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Exploring Aboriginal land, culture, region’s natural landscape
The adventures Down Under continued as theSun spent another three days in Western Australia (WA). As the winds got stronger and we settled into WA’s pace, we were excited to learn and experience the state even deeper.
Organised by Tourism Western Australia in collaboration with Corporate Information Travel (CIT), which offers travel package bookings, our WA trip was yet to peak.
Ancient Wadandi wonders
Arriving at the sacred land of the Wadandi people, we were ushered to our guide of the day – Josh “Koomal” Whiteland, the caretaker.
A descendant of a thousands-of-years-old culture, Whiteland shared his wealth of knowledge as he walked us through the Noongar way of life – from making medicine out of nature to the celebration of life.
We went on a bushwalk as Whiteland taught us about the rich heritage that is deep-rooted by sharing stories from his land and his Elders. Making the journey even more immersive, we had the privilege of experiencing his live didgeridoo performance.
In an exciting turn, we were also given the chance to participate in a number by playing easy percussion such as the Bilma (clapsticks), as Whiteland played the didgeridoo, creating a more engaging experience, perfect for family trips.
In between, he gave us insights into how each instrument was made, making the session more meaningful. Later, he guided the group to an open area and showed us the ancient technique of fire lighting (stick-rubbing). The tour then continued into the Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup.
A moderately easy cave walk, it is an enjoyable experience for fit travellers. Since this is a guided tour, the cave walk is suitable for children too.
At the cave’s amphitheatre, Whiteland played us another song as we marvelled at the natural limestone formations. If you feel adventurous, you can complete the cave walk course into steeper depths.
The Ngilgi Cave Cultural Tour, which lasted for two and a half hours, continued through the bird site, which has interactive recordings of native avians.
Our educational tour led us to the Noongar six-season compass, and Josh detailed how each season brings about different animals, the sprouting of various plants, and more.
We left Ngilgi Cave with a wealth of knowledge and an appreciation of the Wadandi culture. Our day was extended with a Nocturnal Wildlife Tour. A wholesome experience, we got to see nocturnal animals and insects that are native to Australia.
A truly educational immersion, the tour guides fed us (literally and figuratively) homemade biscuits, tea, and fun facts about nocturnal animals, making the trip great for families and kids.
The night turned even more magical when a few kangaroos and joeys came to say hi. Later, we walked through the bush trail to acquaint ourselves with Australia’s nocturnal creatures, while basking in the night breeze. Think night safari!
Our little expedition was made more wholesome when we were visited by possums, which were lounging on trees. With the stars lighting up our path, the South West Eco Discoveries Tour: Nocturnal Wildlife Tour was as enchanting as it could be.
All aboard to Pemberton
The next day, we went to the southwest region of WA, en route to Pemberton Tramway Company. A fairly short tour, we boarded the tram that goes through the Karri and Marri forests, adorned by tall trees and steady streams.
A windy ride, the train captain filled us in on the history of the railway station, while sharing entertaining quips along the way as we journeyed to the most magical woods and waterfalls. A perfect photo-op, we made sure we got our Instagram shots at the final stop, near the cascades.
The tram was only a preview of what was on the horizon in the southwest of WA, as our journey continued with the Pemberton Beach & Forest Eco Adventure. After the tram ride, we were picked up by our guide, and we made our way to our next adventure. Our day was spent in the Karri Forest as we drove on the 4WD track, embellished by towering trees that were quite literally a breath of fresh air.
Excitement peaked at the Yeagarup Dunes as the vast stretch of fine white sand took our breath away. As we let the fine sand slip through our fingers, we captured photos of the dunes while taking in the panoramic view of the Karri Forest from above. Later, we continued to Yeagarup Lake.
There, we walked along the beach as the strong, surging waves hit the shore. The aggressive waves juxtaposed against the serenity of the beach, creating a marvellous panorama.
We dipped our feet into the bronze-coloured tidal creek at the mouth of the Warren River to get a feel of the ocean before heading back to our stay at the RAC Karri Valley Resort with rooms overlooking a lake.
Though an event-packed day, something about the calming serenity of Lake Beedelup and the Australian Ringnecks perched on our room balconies swept away any sense of tiredness.
Back to Perth
Our final full day in WA brought us back to Perth, but this time in Fremantle/Walyalup. After savouring one of the best fish and chips in town, our quads were put to work as we participated in the Two Feet & a Heartbeat tour.
As our tour guide ushered us downtown, telling us stories of its past, we found ourselves in a time warp as the city transitioned architecturally from its colonial past and the mass Italian migration to its contemporary society.
The tour was an interactive journey as we walked by localities such as laneways, marketplaces, bars, restaurants, thrift shops, among others, which gave us an authentic glimpse into the domestic lives of the locals. There was this je ne sais quoi quality about the way Fremantle lived and breathed.
Our tour ended at the Fremantle Prison’s facade, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and there could not be a more poetic ending to an insightful tour of the town’s complex past and nuanced present.
As we settled into our beds at the Garde Hotel, our final day in WA awaited us for yet another caper. After enjoying a quiet breakfast, we were whisked away for a 90-minute tour on a Segway within the vicinity of the Barrack Street Jetty – our stops included Kings Park and Botanic Garden/Kaarta Koomba, bridges crossing the Swan River/Derbarl Yerrigan and Crawley Edge Boatshed, sometimes known as the Blue Boathouse (do not forget to take a picture here!).
Each person will be given a Segway, but fret not if you have not had any experience with it because a brief training will take place before the tour.
Like every attraction we have been to, for this tour, we were also accompanied by a guide who knows the city like the back of his hand. From the jetty, the iconic Crawley Edge Boatshed to Kings Park, it is a wonder how, within Perth, such a precinct exists.
Perth, or Boorloo, proves a modern city can thrive without sacrificing space and nature, balancing urban development with environmental preservation in harmony. Hence, its reputation as a liveable city precedes it.
Inspired to make WA your next holiday destination? Get in touch with CIT at +603 9212 0011 or e-mail [email protected] for a range of tour packages and flight options to WA.
Whether you are seeking a tailor-made itinerary or a self-drive holiday, CIT’s Premier Aussie Specialists are on hand to assist with your travel plans.
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