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Aboriginal Culture

Aboriginal Culture

Australia’s South West is an ancient land and home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, with the Aboriginal Noongar Nation's connection to Boodja (Country) dating back more than 50,000 years.

Traditional custodians and conservationists, the Noongar peoples are caretakers of Country, watching over the native flora and fauna, as well as their cultures’ unique and rich stories, languages, ceremonies, art, song and dance. They possess a spiritual and physical connection to the land, waters and communities. The protection of this and their unique stories and traditions passed down by elders for generations, are hugely important to the continuation of Noongar culture.

The South West is host to several language groups including the Pinjarup, Wiilman, Wadandi, Pibelman, Kaneang, Menang, and Koreng Aboriginal communities. Visitors are encouraged to respect and learn about Country through their eyes, by immersing themselves in First Nations culture up close.

Experience the thrill of hearing a live didgeridoo performance inside a cave, learn about the dreaming stories reflected in Aboriginal art, discover ancient fish traps and waterholes, locate native bush foods, or make traditional medicines and tools, all with local guides. Learn more about the vast biodiversity of the region and its connection to culture on an Aboriginal cultural experience or tour in the South West.

Sustainability and conservation are vital to the continuation of Aboriginal culture. Learn about the six-season calendar during your visit, still used by Noongar peoples today to represent the weather and seasonal changes in flora and fauna we see across the region throughout the year.  

Just like the gentle coastal breezes that blow off the South West’s pristine bays, as we travel we are asked to pass through Country without changing it.

Cultural connection

Venture in to the soul of the South West to embark on an authentic Aboriginal experience. Take an unforgettable journey with guided nature walks, bush food tastings, native medicines, artistic endeavours and ancient traditions.
Experience the Stirling Ranges through the eyes of your Aboriginal cultural guide.
Explore the rich Noongar history of Bunbury with your local guide Troy Bennell.
Discover fine Aboriginal art from award-winning Australian artists.
Walk beside Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland and connect with history like never before.
Aboriginal cultural tours showcasing ancient culture near Albany.
Visit the hub of Aboriginal culture in Harvey (Korijekup).

Don't miss!

Immerse yourself in vibrant art, savour native foods and honour ancient customs at these South West events celebrating Aboriginal culture.

South West Multicultural Festival

21 - 22 February 2025
Bunbury
Travel around the world in just a few hours!

Katanning Harmony Festival

22 - 23 March 2025
Katanning
A festival full of colour, culture, connection and excitement.

Inspiration

Looking for ideas for your next trip? Read up on these unique South West experiences for the holiday of your dreams.
Aboriginal custodian, Josh Whiteland, stands holding a didgeridoo amid the yellow glow of Ngilgi Cave.

5 Unforgettable Aboriginal Experiences In Australia’s South West

Experience the incredible indigenous culture of the South West with these unique experiences. Get hands on with an Aboriginal tour learning how to weave bulrushes, or listen to a didgeridoo in an ancient cavern.

Art Lover’s Road Trip

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

Six Seasons of the South West

Learn more about the Noongar six seasons and the Aboriginal peoples’ deep connection to Boodja (Country).

Collie’s 6 Most Epic & Magical Winter Trails

Collie

Bunbury Geographe

3 Captivating Reasons to Winter in the Harvey Region

Harvey

Bunbury Geographe

7 Ways To Spend Winter in the Great Southern Treasures

Katanning to Bremer Bay

Great Southern Treasures

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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