The first inhabitants of Australia’s South West were the Aboriginal people, believed to have had a connection with this land for almost 50,000 years. The aboriginal tribes of Australia’s South West enjoyed the abundant food and water found along the coastal plain.
Conservationists by nature, they were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, who moved with the supply of food as the seasons changed, taking only what they needed to survive, maintaining a high regard for life and the land. You can connect with one of the world’s oldest living cultures at the below locations.
Kodja Place, Kojonup
Experience Kojonup’s history by visiting the Kodja Place Interpretive Centre which showcases local indigenous heritage and culture, and tells stories of European settlers. Join local indigenous elder jack and learn about the bush tucker and bush medicine of Kojonup and surrounds. The Australian Rose Maze which is also at the centre explores Australia’s wonderful heritage of rose growing and shares the poignant stories of the three women; Yoondi the Noongar, Elizabeth the English and Maria the Italian, set into the paths of the maze.
Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup
The Wadandi and Bibbulmun people of the Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River areas have walked this ancient land for almost 50,000 years. Their culture is as rich and varied as the countryside itself. Journey into Ngilgi Cave (Yallingup) and experience a live didgeridoo performance, deep inside the rock walls. Tours of the cave and other significant Aboriginal places between the capes of the Margaret River region can be explored on a tour with local indigenous tour companie, Koomal Dreaming.
Cape Naturaliste and the Margaret River Region
Visit famous land marks like Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and more with Cape Cultural Tours. They aim to create a deep connection to the land for their guests through teaching the Noongar seasons and learning the ecology of the region and how it relates to the surrounding environment.
Bunbury City and Koombana Bay
Join local tour guide Troy Bennell from Ngalang Wongi Aboriginal Cultural Tours and explore the history of the Bunbury region, visit significant sites and learn of the dreaming stories associated with the region. Kaatadjiny in Noongar means ‘knowledge’ and Troy is passionate about sharing his culture and knowledge passed down by elders through generations.
Albany and the Great Southern
Discover and connect to the Great Southern land at The Kodja Place in Kojonup. The Kodja Place tells the inside story of Australian country life in ways that will move and delight you. Voices, photographs, art and objects from Kojonup’s Noongar-Aboriginal and settler cultures are woven together in imaginative and richly-layered interpretations. Trace the stories of Yoondi, Elizabeth and Maria along the enchanting pathways of the Australian Rose Maze to discover 100 years of Noongar, English and Italian experiences.