Culture & Heritage
FOLLOW YOUR HEART TO FIND YOUR ART. LOSE YOURSELF IN LOCAL LEGEND. CONNECT WITH THE OLDEST SURVIVING CULTURE ON EARTH.
One minute you’re marching in the boots of ANZAC legends, heading for the Western Front. The next, you’re on the deck of Australia’s last whale-chaser, sirens blowing, navigating treacherous seas. Now you’re walking on country with Wadandi and Bibbulmun storytellers, through 50,000 years and six Noongar seasons. Through marri and jarrah forest undergrowth in search of nature’s pantry and medicinal secrets, passed down through millennia. You round a bend, passing grain-silo-sized sea dragons and enter the curious hidden worlds of illustrators, painters, potters and weavers. You’re sharing beers and banter with filmmakers. Sipping shiraz and sketching oyster catchers. Letting your creative inner child loose. Spinning yarn. Turning wood. Blowing glass. Finding your muse. Thinking of leaving your desk job to throw clay at the wheel.
The South West is a region with a rich historical past, a thriving arts community and a plethora of events and festivals that attract homegrown, national and international artists, musicians, filmmakers and creatives to West Australian shores. Get those festival feels by discovering artisan markets, unique art exhibitions, state-of-the-art entertainment precincts, Aboriginal cultural tours and arts festivals on your next trip.
ABORIGINAL CULTURE
Western Australia is home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, the Aboriginal people, who share more than 50,000 years of history. The Noongar peoples of Australia’s South West followed a six seasons calendar, which is still used today. Each of the seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang – represents the plant, animal and weather changes we see across the region every year. Discover ancient stories and a rich culture, which has been passed down from generation to generation, on an Aboriginal tour or experience.Â
ART
Thanks to its inspirational landscapes, community vibe and laidback lifestyle, Australia’s South West is a melting pot for artists and creatives. You’ll find arts precincts, galleries and open studios in most of the South West’s cities and towns, as well as beautiful displays of public art in both city and country settings. We suggest checking out the streets of Bunbury and Katanning, as well as the giant grain silos in Albany and Pingrup, for some iconic street art murals by internationally renowned artists. Want a unique South West artwork to take home? Be sure to check out the many art markets held across the region throughout the year, where you can buy your very own piece of South West life.Â
COLONIAL AND ANZAC HISTORY
The establishment of a military outpost in Albany in 1826 is regarded as the first signs of European settlement in the South West. Albany has since played a central role in the Anzac legend, being the last port of call for troops departing Australia for the First World War. You can find local museums, parks and monuments, which provide detailed insight into the colonial history of the South West, throughout the region as well as Albany’s National ANZAC Centre.
Art & Culture
Not to be missed
Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
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A family-friendly celebration of country music, in a relaxed and natural bushland setting.
CinefestOZ Film Festival
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A six day festival for movie lovers celebrating the best in Australian film.
Other ideas for your trip
Art Lover’s Road Trip
Australia's South West is a region with a rich historical past and a thriving arts community.
8 Films Shot in the South West for Your Must-Watch List
See the South West on show as the backdrop for this incredible collection of films.
Art, Galleries & Museums
Discover art galleries, boutiques, unique exhibitions and state of the art entertainment precincts.
