The City of Nedlands is located on Whadjuk Noongar Country, part of the traditional lands of the Noongar people, who have cared for and maintained a deep connection to this area for tens of thousands of years.
Before European settlement, the Nedlands area formed part of the country of the Mooro people, a Whadjuk Noongar group led by Yellagonga during the early years of the Swan River Colony. The area's waterways, wetlands, springs and foreshore provided abundant food sources, including fish, prawns, crabs, turtles and waterbirds. Seasonal pathways used by Noongar people across the landscape later influenced several modern transport routes through Perth's western suburbs.
The Swan River, known as Derbarl Yerrigan, remains one of the most significant cultural landscapes for Whadjuk Noongar people. The river and surrounding lands are intrinsically linked to Noongar identity, spirituality, cultural knowledge and traditional practices.
Many locations within present-day Nedlands hold important cultural and historical significance. These include Matilda Bay, Pelican Point, Point Resolution, the Nedlands-Dalkeith foreshore and Underwood Avenue Bushland. Traditional place names recorded in the area include Nanulgurup, Goordandalup, Bootanup, Katamburdup and Gooniniup, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and enduring connection of Noongar people to Country.
Central to Noongar cultural understanding is the story of the Wagyl (also known as the Waugal), the powerful ancestral creator being responsible for shaping the landscape during the Dreaming, known as the Nyitting. The Wagyl is believed to have created the Swan River and many of the region's wetlands, springs and waterways. Sites associated with the Wagyl, including around Matilda Bay and Mount Eliza, continue to be regarded as places of profound cultural and spiritual significance.
European settlement had a significant impact on Noongar communities, disrupting traditional ways of life and restricting access to Country. Despite these challenges, Noongar people maintained strong cultural connections to the area, with camps and gathering places continuing to exist across the western suburbs.
Today, Noongar culture continues to thrive. Traditional knowledge, language and cultural practices remain an important part of community life, while the identification and recognition of culturally significant sites helps preserve and celebrate the enduring heritage of the Traditional Custodians of the Nedlands area.
The City of Nedlands acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waters on which we live, work and gather, and pays respect to Elders past and present.
This page is a living resource. Content will continue to grow and evolve as we learn more, deepen relationships, and receive guidance from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Some historical information held in City archives is embargoed and cannot be published; however, we remain committed to sharing what is appropriate, respectful, and approved.
Cultural Sites and Trails in and around the City
The City of Nedlands is home to, and connected with, several cultural sites, trails and artworks that acknowledge Noongar heritage and stories.
Whadjuk Trails
The Whadjuk Trails form part of the broader Whadjuk Network, highlighting significant cultural sites, walking routes, and interpretive points across Perth. These trails share stories of Country, traditional practices, and Noongar knowledge.
Visit here to find out more.
Mooro Katta / Local Trail Connections
Nearby trails such as the Mooro Bike Trail provide opportunities for community members to learn about Noongar culture while exploring local bushland and heritage areas.
Montario Quarter Public Art
Three new artworks have recently been added to the City’s public art collection at Montario Quarter. Created by artists Melissa Spillman, Marcia McGuire and Julianna Wade, these works incorporate multiple elements that reflect culture, connection, and place.
Tresillian Arts Centre Exhibitions
Tresillian Arts Centre hosted two First Nations artists in their first exhibition of 2026, From Where I Stand. This invitational exhibition featured 27 landscape artists, including Indigenous artists Darryl Dempster and Rohin Kickett, and ran from 13 February to 6 March 2026.
Noongar Six Seasons
The City of Nedlands acknowledges the Noongar Six Seasons, an important cultural framework that guides how Noongar people understand changes in weather, plants, animals and Country throughout the year. Unlike the Western four‑season calendar, the Noongar seasonal cycle reflects thousands of years of observation and connection to boodjar (Country).
These seasons continue to shape cultural practices, land care and storytelling across Whadjuk Noongar Country today.
Birak — First Summer (December–January)
Birak marks the easing of rain and the arrival of hot, dry weather. Morning easterly winds and afternoon sea breezes were traditionally ideal for cool mosaic burning, helping regenerate plants, support wildlife and make travel easier. Young birds begin leaving their nests, reptiles shed their skin, and frogs complete their transformation into adulthood.
Bunuru — Second Summer (February–March)
Bunuru is the hottest time of the year, with very little rain and strong easterly winds. Noongar people spent this season living and fishing along the coast, rivers and estuaries. White flowers dominate the landscape, including Jarrah, Marri and Ghost Gums, and the large cones of the female Zamia begin to ripen from green to bright red.
Djeran — Autumn (April–May)
Djeran brings cooler nights, early morning dew and a noticeable shift in the wind. Flying ants appear, and red wildflowers such as Red Flowering Gum and Summer Flame begin to bloom. Banksia flowers provide nectar for birds and small mammals, and Noongar people traditionally prepared their mia mias (shelters) for the coming winter rains.
Makuru — Winter (June–July)
Makuru is the coldest and wettest season, with winds turning to the west and south. Waterways fill, and Noongar people moved inland to hunt grazing animals such as yongar (kangaroo), which provided food, warm bookas (cloaks), and materials for tools. It is also a time of pairing and nesting — Wardongs (ravens) fly together, and Mali (black swans) gather on lakes and rivers to prepare for breeding. Blue and purple flowers, including Blueberry Lily and Purple Flags, appear during this season.
Djilba — First Spring (August–September)
Djilba is a transitional season with a mix of cold, rainy and sunny days. Newborn animals begin to appear, and woodland birds protect their nests — including Koolbardi (magpies), Djidi Djidi (willy wagtails) and wattlebirds. Yellow flowering plants such as Acacias begin the region’s major flowering period, followed by cream and blue blooms. Grazing animals like yongar, waiitj (emu) and koomal (possum) were important food sources during this time.
Kambarang — Season of Transformation (October–November)
Kambarang is the wildflower season, with orchids, kangaroo paws, banksias and balgas (grass trees) in bloom. The bright orange‑yellow flowers of the Mooja (Australian Christmas Tree) signal the approach of hot weather. Reptiles emerge from hibernation, making this the time of year when snakes are most active.
Embedding Noongar Culture in City Facilities
In 2025, the City renamed its Administration meeting rooms using Noongar language and the Six Seasons, introducing culturally significant names including Quenda, Karrak, Carnaby, and Bunuru. This change supports everyday cultural visibility and acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar connection to place.