how to make weaving twine from river bulrushes, locate bush chillis, and create bush merurochrome from tree sap. Or walk a different side of Bunbury on a Dreaming Town Tour, taking in culturally significant sites, Aboriginal street art, and the 130 million year old basalt rocks at Black Point.
Walk In The Footsteps of Noongar Ancestors
Embrace the outdoors with a series of bushwalks from Kurrah Mia, that take in the beauty of the great southern and Albany (Kinjarling). Whether you want a quick 90-minute stroll around Mt Clarence (Corndaup) to hear about Menang culture, or an in-depth four hour trek, where you will taste test traditional foods and medicines and visit ancient meeting places and fishing grounds, there’s something to suit every type of traveller. Finish off your experience with a trip to the Kurrah Mia arts and crafts shop, in the heart of Albany, to peruse boomerangs, message sticks, hand painted cards, silk scarves, hates, bags, and books, all created by talented Australian Aboriginal artists.
