WHADJUK COUNTRY
Whadjuk is the name of the dialectal group from the Perth (Boorloo) area. Whadjuk is situated south of Yued and north of the Pinjarup dialectal groups.
The major cities and towns within the Whajuk region include Perth, Fremantle, Joondalup, Armadale, Toodyay, Wundowie, Bullsbrook and Chidlow. The approximate size of the Whadjuk region is 5,580 km.
Mooro Country covers the north of the Whadjuk Region, spanning from the Swan River northwards toward the Moore River, including areas like Wanneroo, Joondalup, and Yanchep.
Throughout the Whadjuk Region there are a range of significant Noongar sites. For instance, Ngooloormayup, known as Carnac Island; Meeandip, known as Garden Island; Gargangara north of Armadale; and Goolamrup, the suburb known as Kelmscott. Noongar people may refer to Kings Park as Karra katta or the hill of the spiders or Geenunginy Bo, the place for looking a long way. Dyarlgarro Beeliar is known as the Canning River and Derbal Yiragan, the Perth estuary waters.
Whadjuk - wod-JUK
Noongar - nung-aa
Boorloo - boor-loo
Image 1: Wildflowers Coalseam Conservation Park 2 Copyright TWA. Image 2: Quokka on Rottnest Island.
Image 3: Swan Valley vineyards. Image 4: Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences. Copyright TWA.
DISCOVER CULTURE AND HISTORY ON WHADJUK COUNTRY
Experience the LotteryWest Federation Walkway which includes a treetop walk, where you'll become truly captivated by the birds' eye view. This walk comes complete with informative plaques which open your eyes to the wonders of the region's fauna.
Be captivated by the storytelling of Nyoongar guide Mervyn 'Nick' Abraham. Nick has a direct connection to the Whadjuk, Yued, Ballardong, Wilmen, Wardandi and Binjerup people and recaptures the ancient traditions of his ancestors along the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan) overlooking the city and top tourist attractions, Matagarup Bridge and the Optus Stadium Precinct.
Nick will provide insights into the Nyoongar peoples' livelihoods and the cultural influence on two of Perth's biggest drawcards. The cultural immersion will also include a traditional ceremony and a chance to view ancient tools and artefacts.
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $70 per adult, $25 per child (5 – 15 years), $50 per concession, $180 per family (2 adults, 2 children)
Join Steven on an eye-opening journey around Fremantle, discussing the Moorditj Noongar stories of the Mammong Bidi (Whale Pathways). The fascinating walkabout visits heritage sites, the Whaling Tunnel and Roundhouse, shedding light on their significance on local Nyoongar history. The tour also visits natural lures, Bathers Beach and the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan).
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: $65 per adult, $20 per child, $30 per concession
See a different side to Rockingham's Point Peron. After a Welcome to Country, Steven will guide you around the rugged Cape while sharing Dreamtime stories of the Derbal Naraa and the area's significance to the local people.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: $65 per adult, $20 per child, $30 per concession
Your Nyoongar guide, Walter McGuire, will give you a unique Aboriginal perspective on Perth's favourite island getaway. Walter will delve into the island's significance in local culture and the impact of the island's settlement. The immersive tour will also include traditional sand and smoking ceremonies, Dreamtime stories, and traditional songs in the Nyoongar language.
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $150 per adult, $120 per concession
Tours are also available in Kings Park (Karrgatup), Elizabeth Quay (Goomup), and Yagan Square (Goologoolup).
Stroll under a starry sky in Elizabeth Quay with Justin while taking in the dazzling displays of lights along the skyline. Justin will divulge into Nyungar culture's past and present and recapture Dreamtime stories.
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $65 per adult, $30 per child
Grab a torch and go on a cultural experience like no other, learning about the importance of these water bodies to the local tribes, the land that surrounds them and local lore.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: $70 per adult, $45 per child
More Perth tours and traditional art workshops are available. Please check the website for more details.
Smell the fresh forest air as you discover another side to Dwellingup with Nyoongar guide Maitland Hill. Leaving Nanga Brook, the Nanga Brook Kep-Bilo Tour encourages you to connect to nature and Aboriginal culture. Journey along the Nanga Brook trail and learn about bush medicine and hunting techniques while trying some bush tucker. You'll also visit a yarning circle and hear of the Dreaming. The tour includes entry in Lane Poole.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: $70 per adult, $45 per child
See some of Perth's most scenic sights in a new light on a cultural discovery with Nyungar Tours. Led by Whadjuk-Yorga Kerry-An Wimar, discover bush food, touch and feel ancient artefacts and learn about local Aboriginal history and culture on an insightful walk.
Tour includes a walk along the South Perth Foreshore, taking in the city skyline and learning traditional ways of living along the Swan River.
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $50 per adult, $25 per child (5 – 17 years), and $13 per concession.
Hear the traditional stories in the city's most revered park. Explore the Banksia Garden, learn of the Yorgas (women) at Pioneer Women's Memorial and walk among a canopy of eucalyptus trees on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway glass arched bridge.
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cost: $71.50 per adult, $25 per child (5 – 17 years), and $45 per concession.
Image 1: Aboriginal culture Kings Park Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences. Copyright TWA.
Image 2: Aboriginal Cultural Tours of Kings Park Nyungar Tours. Copyright TWA.
Contact Us
Contact the organisers: AIDA@spinifexevents.com.au
Contact AIDA: Conference@aida.org.au
#AIDAConference26
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where we will gather.
We acknowledge and respect the Whadjuk Nyoongar people's cultural, spiritual and physical connection with their land, waterways and community, and pay respect to Elders past and present.