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Culture & Heritage

Culture & Heritage

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. These nomadic hunter-gatherers followed a six seasons calendar, which is still used by the Noongar peoples of Australia’s South West 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

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. 

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

Ancient Aboriginal culture, a rich historical past and a thriving arts community means you won’t have to travel far to take in the very best of South West art and culture.

Yallingup Aboriginal Art

Koomal Dreaming

Experience the Wadandi and Bibbulman country through the eyes of the traditional owners with these cultural tours.

Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre

Uncover the history of Bunbury through this extensive collection.

Manjimup Heritage Park & Power Up Museum

Explore Manjimup’s heritage in this historic hamlet.

Kodja Place and Cultural Centre

Connect with the Great Southern land at The Kodja Place interpretive centre in Kojonup

Wellington Dam

Venture out to the Wellington Dam where you will see the breathtaking 8,000 square metre mega-mural on the Wellington Dam wall.

Not to be missed

Don’t miss out on all these great events happening in the region, from adrenaline pumping sporting events to great food and wine, there’s something for everyone.

South West Art Now

16 March 2024 - 21 July 2024
Bunbury
Featuring artwork by the South West’s finest artists.

Blackwood River Arts Trail

23 March 2024 - 07 April 2024
Bridgetown
Visit artists and studios of the Blackwood Valley, along with short film screenings.

Other ideas for your trip

Looking for inspiration? Read up on these art and culture experiences for the holiday of your dreams.

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Australia's South West is a region with a rich historical past and a thriving arts community.

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Discover art galleries, boutiques, unique exhibitions and state of the art entertainment precincts.

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What to do..

Where to stay...

Welcome to Australia’s South West!

Here you can easily enjoy natural beaches beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with 1000 of those kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring coastline just waiting to be explored.

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