Our Country And Culture

Kaya Wandjoo, nidja Bindjareb Noongar Kaadadjan! (Hello, welcome, and come learn from the Bindjareb people of the Noongar nation.)

Mandurah is a place where ancient stories and the vibrant culture of the Bindjareb people are woven into the very land itself.

The Noongar people gave Mandurah its name, Mandjoogoordap, meaning “meeting place of the heart.” This is where the past and present come together, and you can step into one of the world’s oldest living cultures. Whether through Aboriginal history and culture tours, meaningful sites, or mesmerizing artworks, you’ll find a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered.

In the beginning, there was a great drought across the land, and the Aboriginal people of Mandurah searched for waterways, but none could be found. They danced and sang on the beaches, calling to the mighty Wagyl—the great rainbow serpent—to rise from the sea. The Wagyl answered their call and created the Peel Inlet and Estuary.

Feeling tired, the Wagyl rested, but before doing so, she laid her eggs. When the eggs hatched, her babies were ready to continue her work. They set out to shape the Serpentine, Murray, and Harvey Rivers, carving out the unique contours of Mandurah’s landscape we know today.

Step deeper into the Creation Story through a 3D Augmented Reality experience at the Mandurah Visitor Centre. As you explore the stunning ‘Welcome to Country’ mural by artists Peta & Corey Ugle, use your smartphone to bring the artwork to life. Watch as the story of how Mandurah’s waterways were created unfolds in vibrant 3D animation. Scan the QR code on-site and immerse yourself in this interactive experience that beautifully complements the Creation Story.

Mandurah is rich with landmarks that connect you to the past. Visit these incredible sites to learn more about the culture and heritage of the Bindjareb people:

• Winjan’s Camp – Situated at Yaburgurt Kaaleepga Reserve in Halls Head, this monument honours George Winjan (Yaburgurt), an Aboriginal leader and survivor of the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre. He and his people often camped here along the estuary’s edge, where the land was wild and untamed.

 

• Peel Yalgorup Wetlands – These wetlands are not just a natural wonder—they are spiritually significant to the Noongar people. A vital source of food, water, and ceremony, the wetlands are deeply connected to Noongar Dreaming and the natural world.

 

• Bilya Country Story Trail – Explore 13 important sites with this interactive trail map. Each site tells a story of historical and cultural significance to the Mandurah Bindjareb community. As you visit, please remember to respect these culturally sacred locations.

 

• Yaburgurt Memorial – Located in Mandjar Square, this stunning memorial honours Yaburgurt’s life and showcases both ancient and contemporary aspects of Noongar culture. The artwork includes tall glass panels that represent the six Noongar seasons, capturing Mandurah’s connection to the cycles of life and nature.

 

Immerse yourself even further at the Yaburgurt Memorial with the Augmented Reality (AR) feature. Scan the QR code on the pavement decals near the memorial, and watch as the intricate details of this cultural masterpiece unfold before your eyes on your smartphone. This interactive AR experience adds depth and meaning, bringing you closer to the heart of Noongar culture.