The Bibbulman Track once was a Dreaming Track as well as a trade route, utilised to barter resources not found in the local areas. It was travelled by Noongar people for thousands of years until recent farming methods changed and eroded the Noongar cultural values of the trail. It is now a tourist natural experience for bush walking. Unfortunately without a Noongar guide the cultural knowledge is somewhat diminished.
The following caves are significant sites for Noongar people. The caves were predominantly used for shelter, social gatherings, making tools, artefacts, birthing places and ceremonies.
The Homestead brought about the devastation of the Noongar Aboriginal people's social and culturally beliefs. In 1898, the Homestead became the first Aboriginal mission in Western Australia (non Aboriginal people knew it as an Aboriginal education farm stay). Noongar people were allowed to stay and work on the property in return for food and shelter.
During the Bussell family's time, Samual Isaacs, a local Noongar stockman, rescued many people from the stricken steamship the Georgette. The Homestead site is also known for the Noongar Dreaming story about Mika Darabi (place where the moon rests).
Today, Ellensbrook stands as a ghost house, representing the pain suffered by Noongar people. Teachers will gain an insight into the physical and emotional connection between the past and present.
The Wonnerup area is the second site in Busselton where explorers met Noongar people. It is named for the materials found within the Wonnerup area and is the place of 'women's gathering'.
In the 1800s, Noongar people camped along the estuary and they were forcibly removed by settlers who wanted the land for grazing. The area is well known for the massacre that occurred in the 1800s. There are two perspectives, one a Noongar perspective and the other a non-Aboriginal perspective. The Noongar perspective has been verbally passed down through family while the non-Aboriginal perspective is well documented.
This site is particularly helpful to teachers wanting to obtain information and local knowledge about the massacre both from the Noongar perspective and the non-Aboriginal perspective, and knowledge of the Noongar six seasons and the plants and animals around the Wonnerup area.
There are many Aboriginal Corporations established in the South West. These organisations are knowledgeable and can provide a wealth of information about resources and the local area.
Wardan Aboriginal Cultural Centre provides interactive activities that reflect the local Noongar culture. Opportunities are provided for students to participate eg in tools and glue making, dance, and identifying medicinal plants and food. Teachers can explore the practical side of the Noongar culture and understand science from a Noongar perspective.
Provide written information, oral histories and pictorial information for research.
Provide local information on cultural and tourist sites, areas and visits.