Noongar Seasons | The Six Seasons of Australia's South West

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Six Seasons Of The South West

The world's oldest living culture

Australia’s South West is an ancient land and home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, with the Noongar Aboriginal peoples connection to Boodja (Country) dating back more than 50, 000 years. Conservationists by nature, they were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who followed a six season calendar, still used by Aboriginal people today.

Six Seasons

The six Noongar seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang – represent the seasonal changes we see across the South West annually, and can be indicated by weather patterns, food availability, and changes in flora and fauna.

“Each season has a plant indicator that flowers in advance of each change,” says Koomal Dreaming’s Josh Whiteland. “Plants, animals and weather patterns coincide with each season, which runs for the duration of every second full moon. This determines where to forage, gather, hunt and camp.”

Welcome to Country

If you’re attending an event in Australia’s South West, you may experience a ‘Welcome to Country’, which acknowledges the significant Aboriginal Noongar nations and recognises the importance of ancestral lands, welcoming visitors, and helping to connect to country.

Australia’s South West acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout the South West of Western Australia Noongar Boodjar and their continuing connection to the land, waters and communities. We pay our respects to all members of the Pinjarup, Wilman, Wadandi, Pibelman, Kaneang, Minang and Koreng Aboriginal communities and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.

While visiting, we ask that you respect the culture and care for the Boodja country.

Changing Seasons

Experience the six seasons of the South West through the ancient rhythms of the natural world.

Dolphin Season

01 November 2023 - 30 April 2024

Bunbury

November to April is the best time of year for spotting this friendly local.

Nature & Wildlife

Whale Season

01 May 2024 - 31 December 2024

Busselton

May to early December is the best time for whale watching and tours in the South West.

Nature & Wildlife

Dreamtime Stories

Want to learn more about the bonars (seasons) and one of the world’s oldest living cultures? Go on an Aboriginal cultural tour or experience in the region today.

Kodja Place and Cultural Centre

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

Aboriginal Culture

Yallingup Aboriginal Art

Discover fine Aboriginal art from award-winning Australian artists

Aboriginal Culture

Roelands Village

A former Aboriginal Mission, now cultural village, accommodation and function facility near Ferguson Valley.

Aboriginal Culture

Koomal Dreaming

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

Aboriginal Culture

Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tours

Explore the rich Noongar history of Bunbury with your local guide Troy Bennell.

Aboriginal Culture

Kurrah Mia Aboriginal Art, Craft & Cultural Tours

Noongar tour guides showcasing ancient culture and landscapes near Albany.

Aboriginal Culture