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Culture & Heritage

Culture & Heritage

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Culture & Heritage

FOLLOW YOUR HEART TO FIND YOUR ART. LOSE YOURSELF IN LOCAL LEGEND. CONNECT WITH THE OLDEST SURVIVING CULTURE ON EARTH.

One minute you’re marching in the boots of ANZAC legends, heading for the Western Front. The next, you’re on the deck of Australia’s last whale-chaser, sirens blowing, navigating treacherous seas. Now you’re walking on country with Wadandi and Bibbulmun storytellers, through 50,000 years and six Noongar seasons. Through marri and jarrah forest undergrowth in search of nature’s pantry and medicinal secrets, passed down through millennia. You round a bend, passing grain-silo-sized sea dragons and enter the curious hidden worlds of illustrators, painters, potters and weavers. You’re sharing beers and banter with filmmakers. Sipping shiraz and sketching oyster catchers. Letting your creative inner child loose. Spinning yarn. Turning wood. Blowing glass. Finding your muse. Thinking of leaving your desk job to throw clay at the wheel.

The South West is a region with a rich historical past, a thriving arts community and a plethora of events and festivals that attract homegrown, national and international artists, musicians, filmmakers and creatives to West Australian shores. Get those festival feels by discovering artisan markets, unique art exhibitions, state-of-the-art entertainment precincts, Aboriginal cultural tours and arts festivals on your next trip.

ABORIGINAL CULTURE

Western Australia is home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, the Aboriginal people, who share more than 50,000 years of history. The Noongar peoples of Australia’s South West followed a six seasons calendar, which is still used today. Each of the seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang – represents the plant, animal and weather changes we see across the region every year. Discover ancient stories and a rich culture, which has been passed down from generation to generation, on an Aboriginal tour or experience. 

ART

Thanks to its inspirational landscapes, community vibe and laidback lifestyle, Australia’s South West is a melting pot for artists and creatives. You’ll find arts precincts, galleries and open studios in most of the South West’s cities and towns, as well as beautiful displays of public art in both city and country settings. We suggest checking out the streets of Bunbury and Katanning, as well as the giant grain silos in Albany and Pingrup, for some iconic street art murals by internationally renowned artists. Want a unique South West artwork to take home? Be sure to check out the many art markets held across the region throughout the year, where you can buy your very own piece of South West life. 

COLONIAL AND ANZAC HISTORY

The establishment of a military outpost in Albany in 1826 is regarded as the first signs of European settlement in the South West. Albany has since played a central role in the Anzac legend, being the last port of call for troops departing Australia for the First World War. You can find local museums, parks and monuments, which provide detailed insight into the colonial history of the South West, throughout the region as well as Albany’s National ANZAC Centre.

Art & Culture

Ancient Aboriginal culture, a rich historical past and a thriving arts community means you won’t have to travel far to take in the very best of South West art and culture.

Understory Art & Nature Trail

Discover artworks scattered like treasure in the forests of Northcliffe.

Yallingup Aboriginal Art

Discover fine Aboriginal art from award-winning Australian artists.

Manjimup Heritage Park & Power Up Museum

Explore Manjimup’s heritage in this historic hamlet.

Wellington Dam

Venture out to the Wellington Dam where you will see the breathtaking 8,000 square metre mega-mural on the Wellington Dam wall.

Koomal Dreaming

Walk beside Wadandi custodian Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland and connect with history like never before.

Bunbury Regional Art Gallery

BRAG is a must visit for all culture lovers.

Not to be missed

Don’t miss out on all these great events happening in the region, from adrenaline pumping sporting events to great food and wine, there’s something for everyone.

Boyup Brook Country Music Festival

14 - 16 February 2025

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Boyup Brook

A family-friendly celebration of country music, in a relaxed and natural bushland setting.

Nannup Music Festival

28 February 2025 - 03 March 2025

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Nannup

A long weekend of music, workshops, markets and magic set amongst this historic...

South West Art Now

01 March 2025 - 01 July 2025

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Bunbury

Featuring artwork by the South West’s finest artists.

Blackwood River Arts Trail

05 - 20 April 2025

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Bridgetown

Visit artists and studios of the Blackwood Valley, along with short film screenings.

CinefestOZ Film Festival

30 August 2025 - 07 September 2025

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Margaret River

A six day festival for movie lovers celebrating the best in Australian film.

Southern Art and Craft Trail

01 September 2025

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Albany

Discover over 70 exhibitions and open studios showcasing visual arts and crafts.

Other ideas for your trip

Looking for inspiration? Read up on these art and culture experiences for the holiday of your dreams.

Art Lover’s Road Trip

Australia's South West is a region with a rich historical past and a thriving arts community.

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See the South West on show as the backdrop for this incredible collection of films.

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Discover art galleries, boutiques, unique exhibitions and state of the art entertainment precincts.

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