Six Seasons of the South West | Australia's South West

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Culture and Heritage

The world's oldest living culture

The first inhabitants of Australia’s South West were the Aboriginal people, believed to have had a connection with the land for almost 50,000 years. Conservationists by nature, they were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who followed a six season calendar, still used by Aboriginal people today.

The six seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang – represent the seasonal changes we see across the South West annually.

Six Seasons

“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, Koreng Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

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

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.

Yongernow Australian Malleefowl Centre

Aboriginal Culture

Roelands Village

Aboriginal Culture

Koomal Dreaming

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

Aboriginal Culture

Kodja Place and Cultural Centre

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

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