Australia's Coral Coast acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout the region and their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal peoples; Elders past, present and emerging.
Western Australia's Coral Coast is home great Aboriginal culture and Indigenous landscape. Be it Dreamtime stories, legends, local artists or drive trails, the Coral Coast gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique and intriguing part of Australia's heritage.
Be inspired by the Wadjari community in Mullewa, the Nanda people of Kalbarri and the Malgana tribe of Gathaagudu in Shark Bay. Learn about the local history, visit sacred sites, become an expert animal tracker or learn a local dialect.
Throughout time, Indigenous communities have lived in harmony with the land and in fact, the common belief is that people are intrinsically connected to the environment. There is an abundance of uncovered sites located along the Coral Coast with middens, camping places, water wells and scatterings of artefacts having been discovered.
Peron Peninsula, Cape Peron, Cape Rose, Monkey Mia, Eagle Bluff and many more sites are located up and down the region. In fact, collections have been made from artefacts found at Monkey Mia, Eagle Bluff and Silver Dollar (located just south of Denham).
Geraldton supports a proud Indigenous culture, offering the traveller a number of different ways in which to gain an insight into the lives, past and present, of the local people. Start with the Yamaji Art Centre, or those with more time can set off on the 195km Yamaji Drive Trail which takes you to 14 sites of significance to the local Aboriginal people. Locations include the Greenough River, Central Greenough and Ellendale Pool, with interpretive signs relaying stories from the Dreamtime through to the impact of European settlement and contemporary issues. The Museum of Geraldton's Mid West Gallery also allows visitors to acquire a historical perspective.
For information about authentic Western Australian Indigenous Tourism experiences, visit the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators website.
Coral Coast Indigenous Experiences
1. Learn about Aboriginal culture and history of the Malgana people of Shark Bay by joining a tour with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures.
2. Explore Geraldton's Yamaji Art Centre and the Yamaji Drive Trail, visiting Indigenous sites in Geraldton, Greenough and Mullewa.
3. Stay in the outback surrounds of a working station in style and comfort at Bullara Station or Warroora Station.
4. Visit Gwoonwardu Mia in Carnarvon to see Aboriginal arts and craft (for purchase) and an interpretative hands-on display explaining the 5 Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne region.
5. Observe Aboriginal art and craft being created at Storytellers - Keepers of the Dreaming found in Northampton.
6. Discover the history of Kalbarri's local Nanda people through interpretive signage at the Kalbarri Skywalk precinct.
7. Be part of the Gascoyne Food Festival, occurring annually in August and September in the town of Carnarvon and the outback between Shark Bay and Exmouth, including Mount Augustus, Red Bluff Station and Dirk Hartog Island.
8. Visit Oakabella Homestead in Northampton for an Aussie bushtucker tour!
9. Four-Wheel drive the red dirt and white sandy beaches of Francois Peron National Park in Shark Bay.
10. Head to the Kennedy Range and Honeycomb Gorge, near Carnarvon to enjoy the Gascoyne Hinterland.
