Festival Feels & The Arts

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. 

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. These nomadic hunter-gatherers followed a six seasons calendar, which is still used by Aborigines 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 the six seasons and dreamtime stories, which have been passed down from generation to generation, on an Aboriginal tour or experience. 

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 history of the South West, throughout the region.